Gill Kelly - Huddersfield
HOPE PROGRAMME FOR CANCER
MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2017, and twelve weeks after my diagnosis, my lovely Mum, passed away, also from ovarian cancer.
One of the things that helped me to get through the maelstrom of shock and grief was to attend craft classes. I totally fell in love with needle felting, it completely absorbs me, shutting out the negative and fearful thoughts that go round my head.
I submitted a few small pieces for this Summer's Big Rainbow Knit, where we yarn bombed Huddersfield train station. I was asked to also submit a huge metre square panel, and I decided to depict Huddersfield's rich industrial heritage, and also included Felix and Bolt, our famous station cats.
The historical journey also represents my personal journey, from anxiety and fear, to taking control of my life again, and enjoying every day.
Making this took nearly 200 hours, and is my way of calming my mind after my diagnosis of ovarian cancer. It is dedicated to my Mum, Shirley Hirst, who passed away from ovarian cancer 12 weeks after my own diagnosis.
She was dignified and brave throughout her illness, and she remains my role model and inspiration.
