FORCE

FORCE Chief Executive Meriel Fishwick

Mental health support for people affected by cancer

The uncertainty of living through a global pandemic has taken its toll on all of us.

It has impacted the mental wellbeing of countless people and added an extra layer of uncertainty for cancer patients and their families.

That’s why FORCE, the area’s leading cancer support charity, is reaching out this Christmas to communities in Devon.

“We want to remind everyone affected by cancer that we are here to help,” said FORCE Chief Executive Meriel Fishwick.

“A significant part of our work involves caring for the mental wellbeing of people dealing with a cancer...

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Major boost to cancer services in East Devon

Cancer services in East Devon will receive a major boost this month.

Ottery St Mary Hospital will become a new cancer hub for patients and their families.

Specialists from the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital’s oncology department and FORCE, the area’s leading cancer support charity, will be working together within a dedicated unit at the Keegan Road site.

Access to potentially life-saving treatments will be among the new services available in Ottery with chemotherapy sessions held there for the first time.

Consultants and nurse specialists will also hold...

Charity desk cycle fundraiser starts for Exeter firm 

Devon digital advertising agency, Launch Online, is supporting the FORCE Cancer Charity Autumn Bike Ride initiative this November, but rather than being out on the road, its staff will be pedalling their little socks off from underneath their desks.

With the help of a fleet of mini pedal exercisers, which fit underneath the desk, the team will pedal as far as they can over the four weeks of lockdown while they work.

Every week the leading cyclist will wear a yellow jersey, a nod to the tradition that exists in the Tour de France where the best rider is recognised by...

Make a Will Fortnight with FORCE

FORCE Cancer Charity has again teamed up with local law firms to offer a will writing service for two weeks in September.

Make a Will Fortnight runs from September 7-21 when solicitors based in offices across Exeter, East, Mid and South Devon will waive their fees to write a simple will in return for a donation to FORCE.

Suggested donations are £150 for a single will and £200 for a mirrored will.

The donation will be made at the solicitors’ office at the time of your appointment and will go directly to the charity.

Should you need specialist advice, your...

The start of The Nello 2019

Nello goes virtual for 2020

FORCE Cancer Charity’s flagship fundraising event is going virtual for 2020.

Ongoing restrictions around the Coronavirus pandemic and mass gatherings mean that FORCE’s annual Nello cycle ride cannot go ahead as planned this summer.

Instead, cyclists will be offered the chance to take part in three different challenges that they can do independently.

There will be a new addition to the Nello’s traditional 55 and 100 mile options – the 25-mile Furloughed Flyer.

This opens up the event for the first time to anyone who doesn’t feel capable of tackling the...

Exeter cancer team takes on Captain Tom style challenge

National hero Captain Tom Moore has inspired cancer specialists from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital to take on their own fundraising challenge.

Staff from the Oncology Department at the RD&E are planning to complete laps of the hospital in aid of FORCE Cancer Charity.

The plan is for doctors, nurses, radiographers and other healthcare professionals from the hospital to form teams of at least 12 people to take on the 12-hour challenge every day from Monday to Friday next week, April 27 to May 1.

During their breaks they will walk or run laps around the...

virtual cheque

Virtual cheque presented to FORCE

The Family Law Company has raised £1600 for cancer charity FORCE in memory of a colleague who succumbed to the disease.

The current lockdown meant that the presentation was carried out virtually through a Microsoft Teams meeting, when Director, Jane Chanot ‘met’ Naomi Cole, Community Fundraising Coordinator with FORCE to present the cheque.

Jane said: “The money was raised by the company as a tribute to my former secretary Helen Finch, a much loved and valued member of our team who passed away last year.

“Although it was sad not to be able to hand over the cheque in...

Wear Your Pyjamas To Work Day

FORCE Cancer Charity has designated Thursday April 16 Wear Your Pyjamas To Work Day.

The idea is to lift the spirits of its supporters and help FORCE maintain the services it is offering while the country is in lockdown and beyond.

Wear Your Pyjamas To Work Day is the brainchild of FORCE Fundraising Development Officer Olly Watts.

He explained: “It’s all about having fun while raising awareness and making a small donation to FORCE.

“Whether you work or you're retired, why not wear your PJs for the day. Or if you were planning to spend the day in your PJs...

Meriel Fishwick, FORCE CEO

Help protect your local cancer charity

FORCE Cancer Charity is enlisting the help of its supporters and the people who have used the services it provides to lobby for a share of the money Chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged to charities.

The Government has promised £370 million for small and medium sized organisations at the heart of local communities which are making a big difference during the COVID-19 outbreak.

With its support centres in Exeter, Okehampton, Tiverton and Honiton temporarily closed, FORCE has redesigned its services to offer ongoing help and advice cancer patients and their families.

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FORCE Cancer Support and Information Centre

Coronavirus update: Force Cancer Charity

FORCE Cancer Charity has announced the temporary closure of its Support and Information Centre in Exeter.

The charity will continue to offer telephone and video call support to local people affected by cancer.

The decision to close its Support Centre in the grounds of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital was taken after consultation with clinical staff at the RD&E.

It follows the first reported cases of Coronavirus/Covid19 at the hospital.

All support services at FORCE’s weekly outreach centres in Okehampton, Tiverton and Honiton were also stopped with...

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