A WELLINGTON double cancer survivor has used his skills as a carpenter to make a plaque holding a remission bell for the Beacon Centre, in Musgrove hospital, to thank them for his care.

Philip Winks, 66, (left) has embarked on the project to “give something back” to the staff that treated him.

Two years ago, Philip had a heart attack. Shortly after this, he was diagnosed with skin cancer, which was successfully treated. But then during a later routine health check-up, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

This September, whilst still receiving treatment, Philip decided to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK by walking 40,000 steps a week throughout the month.

Being an Armed Forces Veteran of nine years, Philip was no stranger to walking long distances. And trekking all over Wellington and beyond, he finally finished at St John’s Church in October - when he was also given good news regarding his own treatment.

He remains wary of the phrase ‘all clear’ however he has been told that his cancer is now almost undetectable. He said: “After focusing on getting better for so long I kind of feel like, what now?”

So to keep himself busy, he has embarked on a project to build a remission bell and plaque for the cancer centre (pictured, right). His project turned into ‘a community effort’ with a friend donating the bell and Wellington School engraving the plaque.

However, the bell will have to be silenced, after the hospital advised they no longer follow the remission bell ringing practice, to safeguard the mental health of terminal cancer patients. Nevertheless Philip wants to present the plaque and bell as a thank you and a reminder of his experience.

“The project was accidentally symbolic as each part of the bell and plaque has had a previous life and are all now getting a new lease of life.” Philip added.