IT is a labour of love.

Thousands of stitches, each carefully done by hand.

This is the patchwork quilt which Janet Brewer has made and which she wants to raffle to support the campaign for a new cancer centre in Colchester.

Janet knows how much it matters.

She knows what facilities are currently available at Colchester General Hospital and how life would be improved for cancer patients if a new centre was created.

Janet is recovering from severe aplastic anaemia - a rare and life threatening illness.

It is a slow recovery but she takes one day at a time.

Janet, a grandmother of six, first realised she was ill when she became extremely tired.

She said: "I also got a rash which went across my face and I started to bruise easily.

"I finally managed to get an appointment with the doctor and I saw a locum.

"He immediately referred me to the hospital."

FromColchester General Hospital, Janet was transferred to St Bart's Hospital in London.

Janet underwent platelet and blood transfusions and in May underwent a stem cell transfusion at St Barts.

She said: "Before you have a stem cell transplant, you have to have a conditioning chemotherapy.

"The stem cell transplant is relatively easy, just like a transfusion really.

"However, then you have the follow up, the non-rejection medication which affects the body in different ways."

Janet is recovering but it is a not a simple journey.

"It is up and down," she said.

"Every day is different. I get cramps in my hands and have issues with walking. Some days are OK, other days, not so good."

Janet, 58, who is married to Alan, began making the king sized quilt two years ago. Every stitch has been neatly done and it has now been completed ready to be raffled off.

"It is something I enjoyed doing. I have made clothes for myself and a wedding dress.

"I wanted to give something back to the hospital for the care and attention I have had and for all the people I have met along the way.

"Without these people,the doctors and nurses, and the hospital, we would not be in the situation we are in now."

Janet, who lives in Thirtle Close, Clacton, was treated in the haematology ward, which is next to the Mary Barron suite, a quarter of a mile from the radiotherapy centre at Colchester General Hospital.

"It is not a very big ward," said Janet. "It would be so good to have more facilities in a new cancer centre.

"It is a gruelling journey to St Barts, especially when you have to do it on a regular basis.

"A new cancer centre would be excellent for the best way of helping patients and the care which is available.

"Alternative therapies would be there and counselling too.

"It would give people the chance to talk to other people going through the same thing."

Janet is to raffle the quilt. Anyone wanting a ticket, or who would be prepared to sell them, is asked to email Janet on Janet.brewer58@gmail.com.

The Cancer Centre Campaign needs to raise £4.5 million to build a new cancer centre on top of the radiotherapy centre.

It would ensure all cancer services are brought together in one location.

The campaign is supported by the Gazette.

To donate to the appeal, text GAZE11 £10 to 70070 or chose a different amount. Cheques can also be made payable to CoHoC Cancer Centre

Campaign and sent to Colchester Hospitals Charity, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JL.

For more information, go to www.cohoc.org.uk.