Meet Maria Sgouralis...

Maria Sgouralis was diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma cancer in September 2022. Since then, she has been bravely battling her illness and has undergone several chemotherapy sessions in our Sunflower Suite at Queen’s Hospital. Maria’s life was turned upside down suddenly when she found out her diagnosis. She was a primary school teacher in Essex, which she thoroughly enjoyed but after her diagnosis, could no longer do the job she loved.

Maria said: “Instead of reading time and colouring, I had antiseptic hospital rooms and painful chemotherapy treatment.”

Although Maria has a long road to recovery, she has shown courage and strength to fight her illness, and this was helped by the amazing care and support she received from staff in our Sunflower Suite and Oncology department.

She added: “The staff have been absolutely wonderful, such high-quality care and I couldn’t have wished for anything better.”

Maria successfully raised funds through a JustGiving page, and also received an additional donation from Wanstead & Woodford Lions Club, of which she is a member.

Maria, along with her family and the President and Zone Chair of Wanstead & Woodford Lions Club, presented a generous donation of £4,500 to our charity and the Sunflower Suite team on Tuesday 25th April. Maria proudly rang the End of Treatment Bell, marking the end of her chemotherapy treatment, surrounded by her loved ones and the team who provided her with care.

"I’m extremely thankful to all those who donated. Cancer can have such a horrible effect on both your physical and mental abilities, so I hope the funds raised can go towards improving patient care, particularly for younger patients with the illness.”

-Maria Sgouralis

Huge thanks to Maria, Wanstead & Woodford Lions Club and all those who contributed to Maria's fundraising journey.

Funds raised can go towards enhancing patient experiences in the ward, ensuring that future patients can receive the same exceptional care that helped Maria during her fight against cancer.