Norfolk-based charity Support Cambodia is working in partnership with Big C to provide headscarves that are now on sale in our support centres.
Support Cambodia is a volunteer-run charity supporting projects and providing help for economically and socially disadvantaged communities in North-West Cambodia, taking no costs from charity donations – every penny goes to the projects.
One such project is Betty’s Dressmaking Group, a community initiative based at Piaksnaeng, about an hour north of Siem Reap in the Angkor Wat area.
Support Cambodia has supported this group for over three years, paying the sewing teacher’s salary and providing materials. In the three years since the group started, their skills have improved beyond recognition and there are now nine women coming regularly. In addition to purchasing directly from the women, 20% of the sale of each headscarf will also go back to them as a bonus.
“It’s wonderful to see how this group has developed over the past three years, and it clearly plays an important part in local community life.
It is such a happy place, with lots of laughter, and I’m thrilled to know that their hard work will benefit cancer patients being supported by Big C. As a Norfolk charity ourselves, it’s very special to be working together with another local charity, making a difference together.”
The group makes a variety of headscarves, ranging in colour and design, and these will be on sale at Big C’s support centres in Norwich (NNUH and City) initially. It is hoped that over time, these will be made available at our other support centres.
All proceeds will go back to Support Cambodia to help continue their important work.
Corinne Cambridge, Support & Information Officer at Big C who has been instrumental in setting this partnership up said:
“We are so excited to be working with such an effective charity, and such a talented group of women in Cambodia. These cotton headscarves are handmade and I’m sure they will be well received by the people we support at Big C.”
If you wish to purchase one, please visit either of the Norwich centres, or speak to a member of the support team.
Rehabilitation sessions offered for recovering cancer patients
Big C is working in partnership with Riverside Leisure Centre to offer rehabilitation sessions for recovering cancer patients. Building on the success of a 12-week pilot held earlier in the year, Places Leisure and Big C are now funding a second group, which will run until Christmas.
Who are the sessions for?
The rehabilitation sessions are open to anyone that has had cancer, is now in remission or well enough to be partaking in physical exercise.
Amy Goreham, Health Academy Educational Facilitator explains “Our rehab sessions offer the opportunity to enjoy exercise in a safe and supportive environment, guided by a cancer rehab practitioner.
“Whether you’re an experienced exerciser or someone who’s never set foot in a gym, rehab can help to improve your fitness and body confidence.
“Our classes give you the opportunity to exercise as part of a group, feel empowered to make informed fitness choices and use equipment with confidence.”
The circuit-based activities are multi-level, ensuring all abilities are catered for, and concentrate on cardio, strength and agility. A buddy system is in place to make sure everyone is supported in the best possible way.
The two-hour sessions involve an hour of activity, followed by an hour of sitting and chatting over a cup of tea. Big C’s Health Academy team are on hand to offer any support or advice needed, but it gives the opportunity for people to chat with other members of the group who may be going through a similar experience.
The idea of the programme is to support people back to fitness following a cancer diagnosis, and help them develop in confidence, so ultimately, they will feel more comfortable about joining a class.
Participant, Alison said “I have so appreciated the opportunity to be welcomed back into a fitness environment, with activities carefully targeted towards building strength, stamina and confidence, alongside such a wonderful group of people each week and am so grateful to the support provided by Big C, David and the other volunteers.
“I was very much hoping to re-join the Leisure Centre at some point following my cancer treatment, but the sessions provided me with the perfect stepping stone to come back, something I probably wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing yet without the rehab course. I still do not feel ready to join the classes I used to do pre cancer but think this course is gradually building my confidence to get there eventually.”
Qualified instructors
David Lane, a Qualified Level 4 Cancer Rehabilitation Practitioner who runs the sessions said “This is the first time we have had a Cancer Rehabilitation Class at Riverside Leisure Centre, I feel very proud to be part of it. The group is hugely diverse with abilities, ages and experiences, all brought together by exercise. Sessions have been designed by participants feedback and have evolved to be fully inclusive to meet all individual’s needs. I am looking forward to continuing to provide a safe and friendly environment for people to exercise in.”
