The legacy of West Cross artist Maureen Craddock continues to bring comfort and colour to patients at the South West Wales Cancer Centre in Singleton Hospital, thanks to a heartfelt donation from her family.
Maureen, who was treated at the hospital’s Chemotherapy Day Unit (CDU) before her death in 2021, was a passionate painter. Her family has now gifted a series of her animal-themed artworks to the unit, along with a £2,000 donation to support new murals and improvements.
The CDU underwent a major upgrade in 2023 after relocating from a standalone building to Ward 9 within the main hospital. The transformation included themed rooms, new flooring, additional treatment chairs and decorative touches — all funded through charitable donations.
Maureen’s husband Nigel Craddock and daughter Jennie Palmer visited the unit to present the donation and paintings, reconnecting with consultant oncologist Steve Kihara and clinical nurse specialist Julie Johns, who cared for Maureen during her treatment.
(Image: Swansea Bay University Health Board)
Jennie, who travelled from Poland with her two children for the occasion, said:
“We came to the idea of donating some pictures because mum did a lot of paintings when she retired down here. We’ve got many of them in the house, but we thought it would be better if more people were able to benefit from them.”
Nigel added:
“Maureen was never unhappy at the thought of coming up for chemotherapy, because of the wonderful people on the CDU. She always had stories to tell when she came back, and it made her happy.”
The donation forms part of a wider fundraising effort by Swansea Bay Health Charity, which launched the Going the Extra Mile for Cancer appeal last autumn to mark the 20th anniversary of the cancer centre. The campaign aims to raise £200,000 to support patients, families and staff.
🔗 You can learn more or donate at: swanseabayhealthcharity.enthuse.com/cf/going-the-extra-mile-for-cancer
