Eastern Education Group (EEG) and West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust united to give those who are living or have lived with cancer, the chance to share their stories, get advice and talk to experts.
The Cancer Patient Forum was attended by about 120 people and was held at the University Professional Development Centre based on Western Way.
Liz Creasy from EEG is the head of commercial training and she was one of the key drivers in getting the college involved, having recently supported family members through cancer treatments herself. Liz said: “We came together to support people who have gone or are going through treatments.in the past year. The event was a chance for everyone to attend talks from clinical staff and also give their feedback on their journeys to hospital and Trust staff.
“We had many organisations who came along including Boots, Bury Physio, My WISH Charity (who part funded the event), Macmillan Cancer Support and many others – and we are very grateful to them for giving up their time.
“The event was not just for the people who are going through cancer, but also a chance for their carers and loved ones to feel supported.
“It was a great turn out and it’s important that the group and college supports events like this. I think everyone knows someone who has been touched through cancer.
“My message to others is that there are so many people and organisations who can help you and they can be a real comfort to you and your families.”
Madeline Friday, who is the oncology survivorship lead at Trust, said: “We are there from the moment a patient is diagnosed and we are right by their side throughout their journey.
“We come together at this event to introduce everyone to all the support that is available to them.
“It also gives patients and their families to the opportunity of highlighting areas that might need improving.
“Through this partnership (with EEG), we have subsequently linked up with healthcare students to talk about careers at the Trust. To have the college involved is magnificent. – big thanks to them.”
In terms of her message to anyone who is and has been affected by cancer, Madeline added: “You are not alone and there is a lot of support out there locally for you and there is help – don’t sit and fret.”
Helen Scharf and Jo Sallis are Macmillan Cancer Support clinical specialist and speech and language therapists for the Trust said: Helen said: “We (Macmillan) offer so much advice to patients, and we fund some fantastic projects – including my role and it’s a brilliant charity. My message to others is that you should definitely ask for help.”
Jo said: “We came along to support the event and explain what we do. It’s been great hearing from patients, and it’s been great getting everyone together to ask questions. My message to others is that support is there, and people don’t have to go through this by themselves.”
Ann Taylor, 79, from Great Barton has been supported by the Cancer Patient Forum, said: “I came along today to get information, help, and support, and you get to meet people who are in similar situations. It is useful to listen to what people have to say. I think it’s brilliant that the college is hosting this event. My message to others is that it can be a shock (when you find out about a cancer diagnosis) – but here is hope – and it is nice to have these support networks.”
