9 June 2025

Sheila Alford, who turned 100 in November 2024, sadly died in December 2024. She generously left a £1,000 legacy to the Breast Care Services here at QA Hospital.

Sheila was born in Winchester and grew up on a nearby farm. In the late 50’s she moved to Berlin, became an army officer’s wife, and heard tanks in Berlin as the Russians and Americans faced off at Checkpoint Charlie in the early 1960's. She also heard gunfire as East Germans were shot at when attempting to cross the Berlin Wall!

When Sheila moved back to the UK, she settled in Fareham with her husband and two children, Charlie and Sally. Sheila raised her children whilst also working in administration within the NHS and health centres.

In 2003, Sheila was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, at the age of 79. She had a single mastectomy, followed by a 5 year treatment with Tamoxifen. Because of this, Sheila had several hospital admissions, as well as admissions for her heart. Charlie tells us that Sheila was always tremendously grateful for the treatment and the support she received from the NHS in Portsmouth, particularly from the Breast Care Services.

Thanks to her treatment, Sheila got to live another 20 years, an inspiring story for women and girls who are facing a similar diagnosis and cancer treatment. Sheila spent the last 7 years in Hartwell Lodge in Fareham, where she was loved and respected as an elder, dispensing love, care, and support to the staff.

As per her wishes, Charlie and Sally have donated £1,000, in Sheila's name, to the Breast Care services. "Mum would be so thrilled to know that other women attending the clinic will be supported through this donation," Sally told us.

Here at Portsmouth Hospitals Charity, we are deeply grateful for the generosity of Sheila Alford. Her donation will support patients, staff, and visitors of our Breast Care Services here at QA Hospital.