Newbury resident fighting cancer adopts picnic bench as legacy project
A Newbury resident fighting cancer had a special celebration marking six years since her cancer diagnosis as she adopted a picnic bench looking out over the Solent.
Louise Funnell was diagnosed with cancer six years ago and was given a terminal diagnosis.
Six years on, and after turning 60, she is continuing to battle the disease.
She said: “I’m not clear of cancer, I’m living with it.
“It’s like a game of chess and while I’m on chemo, I’m in the winning seat.”
After her birthday in December, Ms Funnell – who has long been supported by The Pink Place, a cancer charity based in Basingstoke which offers wellbeing support to those diagnosed and their families – said she met with Faith Ruto, a life coach, to discussed legacy projects, which are undertaken to honour the life of loved ones.
She said: “It focused my mind on what I could plan for now.
“Whilst walking along the coastal path at Lee-on-Solent and reading all the plaques on the benches, it reaffirmed the idea that I would have my own plaque now.
“Fareham Borough Council didn’t have any further benches in that area for me to adopt but there was a picnic table available at The Shack – a tea bar on the shingle.
“So, I’ve adopted that picnic table with views over the beach, the Solent and out to the Isle of Wight.”
On April 28, Ms Funnell and members of The Pink Place ladies group headed to the bench to commemorate the sixth anniversary of Ms Funnell’s diagnosis.
The group enjoyed a glass of non-alcoholic pink fizz – chosen due to its colour being synonymous with the name of the charity.
They also enjoyed a walk along the beach front, and after lunch and tea and cake, Lynda Cant, a professional rapid transformation therapist, led the group for a mindfulness session on the seafront.
Ms Funnell added: “It was a beautiful spot to celebrate my sixth Cancerversary with The Pink Place cancer charity who have been there on this journey with me.”
Her plaque reads: “I made it to 60 – against all the odds.”
Fundraising and events manager at The Pink Place, Christine Griffiths, said: “Louise is a truly extraordinary and inspirational lady who always brings so much positivity and determination to our ladies support group.
“Her legacy project of a picnic table with a plaque is just another example of her exuberance and zest for life.”
The Pink Place, incorporating The Blue Space for men, offers free wellbeing services, complementary therapies, counselling, and mindfulness classes to adults affected by cancer, from initial diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond.
Its aim is to help combat the feelings of loneliness, fear and anxiety and Ms Griffiths urged “ladies and gents affected by cancer, not to suffer in silence, but to contact the charity”.
To get in touch, text or call 07899 970841 or email info@thepinkplace.org.uk.
