Rocking around the Christmas tree at QEQM

Cancer patients were rocking around the Christmas tree at a festive party at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

It was organised by staff at the Viking Day Unit, with singers from the Thanet Rock Choirs adding to the party atmosphere.

Dozens of patients and their families attended, and enjoyed a festive feast organised by staff members Wendy and Jane, and games including guess the weight of the cake and a tombola.

Norman Blacker, 85, who attends the unit for treatment for leukaemia, was there with his daughter and praised the staff for organising the event.

He said: “It is a lovely party. The team always look after me really well.”

Unit manager Carrie Merry said the event had been a huge success.

She said: “It was the first one we have held for three years because of the pandemic, and I was a bit worried it would just be me and the staff.

“But it was fantastic to see so many people there and having such a good time.

“This unit feels like a family so it was lovely to welcome back some of our former patients and to hear all their news.

“I’m particularly grateful to the Thanet Rock Choirs for giving us such a good show, and to my fantastic team. It is such a privilege to work with such amazing people.”

Thanet Rock Choirs welcome new members – for more information visit https://rockchoir.com/