TWO charity fundraising heroes were remembered by the Royal Berkshire Hospital at a ceremony held in their honour.
Brenda and Ralph Jenkins, who both died last year, were supporters of Macmillan Cancer Support for more than three decades, and their children, Philip and Rahcel were joined by representatives from the charity to unveil a bench, which sits within a private courtyard in the hospital’s Berkshire Cancer Centre.
The area provides a secluded outdoor space for patients and their families, a place to regroup mentally and physically away from the hospital environment.
Mark Foulkes, nurse consultant at the Berkshire Cancer Centre, said: “It was a real privilege to meet Philp and Rachel, and to hear more about the tireless fundraising their parents did for so many years. We have a Macmillan Information Centre here at the hospital, which really benefits from funds raised by people like Mr and Mrs Jenkins.
“It means we can support our patients with grants for the practical costs that come with living with cancer, for example energy bills and furniture modifications. And I know our patients find real comfort in the peace of the little garden, the memorial bench will most certainly add to the space while also marking Brenda and Ralph’s remarkable dedication.”
Philip Jenkins said: “It was great to meet some of the team at The Berkshire Cancer Centre and have the opportunity to look around the facility and to better understand how the money mum and dad helped raise over many, many years has supported the Centre and helped cancer sufferers in Berkshire.
“We are very grateful to Macmillan for the gesture of the bench in memory of mum and sad and hope patients and visitors to the Centre will be able to enjoy sitting out in the courtyard when the weather permits.”
Mark Clements, from the Central Berkshire Macmillan fundraising group, described Brenda and Ralph as “committed” as they organised numerous events over the years and built up a significant number of volunteers to continue their work.
He added: “They are sadly missed, but never forgotten.”
