AN IRISH PHD student living in London has joined a national campaign to help those suffering from terminal illness.
Wexford-born Cian Murphy is one of Marie Curie’s Helper service volunteers, which offers sick people and their carers one-to-one support in their own homes free of charge.
Cian, 25, and 79-year-old great grandfather Philip Mahase are just two of those benefiting from the service.
Philip was diagnosed with cancer last year and had to undergo a gruelling round of chemotherapy which left him weighing just over seven stone.
Cian, who moved to Britain five years ago and is currently studying for his PhD in Biomedicine at UCL, now visits him weekly.
“The moment someone mentions cancer, you are thinking about death,” Philip said. “It was very harsh treatment and you are changed by it.”
Philip has been meeting up with Cian for six months and looks forward to their long chats and occasional outings.
Cian said: “I was surprised about how open Philip was and how friendly he was right from the start. The Helper service matches you through your common interests and we have a lot to talk about. I think of him as my friend.”
Philip, who lives in sheltered accommodation in east London, added: “This is a good place to live but if I go outside, I am only going to talk to other old people. All we talk about is our aches and pains, but having Cian here is different. He brings something fresh to my daily life.”
Philip’s daughter Charlotte, who visits him every week, said: “They have such a nice bond and have really gelled. The helper service really does make such a difference.”
This week Marie Curie is one of six Britain charities who will benefit from ITV’s annual Christmas charity appeal, Text Santa.
All money raised from the appeal will support the development and roll out of new Marie Curie Helper services.
Text Santa is on ITV at 8pm, December 19. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/textsanta
