Annabel and I visited Sandakan Hospis early August. It was our first trip to Sabah and what a place to start. We were treated like queens. Margaret, Ms Chin and Ms Fan met us at the airport and took us back to their home away from home, The Sandakan Hospis.

I have to say we were fed and fed and fed some more with their wonderful home cooked food. If you ever want to learn about volunteerism, this is the place to go. I have worked as a volunteer in many different sectors all over the world and i have never met such a dedicated group of men and women who not only look after patients but also each other. Many of them have had either a personal experience with cancer or have cared for someone with cancer.

We spent our first day at the Hospis. Ms Fan, herself a breast cancer survivor and I conducted a breast care workshop for those with breast cancer and also ladies from the community interested in learning more about breast cancer. It was an excellent turnout and lots of fun. As always I insist we all do some exercises!! Annabel worked hard fitting those who wanted to try breast prostheses and mastectomy wear and we also took ther opportunity to teach Nurse Chin and Ms Fan how to fit prostheses and bras.

If you need some help and advice do contact them at 089-632219. Thank you so much to all the lovely staff there. We will return we promise. Thank you to Puan Roy for having us to afternoon tea at her lovely home on the hill.

Dee