Big C is thrilled to announce the appointment of Karen Vincent as the new Chief Executive, starting in early December. Karen comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience from working in strategic roles across public and private sectors.
She has also supported the third sector both as a trustee and as an elected local councillor, where she served as Chair of Broadland District Council through the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently Chair of Norfolk County Council.
With her solid background in financial management and business planning, Karen will help Big C to build on its firm foundations and strengthen them to secure a more sustainable future.
“We are excited to welcome Karen to the Big C team,” said Professor Dylan Edwards, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Having been a Trustee of Big C since 2021 and with the experience she has gained in the public, private and third sectors, Karen embodies the passion and commitment needed to further our mission to support local people affected by cancer in Norfolk and surrounding counties. We are confident that her vision and leadership will propel us to new heights.”
Karen Vincent said “It is a privilege to join Big C as its new Chief Executive and to work alongside such a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Having lost loved ones and friends to cancer, this is a cause close to my heart and drives my passion to want to make a difference. I am sensitive to the issues faced by those affected by cancer, as well as the need for early diagnosis, effective treatment and the vital role of information, care and support. It is an honour to lead this wonderful charity forward into its 45th year.”
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Support
At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.
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.”
After nine years of dedicated service to Big C Cancer Charity, Chief Executive Dr Christopher Bushby will be stepping down, in September. Chris has made this difficult decision due to health reasons.
Throughout Chris’ tenure, his leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to the charity’s mission has been instrumental in driving the charity’s efforts to provide outstanding cancer support, when and where people need it, now and for the future.
Under Chris’ guidance and the development of a strong management team, Big C has invested in its infrastructure with the growth of support services, the creation of a Health Academy and a Virtual Support Centre.
We are immensely grateful for Chris’ valuable contributions and the impact he has had on the organisation. His leadership and dedication to the charity has left an indelible mark and Big C will continue to build upon his legacy and the important work in supporting people affected by cancer.
Chris’ achievements include:
Consolidation of the Big C brand enabling it to transcend boundaries and have a strong physical presence in the high street and across all media platforms.
Establishment of three purpose-built cancer support centres at King’s Lynn, Great Yarmouth and recently in the centre of Norwich to support those affected by cancer.
The ring-fencing of research funding to ensure continuity of investment in cancer-related PhDs within the region.
Doubling Big C’s turnover and building reserves so the charity is well positioned to endure future external challenges.
Optimisation of retail trading operations creating increased profitability.
Strengthening the fundraising and communications team to aid innovationand develop new income streams.
Developing a supportive culture which is empathetic and understands the challenges in individuals’ lives.
Trustees have been aware of this decision for some time and an announcement will follow in due course for the advertisement of the new Chief Executive position, to ensure the leadership of the charity is in the best place for future progress and development.
The President, Vice President, Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers would like to take this opportunity to thank Chris for his commitment and all he has achieved over the past nine years and wish him well as he focuses on his personal health.
“It has been a privilege to work with staff, volunteers and trustees and those individuals who have raised funds for Big C. They have inspired me with their selflessness and dedication to supporting cancer patients, their families, and communities. I know I leave Big C in safe hands for the future.”
Dr CHRISTOPHER BUSHBY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE
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Support
At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.
Geraldine and her husband Tony have organised a Masquerade Ball to raise money for Big C.
Big C has been close to their hearts for years and we spoke to Geraldine to understand her reason behind organising what is expected to be a fantastic event at Assembly House, Norwich on 28th October.
The event is going to be a spectacular evening of music and magic, including a welcome drink, close-up magic and an on-stage show by Magic Ed Crafer, live music by local legends Ebb Tide and a disco, a scrumptious meal will also be served to our guests. The whole evening will be hosted by the beautiful and talented Laura Landamore. It’s a Masquerade Ball so we are hoping people will embrace the fact that it is nearly Halloween and let their imaginations run wild with the costumes!
My husband Tony organised a truly amazing party which should have been in February 2021 but due to covid and issues at the venue eventually happened in 2023. It was incredible and after what everyone has been through in the last few years and was very much welcomed by all the guests. So, we decided that the world needed more parties, more reasons to celebrate! It got us thinking, what better reason to get together and have a party than to raise money for charity. We aim to produce an event that everyone is glad they got involved in and hope to raise a good amount of money in the process.
