A former teacher who battled breast cancer has turned to writing to give back to the hospital where she was treated.

Fran Arnold has written a book of poems about her experience of breast cancer and is selling them on behalf of Dorset County Hospital Charity’s Cancer Appeal. Fran came into the hospital recently to donate a cheque for £3,500 from sales of the book and donations.

She was first diagnosed with cancer in June 2016. After undergoing a mastectomy she received chemotherapy treatment at Dorset County Hospital followed by radiotherapy at Poole Hospital.

A former teacher, Fran wrote a number of poems during her treatment initially as a way of saying a very personal thank you to staff taking care of her, then as a means of helping others going through the same types of treatment.

Fran said: “When I saw the reaction people had to my poems I knew they were having a real effect and I decided to write more of them.”

There are 14 poems in the book entitled, Francesca & Me, which Fran has been selling for £4 (£5 with postage). Five hundred books have been printed of which over three quarters have now been sold. Sixty of the books have also been given to Dorset County Hospital to be offered to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who are going through similar experiences to Fran.

Fran said: “The most important thing I have learned is how generous people are. This includes staff in the hospitals who are so generous with their time and with their care. Members of the public have also been very generous – often making a donation well above the cost of the book.” Fran said, “This is something really good to come out of something that was a really big challenge for me. I have met people who have read the book and some of them have shared their stories with me. One lady told me that it validated everything she felt.”

Frans’s husband, Chris, has also been “a tower of strength, a marvellous nurse, chauffeur and supporter.”

Fran is now considering writing a book of poems for children, each illustrated by a different artist. She is also volunteering in a reception class at a local school and busy choreographing her village pantomime.

Anyone who would like to buy the poetry book should contact the Charity on 01305 253424 or email charity@dchft.nhs.uk