Volunteer, Nell, started as a participant and now helps the weekly group “Big C supported me from diagnosis, through treatment and on my ongoing journey. I enjoy the zoom Yoga and Pilates classes (Big C) and when the opportunity for a face-to-face rehab class at Riverside Leisure Centre came up, I jumped at it.
“The sessions have exceeded my expectations – the group spirit is strong, the fun, laughter and support palpable and heard.”
nell, volunteer
“David, our instructor, is aware of individual issues and goals and he structures sessions with options around the circuit so that nobody fails. He allows us to make our own choices giving us autonomy over our bodies. I feel that this is so empowering for those affected by cancer.
“I’m now a volunteer for Big C at these sessions, and love meeting and chatting with new participants and regulars particularly during the ‘tea in a circle’ after the workout.
“If you’re apprehensive about coming into a gym class don’t be – we all look forward to meeting you.”
If you are interested in joining the group, please get in contact with Big C by calling 0800 092 7640 or you can email the team who can provide further information and do an initial screening before getting you started. Bookings can be made each week, so there is no pressure to join in every session.
A cancer diagnosis can be very hard to explain to a child. Whether it is the child going through treatment, a sibling or the parents themselves. Big C has therefore launched a groundbreaking new programme of holistic care and support to offer children with a cancer diagnosis and their families.
Working in collaboration with the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), the local cancer charity has developed a support package, which can be accessed by anyone in the region. Whether the child is receiving treatment at NNUH, Addenbrookes or further afield, or they are affected by a family member going through a diagnosis, a new dedicated family support team is on hand to offer guidance and work with the family in whatever way is needed, including psychological support, counselling and play therapy. This complements the Teen and Young Adult (TYA) Group, which already enables young people affected by cancer to gain peer, emotional and practical support.
Thanks to the generous support of the Ladies in League Against Cancer (LILAC), a voluntary fundraising group which raises funds to support the work of Big C, a newly adapted area has been created at the Big C Centre in the grounds of the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital. Offering a calm, child friendly space with sensory lighting, bean bags, a play station, toys, games, arts and crafts, it is an area for families to enjoy, away from the hospital environment in between treatment and appointments.
LILAC have also funded the role of an educational psychologist which is vital in helping children cope and in ensuring positive long-term adjustment to a cancer diagnosis. The educational psychologist has the expertise in engaging in holistic assessments of children and young people, creating a detailed profile of their strengths and needs both in terms of their learning and cognitive abilities as well as their emotional wellbeing.
Dr Melanie Pascale, director of charitable operations at Big C said “We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer this unique service to families in Norfolk and surrounding counties. Cancer affects not just the patient, but the entire family, and through this new initiative at Big C, with the assistance and expertise of a dedicated educational psychologist, we will be able to offer emotional and practical support, to help navigate that difficult path.”
NNUH consultant Jo Ponnampalam said “The Paediatric Oncology team at the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital are delighted to hear that Big C Cancer Charity has extended its services to children with a cancer diagnosis and their families/carers. The family support programme will offer a great opportunity to further enhance the holistic support these children and families currently receive. They will be able to access other therapies like reflexology, massage etc that are currently not offered by the NHS; The Big C building offers a comfortable space away from where they receive their treatments, within the grounds of the hospital thereby making it convenient for children/families to visit as it is only steps away. We look forward to working with the Big C team to continue to provide a high-quality holistic service to our patient population.”
Sammy Adcock and her family are most complimentary about the new service now available to them “I am so grateful for this space that has opened at Big C, Norwich. The family support room is so welcoming with a variety of activities for children of all ages to be engaged with. This enabled me to have a lovely open conversation with support worker Emma without having to worry about the children. The ambience is so calming. Every aspect has been so well planned, from the complementing colours to the sound of the water feature coming through from the garden. It’s amazing and I can’t wait to come back!”
Service user, Ali Howell said “It’s been three years since my diagnosis, and Big C has been an incredible support for myself and my family. I’ve benefited from complementary therapy and counselling services, as well as access to a nurse for advice and to ask questions. This new family support service is so very needed in the county. The impact of a diagnosis has a profound impact on the whole family, and especially the children. The new service will provide a much-needed space for the children to gain the additional emotional support and processing space they need, as well as being a bridge to support their schools. And a place for families to be held and to access the support they need to navigate life with a cancer diagnosis.”
