The 'Oak of Hope'
The Macmillan Brook Unit entrance stairwell at Queen Elizabeth Hospital now features a beautiful piece of art called the ‘Oak of Hope’. George Davies, Graphic Designer and Medical Photographer at the Trust, designed the artwork with patients and colleagues. The messages of hope and encouragement on the tree were collected from patients on the Macmillan Brook Unit (our cancer ward) and used to create the oak tree. The patient’s handwriting from the original notes was used in the picture, adding a personal touch to these heartfelt words.
The work of art cost £1,500 and was paid for by the late Susan Beaver's family through a donation to the Trust Charity. Susan was treated for breast cancer at the Macmillan Brook Unit. Since Susan's death, the Beaver family has donated £20k to help patients on the unit, and they wanted to give back again to the hospital by funding the artwork.
The late Susan Beaver’s daughter Nicola Beaver, said: “As a family, my brothers, Billy and Raymond, and I would like to thank the Macmillan Brook Unit for everything they have done for our mum, Susan. It has been seven years since mum passed away from breast cancer, and we still cannot express how grateful we are to them. The ‘Oak of Hope’ is a beautiful work of art that serves as a reminder of the importance of hope. It is the perfect legacy for mum.”
Pictured below: Nicola and Billy Beaver with colleagues from the Macmillan Brook Unit. 
Chioma Achugbu, Matron for Cancer Services, explained: “The ‘Oak of Hope’ grew out of our desire to provide a vibrant, welcoming, calming, and uplifting environment for patients. We wanted the words to come directly from our patients to capture a real sense of their experiences and encouraging statements. We had one month to collect patients' quotes, words of wisdom, and expressions of gratitude, and then the ‘Oak of Hope’ was formed.”
Margarita Vidella, Head of the Trust Charity, added: “Thank you to the Beaver family for your generous donations and support of the Trust. Your contribution has made a significant difference, and we are grateful! Our charity is dedicated to supporting the Trust's services, and putting patients first is at the heart of everything we do.”
The ‘Oak of Hope’ artwork is a part of Arts Connect, the Trust’s arts-in-health programme, delivering projects across the hospital sites to improve patient and colleague experience and enhance the environment.
Pictured below : The Oak of Hope.
