A Lymm woman who lost both of her parents to cancer has paid an emotional tribute to staff at Halton Hospital, saying the care and support her family received helped them through some of the darkest moments of their lives.
Caroline Metcalf, 60, has had a close connection with Halton Hospital for many years, with both her mum, Elaine Potter and dad Colin Potter receiving cancer treatment at the hospital.
Her dad was treated by the team at the Programmed Investigations Unit (PIU) before sadly passing away in 2017, aged 76.
Then, in October 2025, Caroline’s mum Elaine was diagnosed with terminal acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and was supported by the PIU team during the final months of her life. She sadly died in April 2026, aged 83.
When Elaine became increasingly unwell, Caroline took on the role of full-time carer, supporting her mum through repeated infections and emergency hospital admissions.
Caroline with her mum Elaine
She says the experience left her feeling overwhelmed by the trauma her family was facing – but support from staff at Halton Hospital eventually led her to the Delamere Support and Information Centre.
“I want to thank everyone at Halton Hospital who has supported my family over the years,” said Caroline.
“The care on PIU was great. We were treated as people, not just numbers, and staff took the time to support us.
“When my mum became poorly, I quickly took on the role of full-time carer. She suffered intensely with infections and emergency hospital admissions, and I felt completely overwhelmed by the trauma we were experiencing.
“The staff on PIU told me about the Delamere Centre and the support I could receive as a family member affected by cancer. I am so grateful that they did.”
Since January this year, Caroline has accessed support at the Delamere Support and Information Centre at Halton Hospital, including counselling and complementary therapies.
For Caroline, the centre became much more than somewhere to access support.
“The Delamere Centre has been my sanctuary,” she said. “It has given me my confidence back and helped me through such a difficult time.”
Now, Caroline is determined to give something back to the hospital that has supported her family for so many years.
A professional gardener, she is planning to return to Halton Hospital as a volunteer, using her skills and experience to help care for the garden at the Delamere Centre.
Based in the hospital’s Nightingale Building, the Delamere Support and Information Centre provides free practical, emotional and financial support to people affected by cancer – including patients, carers and family members.
Caroline’s story also highlights the lasting relationship many local families have with Halton Hospital, which this month celebrates 50 years of caring for communities across the area.
The hospital officially marks its 50th birthday on September 21, 2026, celebrating five decades of providing care and support to local people.
Families who have memories of Halton Hospital, or who would like to recognise a member of staff or a particular team, are being invited to share their stories as part of the anniversary celebrations.
Stories can be shared by emailing ncm.communications@nhs.net
Carfoline with the team at the Delamere Centre