Family fun days with life-sized interactive games raise awareness on the importance of healthy eating and the signs and symptoms of cancer
A weekend of family fun days is taking place on 6-7 April in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, offering people the opportunity to learn more about their bodies, squeeze through a giant inflatable Big Bum and jump into life-sized educational arcade games as part of a health awareness initiative.
Big C Cancer Charity is working collaboratively with Freshly Greated arts organisation and Great Yarmouth born designer and artist Matthew Harrison on this educational event which includes a life-sized interactive game zone for all ages, inspired by classic arcade games.
Big C’s Big Bum will provide the opportunity for visitors to take a cheeky look inside the large bowel and learn about the fascinating human body, and the support team will be on hand to answer any questions.
There will be other special activities designed for children to increase their awareness of the human anatomy with the Endoscopy Services Team at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and learn more on the importance of keeping active and eating well, with a smoothie bike for people to make their own fruit smoothies.
Matthew Harrison, creator of The Actual Reality Arcade has developed the games which include Pac Man, Whack a Mole, Lazer run and Space Invaders, linking them to raising awareness on prevention, signs and symptoms, support and treatment of cancer.
The events which will take place at St Mary Magdalene Church, Gorleston-on-Sea on Saturday 6 April and Cobholm Primary Academy in Great Yarmouth on Sunday 7 April from 10am until 2pm, are being held in memory of Bob Adcock, well known and respected local resident and shop keeper on the Cobholm Estate, who sadly died of cancer in 2023.
Freshly Greated works with local people to create fun, exciting, and creative experiences in and around Great Yarmouth, funded by Arts Council England and led by the local community with their lead organisation Voluntary Norfolk.
Karen Jeremiah, Programme Director at Freshly Greated said “We are really keen to support the work of Big C and host events that are both informative and fun for these communities. The range of activities on offer will mean all local people can take part in a really interactive and engaging way.”
Cath Watts, Nutritionist and Health Academy Lead said “We are so excited to be working with Freshly Greated and Matthew Harrison on these events and have had so much fun planning them together! We very much hope that this fresh initiative really helps people understand the importance of looking after themselves understanding the signs and symptoms of cancer and knowing what to do if something doesn’t seem right.”
Big C Uses New Health Academy to Promote Education around Cancer
Big C has launched its own Health Academy as part of the organisation’s Education Division and in line with NHS Core20PLUS5 initiative.
The objective of the Big C Health Academy is to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer, the importance of early diagnosis, and provide greater understanding of the disease across health professions and in the general community.
The new Health Academy ‘houses’ the charity’s team of education experts including health education officers, nutritionists and personal trainers, who run exercise and nutrition programmes designed for those affected by cancer, including ‘Get Moving’, ‘Nourish & Nurture’, Walking Football, Seated Pilates and Yoga.
Within the academy, Big C is running a series of health events across Great Yarmouth and Waveney in collaboration with Norfolk & Waveney Integrated Care Board, to help people understand the signs and symptoms of cancer and the importance of attending screening appointments, to support early diagnosis. The events are diverse in the types of venues and activities which are on offer.
East Coast College will be among those benefitting from this free service, with a cancer awareness day on 30th November, inviting students from both the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft campuses to come along and find out more.
Holly Chase, Assistant Principal at East Coast College, said: “Events such as these are extremely important for educating our students on the signs and symptoms to look out for in cancer and it will also equip them with knowledge to take back home and support family and friends too. We are delighted to be hosting the Big C Health Academy at our Great Yarmouth campus and know it will be a fantastic event for staff and students alike.”
Among the activities being offered will be Big C’s Big Bum; a giant inflatable walk-through exhibit showing the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, as well as fun activities on nutrition and a smoothie bike. There will be an opportunity to find out more about the importance of healthy eating, with low budget recipe demonstrations and a copy of Big C’s free cookbook ‘Essential Flavour’.
