Blog Stories
Name
How did the change happen?
What Changed?
Why is it important?
Leroy
I met the Plymouth Cancer Champions team at a breakfast club I attended. I have had cancer myself and like to help my friends who (are showing signs and symptoms) and may need support.
The Cake and Cuppas have helped a lot. They are friendly. I like meeting other people with the same problems. I also like to help other people out. It’s helped me in lots of ways talking about my illness.
It’s been a god send talking to people with the same problems. I like it as it’s local. I like this as it’s on my doorstep.
Leroy went on to tell the story of how he is a Cancer Champion – he said… ““I had previously talked to someone about my cancer experience, and she told me that something I said made her go to the GP and she ended up having tests and she got a cancer diagnosis and was treated successfully. I was talking to someone else I knew who had received a bowel testing kit in the post. After I explained about my cancer experience, they sent off the FIT test and it came back that they had traces of blood in their pooh. I took them to the hospital, and it turned out they had cancer. They have now also successfully finished treatment. Another friend of mine was telling me he was diagnosed with cancer but hadn’t heard anything back from the hospital. I asked my consultant to chase it up for him and he is now being treated. I tell you what it really pays to talk about cancer as it really saves lives.”
Name
How did the change happen?
What Changed?
Why is it important?
Lynda
It was advertised locally in my local area through flyers and posters. The proximity of these places (Cake and Cuppa) is manageable and very much appreciated because they're within walking distance in my local community. Although I don’t have cancer myself, my partner does. I wasn’t coping well, and I was worried he wasn’t speaking to anyone. The other night I felt very emotional when my partner asked, “I wonder how you’d feel if I became a Cancer Champion?” That wouldn’t have happened without this place. Prior to coming along, (to the Cake and Cuppa sessions) I felt guilty and ashamed asking for help when I wasn’t the person with cancer. Now I feel supported and it’s like yippee I want to go. It’s been hugely important. It’s easy to get to. All the staff are
Later I got a text from the GP’s surgery. I decided to go because my partner has cancer, which was diagnosed within the first lockdown year, so it was a very frightening and isolating time. We both needed company, to mix face-to-face with people who were undergoing a similar experience.
Although I don’t have cancer myself, my partner does. I wasn’t coping well, and I was worried he wasn’t speaking to anyone. The other night I felt very emotional when my partner asked, “I wonder how you’d feel if I became a Cancer Champion?” That wouldn’t have happened without this place. (Local Cake and Cuppa)
Coming to the Cake and Cuppa sessions has made my life better as it’s a safe, understanding and welcoming place.
(Later Lynda agreed to be a Cancer Champion herself) I was encouraged to be a Cancer Champion and attended a brilliant training session which was full of reassurance, clear information, and an opportunity to have my questions answered in such a way that I really wanted to be a Cancer Champion. So, I did! It's helped me feel an actual part of the marvellous work that goes on. Thank You.
Prior to coming along, (to the Cake and Cuppa sessions) I felt guilty and ashamed asking for help when I wasn’t the person with cancer. Now I feel supported and it’s like yippee I want to go. It’s been hugely important. It’s easy to get to. All the staff are brilliant. I feel like I can approach anyone. The 'aloneness' has been validated, soothed for both of us, and we've gained confidence to talk openly, which we didn't often do before.
It has enabled me to face fear of loss with a newly found courage, hope & confidence, and to be part of an amazing community. I am very grateful. Since becoming a Cancer Champion I have the confidence to respond to the people I meet in my local community when, for example, they say they don't attend any screenings.
Name
How did the change happen?
What Changed?
Why is it important?
Barry
I went to the Mannamead Well Being Hub and there was a talk about the project. I swapped information with the team running it.