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Fiona Skerrow

Fiona is the Voluntary Service Manager based at Castle Hill hospital in Cottingham, but also with responsibility for the service at the Hull Royal Infirmary. She says her picture is a reflection of her role of working with volunteers as she 'volunteered' to do the photo shoot shortly after her battle with breast cancer.

She says there were some "dark days" during her treatment but sometimes humour too. She says she laughed when her hair literally blew away in the wind during her cancer treatment.

Coming through her journey has led to her fund raising for breast cancer charities, something the Watch Charity took note of. The charity was raising money for the breast cancer unit at Castle Hill Hospital and approached Fiona to be photographed for a calendar they were producing. Something she agreed to do but with a twist.

During her time as a press officer with Humberside Police, Fiona met Diana, Princess of Wales on two occasions and was particularly struck with her warmth, enthusiasm charm and beauty. At the time of the calendar shoot, Andrew's Morton book had been published featuring a photo of Diana. Fiona's hair was still short having only just grown back after her treatment and requested that she be photographed in the same way.

Working with the photographer, they were able to reproduce the shot almost exactly and Fiona was and still is impressed with what they achieved.

Castle Hill's new oncology department will be opened shortly and Fiona is now looking for volunteers to act as 'meeters and greeters' at the new unit. Hospital volunteers perform a wide range of supporting roles, from welcoming people into hospital and helping the nursing staff.Μύ Volunteers ages range from 17 to 70 and the younger volunteers are people looking for a career in the health service and see volunteeringΜύ as a way to help them acquaint themselves with the working environment.

Volunteers are vetted for their suitability and Fiona welcomes calls from anyone who would like to offer their services. Phone (01482) 622206 during office hours for more details.