An ice cream man undergoing treatment for a rare form of terminal cancer has given health workers a sweet treat to celebrate their work in caring for patients.
Remo Serapiglia handed out free cones form his van to staff at the Beatson Cancer Centre on International Nurses Day.
The vendor – who receives chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer – said he wanted to do something to “put a smile on the face of staff”.
“When I got my diagnosis, I was blown away by it, especially being a very rare type of cancer that didn’t show up,” he said.
“I was told I had six months to live without chemo and 16 months with; it’s a game-changer.
“But when you come to the Beatson, you’re here for nine or ten hours a day for treatment, it gives you time to think. I thought ‘what can I do to make people happy?’
“Ice cream is my thing. It puts a smile on everybody’s face. And the staff here are fantastic, it’s about handing something back.”
Mr Serapiglia added staff had helped him feel less “isolated” during his treatment.
“They are very kind and very supportive. If you need any help talking about your illness, they are always on the end of a phone,” he said.
“They don’t get enough recognition. I thought this would be something nice for them.”
The gesture was welcomed by nursing staff.
“It’s a nice treat on a Friday, it makes you feel appreciated for the work that you do,” one told STV News.
“It’s a very welcome gesture. It has created a really nice buzz about the place today.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