“We are delighted to be working with East Coast College on this event. It is a great opportunity for us to get out into the student community within the Great Yarmouth area and spread awareness around cancer. Thank you to the team at East Coast College for all their hard work in helping put the event on.”
Cath Watts, Nutritionist and Health Academy Lead
The Big C team will be on hand to talk through any concerns people may have, with a private space for individuals wanting 1:1 support. There will also be a variety of leaflets to take away with further information.
Dr Melanie Pascale, Director of Charitable Operations at Big C, said, “Although we are well known for our support and information services, people perhaps know less about our education programmes which we see as being equally vital to the work we do to help those affected by cancer in our community, now and in the future. We have ambitious plans for this element of our strategy and welcome interest from any corporate who would be interested in exploring funding of our activities.”
New support for people living with secondary breast cancer
Leading research and support charity, Breast Cancer Now, is launching a new service with Big C in Norwich for people with incurable secondary breast cancer.
This follows a recommendation made by Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) for more secondary breast cancer support in the area, after patients and staff took part in Breast Cancer Now’s Service Pledge programme to improve their breast cancer services.
The ‘Living with Secondary Breast Cancer’ group will bring together people with the disease to talk, listen and learn with others who understand the challenges that secondary breast cancer brings in a relaxed and supportive environment.
The free monthly group is the first from Breast Cancer Now in Norfolk and begins on Friday 10 November, 11am-1pm. The group will be held at our Norwich City Support Centre on Dereham Road.
‘Living with Secondary Breast Cancer’ sessions are facilitated by an experienced counsellor and every few months there is the chance to hear from an expert speaker on topics such as treatment side effects, fatigue and clinical trials.
Dr Melanie Pascale, Director of Charitable Operations at Big C, said:
“We are really looking forward to working with Breast Cancer Now and launching the new group at the Norwich City Cancer Support Centre, which opened earlier this year. These sessions will offer much needed support for local people dealing with the challenges that secondary breast cancer brings and we know from our service users how important this support will be.”
It is estimated that over 61,000 people are living with secondary breast cancer (also called metastatic, advanced, or stage 4 cancer) in the UK. The disease occurs when breast cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body, most commonly the bones, liver, lung or brain. While secondary breast cancer can be treated, it cannot currently be cured.
Susan Wood, Senior Manager, Secondary Breast Cancer Services at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“We are thrilled to be rolling out such an invaluable support service in Norwich to help us be there for people living with secondary breast cancer across Norfolk and it’s wonderful to be hosting these groups at the Big C Centre.
“Secondary breast cancer is full of uncertainties and people tell us that they often feel overlooked or forgotten once receiving the devastating diagnosis. Our Living with Secondary Breast Cancer group offers a warm, friendly space to share what’s on your mind with people who understand, to help people feel less alone, as well as provide vital support and crucial information.
“If anyone has any questions at all or would like to register to join the group please do get in touch with us at secondaryservice@breastcancernow.org or call 0345 077 1893.”
Joann Mcgrath, Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist for breast at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said:
“The breast cancer care team were so pleased that they took part in Breast Cancer Now’s Service Pledge Programme. It was so helpful to receive feedback about the experiences of breast cancer patients. We were able to reflect on and celebrate the areas that we felt we did well but also areas that we could improve upon, including support for patients with secondary breast cancer.
“With the involvement and guidance from Breast Cancer Now the Norwich secondary breast cancer group has come to fruition. The group will provide a safe place and supportive environment for patients to share any concerns and worries with facilitators and specialists. The group will also be an essential bridge from the NNUH to the community as a great deal of patients are living well with their disease and would like to meet other patients to talk about their experiences. The group is a big step forward in demonstrating that we have listened and validated our patients concerns and we are positive that the group will be a success going forward.”
Big C will be joining the ‘WOW’ Bus (Wellness on Wheels) in Lowestoft to help promote early awareness of cancer signs and symptoms.
On September 18th and October 11th, Big C will be on board the WOW Bus in Lowestoft High Street, just outside Greggs near London Road and Surrey Street. The charity will be offering free support to those who may have questions about cancer and raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer to promote earlier diagnosis.
