Gill Hurcomb, 82, has volunteered at The QEH for 18 years, supporting patients attending Look Good Feel Better sessions, which help people cope with the visible effects of cancer treatment, including hair loss and skin changes that impact confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Look Good Feel Better sessions are delivered by trained beauticians, who offer practical guidance on caring for treatment‑affected skin, recreating eyebrows after hair loss, and simple techniques to help patients feel more comfortable with their appearance during treatment.
Research shows that this kind of practical support can help reduce anxiety, improve confidence and support emotional wellbeing at a time when many people say they no longer feel like themselves.
Alongside Gill, Janet Eason, who has been volunteering at the QEH for the past 13 years, also plays an important role supporting with the Look Good Feel Better sessions. A breast cancer survivor herself, Janet works closely with Gill to deliver this service together, helping to manage bookings, prepare rooms and welcome patients. Drawing on lived experience, they reassure people who may feel nervous or unsure about attending and help them feel at ease before and after the sessions.
The sessions are not about cosmetic appearance for its own sake. Instead, they focus on helping people feel more like themselves again, restoring a sense of control and confidence during a period when treatment can affect identity as well as physical health.
Gill’s commitment to the programme is rooted in her own cancer journey. In August 2005, she lost her mother to breast cancer. Just months later, in January 2006, Gill herself was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram. After receiving treatment at The QEH, she decided she wanted to give something back to the hospital that had supported her.
She began volunteering at the Macmillan Centre in 2008, initially supporting patients in the treatment and chemotherapy areas. During this time, Gill began encouraging patients to attend Look Good Feel Better sessions, often speaking with people who were feeling anxious or uncertain about taking part.
“Patients often tell me they don’t feel like themselves anymore,” said Gill. “When your hair falls out or your skin changes, it can really knock your confidence. Knowing what the sessions involve, and having someone there who understands from experience, can make a big difference.”
Gill has supported Look Good Feel Better sessions since she joined as a volunteer, helping with organising sessions and being available to listen to patients who want reassurance or a quiet conversation.
When the Macmillan Wellbeing and Support Centre opened in 2021, Gill’s role expanded further. While continuing to support Look Good Feel Better, she now also helps to run the monthly Grab a Cuppa group, providing a relaxed and supportive space for patients to share experiences and connect with others.
It was through this group that Gill met Val, a patient who was newly diagnosed with cancer and feeling uncertain about attending.
Val said: “At the first Grab a Cuppa session I attended, Gill came over and introduced herself straight away. She knew I was feeling anxious and really took the time to listen. If it hadn’t been for Gill, I don’t think I would have gone back. Even three years on, I still look forward to seeing her. She makes people feel welcome and understood when it matters most.”
Despite managing her own health challenges, Gill continues to volunteer twice a month and plans to increase her hours. She says she has found a role that feels meaningful, allowing her to use her experience to help others feel supported, reassured and less alone.
Joanne Rowe, Voluntary Services Manager said: “Gill embodies the spirit of many of our volunteers. She understands the patient perspective, and the value that the support a friendly face and a listening ear adds to their experience. Gill’s commitment to continue volunteering, despite her own health challenges is inspirational, nothing holds her back for too long. “
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