Why Big C? That was the easy part. There are many things that we are passionate about, climate change and homelessness being two we give a lot of support to. But cancer has affected everyone I know. My first experience was my Grandad, who was diagnosed with cancer when I was about 7. I was baffled. At the time I had only heard of lung cancer and thought you had to smoke to get that. I later learned he had prostate cancer. Tony’s mum died of lung cancer when he was in his 20s and my sister is a breast cancer survivor. On 5th August this year, my ex-husband and father of my children passed away following complications of his treatment for bone and blood cancer which started in his prostate.. We were divorced 16 years ago but remained good friends. I would have liked to have him around a bit longer.
Cancer is an inevitable part of life, but research is improving people’s outcomes and life expectancy all the time. It doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Big C offers support and care to people with a diagnosis and their families and takes part in valuable research to keep people together longer.
I would say to anyone who’s considering donating; One day you or someone you love will need this support. Help to make sure it’s there.
A huge thank you to Geraldine and Tony for organising this event and we wish them well with the evening. If you would like to find out more or join them, please visit the web link below.
We will be holding two Volunteer Open Days at our shops in Fakenham and Wymondham to encourage people to drop in and find out more about volunteering with Big C.
On Thursday 5th October, the Fakenham shop on Norwich Street will be opening its doors and welcoming anyone who would like to learn more about volunteering and what it involves to pop by. Then on Friday 6th October, the Furniture and Craft Emporium on Allenbrooks Way in Wymondham will be doing the same. Both events will run from 10am until 1pm.
“Whether you’re able to offer a few hours a month or you’d like to get your business involved with some corporate volunteering, we’d really encourage you to come and say hello to us in the Big C shops.”
CHYNNA WILLIAMSON, PEOPLE COORDINATOR
Chynna Williamson, People Coordinator at Big C said “We have a wide variety of volunteering opportunities available, from sorting books and clothes to helping with our ebay shop or at local events, so whatever you’re interested in doing, and however much time you have to spare, we’d love to chat to you further.”
Big C has a network of 11 charity shops in the heart of communities across Norfolk and East Suffolk. The Big C shops are an integral part of the charity’s income, and funds raised from any purchases go towards their vital work, supporting local people affected by cancer.
Volunteering can be a rewarding way to spend some free time. No experience is necessary, just a can-do attitude and a willingness to get involved. Anyone can volunteer with Big C to help support the work of the charity, including students looking for a Duke of Edinburgh or work experience placement to enhance their CV and corporate employees looking to use their volunteering days. Benefits include learning new skills, being part of a friendly team, feeling valued, rewarded and having fun.
Rachael Mold, who volunteers at Big C’s Furniture and Craft Emporium in Wymondham said “I love the variety of volunteering: the different customers, the range of donations, the many craft projects customers are planning, and helping with the ever changing shop displays! And I get to help people, both customers and those that need Big C, as well.”
“It’s such a rewarding part of my life being part of the team and I’m so pleased I signed up to volunteer at Big C Craft and furniture.”
RACHAEL MOLD, VOLUNTEER
Taster sessions are available for anyone unsure as to whether volunteering is for them. If you are unable to make the open days, you are encouraged to visit your local shop click on the link below and find out more about the roles available.
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.”
Norfolk residents and recycling centre staff are being thanked for a significant £22,177 donation to Big C charity.
Norfolk’s popular chain of reuse shops at 15 recycling centres help stop unwanted goods being thrown away, and sell the good quality items at bargain car boot prices. A cut of the proceeds is donated to a chosen charity, which since April 2022 is Big C.
Councillor Eric Vardy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has donated and bought bargains over the past year, more than ever before, and for the dedicated site staff who have made it possible for the reuse shops to go from strength to strength. We’re proud that satisfaction with our sites is up to 85% with people particularly pleased with how clean and easy to use our recycling centres are.
“Reuse is even better than recycling as it gives items a new home, cutting waste and transport impacts by preventing the need for production of new products. We showcased the fantastic work of the reuse shops as part the launch of our climate strategy yesterday. If you’ve not visited one of our reuse shops do drop by as you never know what you may find!
