£310,686 committed to cancer care in Devon
As 2016 gets underway, a local fundraiser is sending out a message of thanks to all who raised funds for Macmillan Cancer Support last year.
Bridget Hill, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for South, Mid and East Devon said: "Because of all your support, in 2015 Macmillan was able to commit £310,686 in Devon, helping to support over 35,000 people living with or beyond cancer locally. That means there are now over 50 Macmillan professionals working in the county.
"I want to say a personal thank you to everyone who hosted or attended coffee mornings, volunteered their time, took part in challenge events, braved the shave, went sober for October, put a pound in a collection box, or held their own events to raise money for Macmillan."
Michelle Quick is one of the latest additions to the local Macmillan team; she has been working as a Macmillan Counsellor at The Lodge, Torbay Hospital since June last year, helping people to deal with the emotional effects of cancer.
Michelle said: "Generally I see three to four patients in a day. Primarily I’m based at the Lodge, but I also attend a ward round on a weekly basis to help in-patients with any emotional issues or anxiety they might have too.
"Individuals are offered a range of sessions, depending on their needs. We can see people right from the point of diagnosis, during or after treatment, and sometimes we also support family members or carers.
"For many people, it’s having the opportunity to talk openly to someone objective in a different way than they might talk to family and friends. It gives people an opportunity to explore worries or anxieties, providing coping strategies to help them deal with difficult times and move forward.
"Individuals fill out a form at the start and end of therapy to monitor how they are feeling, and it’s very rewarding to see people beginning to feel much better in themselves. I feel really proud, very fortunate and privileged to have the Macmillan title, and the opportunity to work with people affected by cancer; we’ve all been touched by cancer in some way.
"Services like this are vital –although some don’t access the service because they don’t need to, not having access to appropriate emotional support can have a huge impact on some people’s lives."
Bridget Hill concluded: “Macmillan’s ambition is to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer. By 2030, the number of people living with the disease will have doubled, so it’s a huge task to support each and every one of those in some way.
"Local fundraisers and volunteers ensure we can keep supporting posts like Michelle’s, and team up with partners like Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust to provide the best cancer care possible here in your community. With your help, we can make sure no one in Devon has to face cancer alone."
If you’re interested in holding or attending a fundraising event, getting involved with a fundraising group or committee, or would like to choose Macmillan as your charity of the year, please contact Bridget on 07801 307003 or bhill@macmillan.org.uk
Anyone who has questions about cancer can call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00, Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm or by visiting www.macmillan.org.uk
