A video of comedian Rhod Gilbert tearfully ringing a bell to mark the end of his cancer treatment has gone viral, prompting others to share their own poignant experiences. Among them is Richard Case, whose five-year-old son Cian rang the bell in July 2016 after treatment for a spinal tumour that had spread to his brain.
Richard, from Llanharan, Rhondda Cynon Taf, said the video of Cian ringing the bell at Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales in Cardiff remains a source of comfort. 'It's a video that I occasionally watch just to raise my own spirits,' he said. Cian was diagnosed in November 2015 and spent much of his treatment at the hospital.
Despite the joy of the milestone, Cian's cancer returned in November 2017, and he died two months later. Richard still sees the bell as 'something lovely' and a key memory. 'Once Cian passed away you live for the memories and the good times,' he said.
Julia Minney, from Penclawdd, Gower, also recalled her daughter Isabella ringing the bell at Morriston Hospital in Swansea after treatment for leukaemia. Two weeks before, Julia was diagnosed with breast cancer. 'We were all crying and she was really emotional,' Julia said, describing the moment as both uplifting and daunting.
The End of Treatment Bells charity, founded by Emma's mum Tracey Payton, has placed over 350 bells across the UK and abroad. The tradition began after eight-year-old Emma enjoyed ringing a bell during Proton Beam Therapy in the USA.