Cath Watts, Big C’s Health Education Officer, said, “This is a great chance for us to get out into the Waveney community and meet local people on their doorstep. We’d encourage anyone visiting Lowestoft High Street on the days we’re there to step aboard the WOW Bus and come and meet our friendly team. We’d be very happy to answer any questions you may have about cancer and the support available for anyone affected. Thank you to the team behind the WOW Bus for this valuable opportunity.”
The WOW Bus travels across Norfolk and Waveney to access those who need extra help with their health and care. It is supported by partner organisations across the Integrated Care Partnership (ICC) including NHS Norfolk and Waveney, Norfolk County Council, East Suffolk Council, the voluntary community and the social enterprise sector.
Big C’s involvement is part of one of the charity’s latest initiatives; a Health Academy, in collaboration with Norfolk & Waveney ICB, which aims to address early diagnosis by improving cancer prevention and cancer awareness within Norfolk and Waveney, with a particular emphasis on areas of deprivation and hard to reach communities, in line with NHS Core20PLUS5 initiative.
Surge in Demand for Support as Major Cancer Centre Launches in Norwich
Big C is reporting a sharp surge in demand for their services. Year on year* Big C has seen an overall increase of 79% in total support sessions from 4904 to 8782. In addition, a rise of 120% in Support and Information sessions and an increase of 51% in complementary therapy treatments provided by the organisation.
This news has been announced as the Norfolk based charity opens the doors of its new state-of-the-art Cancer Support Centre in Dereham Road, Norwich. The new centre has been designed by Norwich architects, Purcell.
Dr Melanie Pascale, Director of Charitable Operations said, “In line with the NHS long term plan, we know that treating cancer with a holistic approach leads to the best outcomes.** We are delighted that so many more people affected by cancer are accessing our support which includes a raft of services to ease some of the worries, anxieties and practical concerns that may present alongside a cancer diagnosis. This includes the opportunity to visit the centre and talk in confidence to our team of nurses and skilled support officers, to access professional counselling and complementary therapies, nutrition and exercise programmes, group sessions and assistance with financial and welfare concerns in partnership with the CAB.
“Our purpose is to ensure we can meet this demand and we are beyond proud to announce the opening of our Norwich City Cancer Support Centre, which thanks to a hugely successful public appeal, raised £750,000 to build, furnish and equip the centre. This new centre will complement our existing centre in the grounds of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.”
Norfolk has the most elderly population of UK counties, with a disproportionate older demographic of 24.4% and a projection suggesting an increase to 30% over the next 20 years.*** and therefore as cancer is predominantly a disease of age, the county will see a higher incidence. Big C has worked hard to expand the scope of its support and to raise awareness of the breadth of help, which is completely free of charge, available for cancer patients and their families in Norfolk and neighbouring counties. In the past couple of years alone this has included the introduction of a Nourish & Nurture nutrition and wellness programme, palliative care support group, the HILL bereavement programme and walking football sessions.
Dr Chris Bushby, CEO of Big C Cancer Charity, said, “The level of holistic care provided by Big C is sadly still rare in regions across the UK. We are so very fortunate that David Moar MBE and Clive Bamford founded Big C in 1980 and through strong leadership and loyal support from our amazing individual and corporate donors, grants and trusts, we’ve been able to grow into the large regional charity it is today.
“Today is a celebration of that, the culmination of an enormous amount of planning, work and tenacity! But look at the result, this Cancer Support Centre is at the forefront of best practice in cancer care. It’s a bright, highly functional, welcoming space which will provide respite, comfort, counsel and a space to solve problems and ‘wrap the arms’ around those that need us.”
“Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped bring our vision to life. We are open and ready to support.”
DR CHRIS BUSBHY, CEO AT BIG C
The new centre features a light, calming central lounge area with comfortable seating and reflective artworks, an open-plan workshop kitchen, private rooms for one-to-one counselling, complementary therapy treatment rooms, The Big C Studio; a bright space for group activities and exercise classes, an intimate alcove library and a sensory wellbeing garden.
Big C was thrilled to be gifted a virtual tour of the new Support Centre, to allow people to familiarise themselves with the environment before visiting for the first time. The 360 tour was created by the innovative team at immersive media specialists, Vortex Visual.