“Thank you to everyone involved for this generous donation to Big C. The Reuse scheme is a force for good, cutting waste and promoting repurposing. On top of that it is raising significant funds for charity which will be valuable in Big C’s work supporting local people affected by cancer.”
Tom HOLMES, EVENTS & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER, BIG C
In the 12 months between April 2022 and March 2023 the reuse shops raised £22,177 for the Big C cancer charity, prevented 1333 tonnes from materials of being thrown away and saved an estimated 1270 tonnes of CO2. This is because materials are reused again instead of being transported away for processing or disposal. It also means that fewer new natural materials are required to make new products, as reused products are given a second life.
Norse Environmental Waste Services (NEWS), part of the Norse Group, operate all of Norfolk’s recycling centres.
David Lake, Norse Operational Contracts Manager overseeing the 20 recycling centres managed by the Group across Norfolk, said, “The reuse shops have proved very popular. I’m proud of all our reuse shops’ work to ensure that good quality second-hand items are reused and not thrown away. By donating a proportion of the income raised, it’s lovely to be able to support the incredible work the ‘Big C’ does.”
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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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.
Norfolk Cancer Charity, Big C, has launched its own Health Academy as part of the organisation’s Education Division and in line with NHS Core20PLUS5 initiative.
Janice is one of our dedicated volunteers at the King’s Lynn Support Centre, and having been involved for a while now, wanted to share her volunteer story…
Janice is a fantastic part of the Big C family. Her daughter, Tonia is the Charitable Operations Area Manager at our King’s Lynn Support Centre.
In 2014, Janice, her then boyfriend, Eddie and her daughter Tonia began attending Slimming World. It wasn’t until Eddie started losing a lot of weight very quickly that they began to notice something might be out of the ordinary. Shortly afterwards, he began having swallowing difficulties.
After a doctor’s appointment, Eddie was sent to have an endoscopic procedure and then biopsies and on that same day, he was diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer. This outcome hadn’t even crossed Eddie or Janice’s minds and was a huge shock to them all.
Following his diagnosis, Tonia brought Eddie and Janice to the Norwich Support Centre in the grounds of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital so they could access advice, information and support.
It was discussed whether Eddie could have surgery, but unfortunately, this could not go ahead, so he began chemotherapy to shrink the tumour. His consultant gave him the prognosis that without chemotherapy, he would be able to live for another 6 months, with the chemotherapy, he could live for another 9 – 18 months.
During his treatment, Eddie had a stent fitted to help him continue eating as normally as possible, however, he lost about 7 stone. This was the thing that struck Janice and one of the hardest realisations. Eddie was a man who loved his food and Janice loved to cook for him so it was hard on them both.
In March, Eddie had his birthday and at the same time, he was admitted to hospital to have another stent fitted. Being in hospital helped with his pain management but he really just wanted to be at home.
Eddie proposed to Janice that summer and in November 2014, they were married. They had a lovely day but Eddie only managed to stay until 7pm.
During Eddie’s treatment period, Janice recalls attending Big C support sessions in the Kings Lynn Centre, including the weekly men’s group, drop-in sessions, tea and cake with other centre visitors as well as seeing a welfare advisor and having some helpful relaxation sessions. As Eddie’s carer, Janice attended some complementary therapies, chatted with people in a similar situation and the team helped her acquire things that she needed to look after Eddie at home which made such a difference.
Eddie passed away in May 2015, 9 months after his initial diagnosis. Janice recalls him being frightened but he was a strong person, he never lost his hope.
“Big C are a big help to people and put peoples mind at ease, they put you in the right place for what you need. Some medical professionals spoke to me like I knew it all already, I didn’t know which way to turn. I was supported by Big C and it made a big difference. To have somebody care and understand what you do need, is a big thing. Big C was that. They helped us all the way through.”
Janice, big c volunteer
Following Janice’s experience with Big C, she wanted to get involved by volunteering. She know helps at Big C’s King’s Lynn Centre talking to people that visit the Centre, making them feel at home and offering a cup of tea.
“The understanding, help and compassion Big C gave was marvellous. I still volunteer and help with fundraising events. If it’s going to help, that’s why I do it.”
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.
Norfolk Cancer Charity, Big C, has launched its own Health Academy as part of the organisation’s Education Division and in line with NHS Core20PLUS5 initiative.
