North Devon views chosen by blood cancer patients set scene for charity calendar

For fish and chip shop owner Mark Dimelow, the historic Exeter Quayside means more than to most people.

While visitors enjoy the cafes, ice cream and places to stroll, for Mark, Exeter Quayside has become a sanctuary, while he has been undergoing treatment for blood cancer.

Mark, 60, who lives in Landkey and has a restaurant in South Molton, is one of 12 blood cancer patients who have contributed to the 2025 calendar produced by the charity,Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF).

Each month features a different location in North Devon, chosen by one of the hundreds of people supported by this local charity, because it has a special meaning for them.

Mark picked Exeter Quayside because, while undergoing treatment at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E), he and his wife, Debbie, would spend time there when he felt well enough.

Mark was diagnosed in February with acute myeloid leukaemia. He’s had three lengthy periods of hospitalisation so far.

“They are lovely rooms at hospital, and are made very homely thanks to funding by ELF, but I struggled because I felt confined and isolated,” said Mark. “So when they said we could go out for walks, one of the nurses suggested Exeter Quayside and it was just lovely. There are walks, cafes, great ice cream shops and it was nice to see people, and it was a moment to feel normal. It made me forget for a few moments that I was ill.”

Mark and Debbie, who between them have four children and two grandchildren, have found the support from ELF invaluable. They married in June, and aptly their calendar page is June’s.

Debbie said: “When we first arrived on Yarty ward and found the ELF coffee place in the waiting room it was wonderful. They were so lovely.”

They used ELF’s free driver service once when their car broke down on the way to an appointment. They also got a Blue Badge on the advice of ELF, which they wouldn’t otherwise have thought of. On Mark’s 60th birthday, which fell when he was in the RD&E, he and the family spent the day in the ELF funded Chevithorne hospital suite, that has patient room, twin family room and private kitchen/living area. The aromatherapy and massage service funded by ELF was also most welcome.

Mark said: “ELF have helped on this journey. I think it’s harder for the loved ones than for me, and for Debbie just to go to the ELF café and chat means you really feel you have someone on your side.”

Lucy Sellers, 52, lives in Exeter, with her husband Martyn and their two sons, and works with Exeter Supply Partnership.

Back in 2007, before she had children, Lucy worked on the North Devon Journal and was a true fitness enthusiast. When she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, it came as a complete shock.

At the time Lucy was living in Barnstaple and was treated at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, over the course of two years.

ELF supported Lucy from the beginning. “They were always looking out for you, to make the experience as manageable as possible. The even offered me an exercise bike for the hospital room, knowing how important fitness was to me.”

Lucy chose a view of Appledore, as seen across the estuary from Instow, as her special place to feature in the ELF calendar. It’s being used for the April image.

“I love being by the sea. I’ve spent time on that beach and in Appledore with friends and family before, during and since my treatment and that’s also what makes it a special place. Lots of significant things have happened there; I have rowed up that estuary, had dog walks on the beach and Martyn and I had our first date at Instow boathouse.”

Molly Southwood, CEO of ELF, said: “We’re delighted to launch our calendar, which really highlights that we don’t just operate in Exeter, but that we’re here to support blood cancer patients across the county, from Buckfastleigh to Barnstaple. It’s wonderful that we have been able to showcase so much of our wonderful county, particularly as we grow our service offering in North Devon.”

Thanks to sponsorship from 12 local businesses, all proceeds from the calendar will help fund ELF’s work, which includes free transport, counselling, and financial and legal advice for patients. Copies cost £10 plus postage and can be ordered here:  www.elfcharity.org.uk/events/2025-charity-calendar.