Max and Will, co-founders of Vortex said “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to support such an important charity. We’re all affected by cancer in different ways, and to know that there’s a centre right here in the heart of Norwich for people to pop into, as and when they need support, is amazing. We hope the virtual tour enables people orient themselves with this beautiful centre before they attend, whether they have cancer themselves, or they’re a family member, friend or supporter of Big C.”
To access Big C’s support at the new Norwich City Cancer Support Centre, simply drop-in 9am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) or call our Support Line on 0800 092 7640 to make an appointment. The new centre is situated at 66-70 Dereham Road, Norwich, NR2 4BU.
** The NHS Long Term Plan for Cancer states that “where appropriate every person diagnosed with cancer will have access to personalised care, including a needs assessment, a care plan and health and wellbeing information and support
*** Source ONS Census 2021
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Support
At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.
I’m Tonia, Area Manager at Big C Cancer Charity, where I’ve worked for the past decade.
In August I will be celebrating this milestone by raising money for those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Suffolk, by taking on the not incidental challenge of a Firewalk! The event is being held in Castle Quarter gardens, with the majestic Norwich Castle as a backdrop. It should be memorable to say the very least!
Working for Big C is a privilege and a role I find incredibly rewarding, however my path to employment with the charity followed a devastating family tragedy.
In 2006, on my 30th birthday and nine weeks before I was due to get married, my Dad was diagnosed with malignant melanoma and died just six weeks later.
I am the eldest of six siblings, four of whom are from my Dad’s second marriage. They had already very sadly lost their mother, who also had skin cancer, eight years previously and felt extremely vulnerable. Overnight I became the ‘head’ of the family. My Dad’s life insurance unfortunately didn’t pay out and so I had the challenging task of finding somewhere for each of them to live. All were between 14 to 20 years old, I also needed to find college placements for the two youngest. The oldest two had worked for Dad’s building firm and consequently were now unemployed. Eventually and with the amazing support of my now husband, Jonathan, I became the legal guardian for my youngest half-sister in conjunction with a family friend. We were all in real need of both emotional and financial support. I sought help locally, but there wasn’t anything available in the King’s Lynn area at the time, I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders with all my new responsibilities.
My first career was in catering and hospitality but following starting a family of my own and in light of the life-changing experiences following my Dad’s death, I felt the need for a change and had always wanted a role helping others. I trained as a volunteer to be Cancer Awareness Champion, which I loved, this involved raising awareness of cancer symptoms, something very close to my heart. I also worked as a community champion where I supported local charities and organisations with their fundraising events in the local area.
Then in 2012 I saw a job advertisement which I could not ignore. Big C were expanding into West Norfolk and opening a Big C Cancer Support Centre in King’s Lynn. I knew immediately the difference that this level of support would have meant to myself and my family. I applied for the role and in what felt like a turn of fate, got the job and became the new Centre Manager.
That was ten years ago and in the time that has passed, I am delighted to have seen and experience the charity blossom and expand. We have a truly amazing team. It can be an emotional job, but often has the greatest rewards and this is how we feel knowing we can make someone feel just that bit better. We build very close relationships with those we support and sometimes this can be over many years. We work with the whole family, not just the person with a cancer diagnosis. Supporting families during this vulnerable time is an honour.
If I’d been able to walk into a Big C Centre when my family and I needed help, I know the team would have ‘wrapped their arms’ around us, providing practical, emotional, bereavement support and helping to navigate the financial and welfare benefits we needed to re-house family members and fund college equipment. It would have made a huge difference then and I couldn’t be more proud and thankful that such first-class support is there now for those that need us.
My Firewalk
And so that is why on August 6th, my heart will be racing and I will literally be walking over hot coals to raise funds for Big C!
If you would like to sponsor me, I would be extremely grateful. My gofundme page is https://gofund.me/e55457ff
The impact Tonia has made at Big C over the past ten years is immeasurable. Her passion for helping others and leading her team, along with her lovely bubbly personality make her a key member of the Big C family and the charity wouldn’t be the same without her! I am not surprised to hear she is taking on the Firewalk and I wish her the very best of luck! I’d like to take this opportunity to thank her for her kindness and dedication to improving the lives of many local families affected by cancer.
