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Health: Charity creates a stir to support cancer victims
A cancer charity gearing up for its centenary is urging people to get involved and raise cash to bring more expert advice to patients and their families across Yorkshire.
Susan Press reports on how having a cuppa could help.
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According to the latest statistics, there are major victories in the battle against cancer.
The figures show that death rates from breast cancer, currently the most common in the UK, have reduced by as much as 35 per cent since the 1980s.
However, the research, just published by the British Medical Journal, also shows that Britain is still lagging behind comparable countries in Europe, despite the national screening programmes and improvements in treatment.
While the work continues to curb the death rates which put England, Wales and Scotland way down the list of 30 countries analysed, thousands of people have to deal with the trauma of seeing loved ones die way before their time.
One of them is Sarah Threadgall, who lost her mother Liz last year after watching her wage a six-year battle with breast cancer.
The 19-year-old Leeds Metropolitan University student is now one of the most dedicated volunteers for Macmillan Cancer Support – and is at the forefront of local efforts to raise thousands of pounds for cancer patients in West Yorkshire.
Currently about to start her second year of an events management degree at Leeds Met, Sarah lives in Thornes, Wakefield.
She said: "Mum was ill for a long time and when she died I did think about getting counselling from Macmillan because I was so upset about what had happened, but in the end I decided that what I had to do was to get out there and try to encourage other people to do their best to help us raise money.
"I started out by working as a volunteer one day a week and now I'm here for a 13-week period of internship over the summer.
"Working voluntarily for Macmillan has been good because it has given me something to focus on, I don't know anyone else my age who is in the same situation as I am, but there are many young people across the country who like me are coping on a daily basis. Getting out there and doing something has been the best thing I could have done.
"Over the next weeks I will be encouraging people to do what they can to raise money. I am hoping we can reach our target in West Yorkshire of 200,000 which will help "us reach our goal of helping as many people who need us,
Macmillan tries to reach out to everyone affected by cancer and they do a fantastic job."
Leeds currently has 56 Macmillan health care professionals, including 38 n urses. Doctors and specialists such as radiographers and dieticians are also helping people in hospitals and in the community throughout West Yorkshire.
Every September, the national charity, which was founded in 1911,
organises the World's Biggest Coffee Morning with hundreds of events taking place.
In Leeds alone, over 260 people took part last year, raising over 34,000.
This year, organisers are aiming to have 300 events taking place, raising over 40,000 in the process .
Their fund-raising campaign has already been boosted by Emmerdale's resident bad lad Nathan Wylde, who is played by actor Lyndon Ogbourne.
The young soap star is lending official support and will be in Leeds on the morning of Friday September 24 and attending as many events as he can.
Lyndon will be encouraging as many of his fans as possible to get involved and first prize in a competition on Twitter will be the chance to share a celebrity coffee with him.
The actor will also be joining the Leeds fundraising team on the day to thank supporters for all their hard work.
Macmillan's Leeds-based fundraising Manager Jamie Strachan said: 'Lyndon knows from personal experience just how traumatic cancer can be and he wanted to give something back to the charity which offers support to so many families. He is even going to cook some cakes and buns for us."
Macmillan's regional office is in Wakefield and in Leeds the focal point for the charity's work is the Macmillan Robert Ogden Centre, which is based at St.James' University Hospital.
Jamie Strachan said: "This is the main support service for people affected by cancer and it opened in 2000 to provide a place and space for people living with and affected by cancer.
"People have described it to me as a safe haven because it is a place they can go where they can feel more themselves and more at ease because the specialists are there to help. It is also a really useful source of information and support or can simply be somewhere to sit and have a quiet coffee and a chat.
"Our healthcare professionals work alongside the families all the way and we will go and visit patients in their homes, or hospice and hospital. Wherever they are we are with them on their journey right through to the end of life."
The Macmillan Robert Ogden Centre offers a comprehensive range of services to patients including massage, manicures, pedicures, reiki, aromatherapy and hair loss support for people undergoing chemotherapy .
Jamie added: "We are also there for practical as well as emotional support. Last year, our welfare rights team here in Leeds funded support and helped people get 106,000 in financial grants.
"We also have our national phone helpline for people affected by cancer enabling them to talk to somebody who understands the situation they are in and and can offer advice. This facility includes a youth help line, designed specially for teenagers whose families are affected by cancer. There is also a benefits helpline offering advice on things like filling in forms and enabling people to claim what they are entitled to during illness."
To celebrate the 10th birthday of the Macmillan Robert Ogden Centre, fund-raisers are also busy organising a charity ball at Oulton Hall on Friday October 1.
Tickets cost 50, and include a three course meal, champagne reception, and half bottle of wine as well as entertainment, a raffle and an auction.
More details about the event can be obtained from from Tom or Louise on 0113 206 6498.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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