East Durham cancer wig bank set up in Wheatley Hill by widower
Mrs Dinsdale was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. What followed was months of chemotherapy but in 2019 she rang the "all-clear bell" at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.During that time, she set up a cancer support group to help others who had received a similar diagnosis.
In 2022, Mrs Dinsdale's cancer returned and spread. The 54-year-old passed away in April after doctors discovered three tumours in her brain.Her husband, 58, said he wanted to continue his wife's memory by supporting the community she had set up.The wig bank allows patients to loan a wig for 28 days for £15, which will be refunded when it is returned, making it easier for people to access wigs which could otherwise cost hundreds of pounds.He said his wife had lost her hair twice during chemotherapy, which had a big impact on her."You just see the self-esteem drop," he said. "You basically feel helpless, I really feel for everybody who goes through it, it's horrible."
In the seven weeks since setting up the wig bank, Mr Dinsdale has received more than 100 wigs donated from across County Durham. He said the response from the local community was absolutely unbelievable."It makes me feel really proud and pleased, the support has been unreal," he said.
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