DR MELANIE PASCALE, DIRECTOR OF CHARITABLE OPERATIONS
Many thanks to Norwich based Yellow Brick Mortgages who have sponsored the event and to Castle Quarter for hosting the event for free. Castle Quarter’s marketing and administration manager, Gemma Hyde, will be stepping up to the hot coals too and taking part in the Firewalk.
Managing Director Greg Marcham said “Here at Yellow Brick Mortgages we have enjoyed a great relationship supporting Big C over the years and look forward to doing so again. Unfortunately, cancer remains so prevalent in many of our lives and we hope this event can help the cause accordingly.”
Gemma Hyde, marketing and administration manager at Castle Quarter says; “Big C are a charity that have touched the lives of thousands of people in Norfolk, supporting families who have sadly been affected by cancer. It delivers incredible practical, emotional and specialist support, as well as funding research to help prevent, treat and beat cancer. When I heard Tonia’s story, I wanted to step up to the coals too and join her on the Firewalk in solidarity. It’s pretty daunting thinking about it, so if anyone would like to watch and cheer us on from the sidelines, please do, your support would mean a lot.”
Catherine’s story: Living with breast cancer through a pandemic
Catherine was diagnosed with breast cancer during the Coronavirus pandemic in May 2020. This is her story…
Catherine had felt a lump in her breast that appeared very suddenly. She booked an appointment with her GP who then made an emergency referral to the hospital. Catherine was then scanned for Breast Cancer. The mammogram showed cancer had spread to the lymph nodes in her armpit.
When asked how Catherine felt about the initial diagnosis, she said: “Absolute terror. At that point, I didn’t know anyone who had survived cancer. I was desperately worried about my family. I initially cried lots because I worried about not being with my children as they grew up. I was concerned about what to do about my job. I was also quite angry because I had always been healthy and careful about diet and exercise. It came out as a rage about the unfairness of life!”
Catherine was not alone in these feelings. Her husband and children were deeply worried for her along with Catherine’s sister and parents, who live far away, with her sister in London and parents in France. It was a very lonely and isolating time for her.
Catherine only saw her sister and parents once over the year, with them visiting in the garden and Catherine sitting inside her kitchen. Not being able to see family during an exceptionally worrying time, not knowing whether the cancer would worsen, made the process a lonely one for Catherine.
She said: “I wasn’t able to see any friends either. Thank goodness for Facetime and Zoom! When the children went back to school in September I had to isolate myself from them in the run up to my surgery. We decided as a family that it would be better that way than them continuing to stay off school. The risk of Covid also made it very worrying every time I went out for a walk or to an appointment at the Doctor; I felt increasingly at risk.”
Big C has played a key element in Catherine feeling less alone. Big C’s Senior Cancer Information Clinical Nurse Specialist, called Catherine every week to answer her questions and concerns.
“The Big C specialist talked me through every stage of the treatment and calmed my anxieties in the most wonderful way. She made it clear that there was no question or fear too silly or embarrassing to ask.”
CATHERINE, SERVICE USER
Catherine said: “I could never have done it without her. They explained all the benefits very clearly so I knew exactly what I could claim and how. Then when I went in for my surgery I was given a leaflet about exercise. Big C’s Health Education Officer organised for me to join a mindfulness yoga group. It was amazing, Nikki was a fantastic teacher! Also, I received a beautiful hamper in the hospital full of carefully thought through items as well as little care packages delivered to my door. The best was the 5kg bag of pasta during the lockdown!”
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Cancer affects us all in many different ways; we know it can be a difficult time. Whether you’d like to talk in confidence, get practical support or have a calm space away, we can help.
When diagnosed with cancer the amount of information you have to take in can sometimes be overwhelming. Learning new words and meanings, finding out about a diagnosis and what the future may look like can be challenging.
We’re here to help you work through all of this, with clear information and a wide range of resources.
A weekend of family fun days is taking place on 6-7 April in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, offering people the opportunity to learn more about their bodies, squeeze through a giant inflatable Big Bum and jump into life-sized educational arcade games as part of a health awareness initiative.
