Cancer survivor wins Cornwall rainbow ring auctioned for NHS

Diane Laity was the top bidder in the auction run by Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, with the ring selling for £1,890.

After 33 years of marriage, Diane's wedding ring no longer fit due to her ill health, so she was looking for something new - and is now the proud owner of this one-of-a-kind ring, whilst giving back to the health service that she owes so much to.

Last week the Packet reported how a unique white gold ring had been donated by an anonymous Cornish jeweller, on the 72nd birthday of the NHS, to auction in aid of the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's Covid-19 Appeal.

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It was set with seven individual gemstones – amethyst, tanzanite, blue sapphire, green sapphire, yellow sapphire, fire opal and ruby - to represent the different colours of the rainbow, as the symbol of hope used in connection with the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.

When Diane saw this rainbow ring advertised she was keen to make a bid and give something back to the NHS.

Following a routine breast screening earlier this year she had been was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo surgery and an intensive course of radiotherapy.

Now fully recovered, she said: "I am delighted to have been the successful bidder for this beautiful ring for such a worthy cause.

"I have always felt that we are so fortunate to have such a wonderful NHS, none more so than this year after being diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram.

"I am grateful for the excellent care I received and happy to say that I am now fully recovered. I shall wear my new ring with pride."

Her bid now takes the Corrnwall Parntership Foundation Trust's Covid-19 Appeal fundraising to more than £10,000.

The trust said: "Thank you to everyone that supported and helped spread the word about the rainbow ring auction."