Youngsters with cancer will now have a place to relax and be themselves while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Northwood.
The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation has handed out thousands of pounds to support the creation of two inpatient rooms at Mount Vernon Hospital.
A ward for 19 to 25 year olds was also opened at University College London Hospital.
The Foundation was set up in memory of Tom Bowdidge, who was treated at University College London Hospital.
2019 is the sixth anniversary of Tom’s death.
Nikki Bowdidge, Tom’s mother, is CEO and founder of the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation.
She said: “The teenage unit at UCLH was fantastic for Tom but what bothered him most was that when he turned 19, he would be moved to T13, where there were no facilities for young people.
“Tom was conscious that there wasn’t anywhere he and his friends could simply get out of their room, go and be themselves.
“Hopefully, this new room will do exactly that for young adults at UCLH and teenagers and young adults in Hertfordshire. We are delighted that thanks to out fantastic supporters we have helped another of Tom’s aims become reality.
“We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s donations, thank you.”
The Foundation spent £18,000 of donations on the room at Mount Vernon Hospital and £35,000 on donations on the room in London, in the hospital where Tom Bowdidge received his treatment.
The rooms will be a safe place for youngsters to come together, relax, watch a film, play games and make a hot drink.
Nikki and Richard Bowdidge were there to watch all three rooms be officially opened to patients.
Nikki added: “It was lovely to see them in person and to see exactly how the donations will help these youngsters.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Tom and look forward to helping many more young people with cancer.”
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