Royal audience for radiographers' Spider-Man mask
CUHArtwork by two radiographers at a Cambridgeshire hospital has received royal recognition after being featured in a display.
Abigail Williamson and Eve Tomlinson, who work at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH), started painting radiotherapy masks during their breaks at work to make treatment less daunting for their younger patients.
One of the masks resembles Spider-Man and was shown at a reception at St James's Palace in London this week, attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
"We feel excited and proud to have had this work displayed at St James's Palace and to highlight this lifesaving treatment," said Williamson.
"As importantly, we are showcasing the bravery of our young patients, since they are the real superheroes in our books."
CUHThe event was held to mark 125 years of Cancer Research UK.
CUH said the Spider-Man mask had been worn by children who had undergone radiotherapy for neck and head tumours.
It is one of a series of masks suggested by hospital play specialists which has resulted in masks depicting unicorns, Charmander from Pokémon and Salacious B Crumb from Star Wars, the trust added.
Williamson said: "The artwork helps reduce the fear of wearing a standard mask and having radiotherapy over several weeks.
"Our play specialist colleagues often create matching sticker charts to help patients count down their daily treatments."
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