STRETTON & SHROPSHIRE CANCER CARE

Caring for people in the Strettons and Shropshire who are affected by cancer, and their relatives and friends

OUR AIM

Stretton Cancer Care was formed in 1994 to offer help, care and support to people with cancer in the Strettons and South Shropshire, their families, and anyone who has been bereaved by cancer. We are now attracting members from across Shropshire, and have recently changed the name of the group to Stretton & Shropshire Cancer Care to reflect this. We have about 80 members.

A diagnosis of cancer can be very frightening, and can give rise to strong emotions such as fear, anger, isolation and despair. Our aim is to help people through friendship and shared experience, to cope with these feelings and to take an active part in their own healing. We also help people find professional support according to their needs.

WHAT WE DO

We meet monthly at the Mayfair Community Centre in Church Stretton, starting at 2.30pm on the 2^nd Monday in the month. Sometimes our meetings are social, like a bring and share meal, sometimes we have an outside speaker talking on subjects which can help people with cancer, such as new treatments, nutrition complementary therapies and relaxation. We also have a summer outing, garden party, Christmas lunch and a fund-raising Christmas Bazaar.

WE ALSO OFFER:

Information on diet and complementary therapies which support primary medical treatment and care
Home visits by arrangement
A regular newsletter to keep members in touch, give details of the programme, general news and information about the treatment of cancer
We work closely with Macmillan Cancer Support and other providers to help our members meet their information needs

OUR SERVICE IS FOR:

People diagnosed with cancer, regardless of how long ago the diagnosis was made
Family members, relatives and friends of people with cancer
Anyone who has been bereaved through cancer, no matter how long ago

Our services are free to people with cancer, their relatives and friends. Donations to help meet the costs of our service are always welcome.

OUR COMMITTEE

Lesley McIntyre (Chairman) is a retired nursing sister and a former Mayor of Church Stretton. She was diagnosed with cancer and treated in 2000.

Sheelagh Wilson (Deputy Chairman) helped her husband Roger set up Sarcoma UK and now cares for and supports him in his patient advocacy work.

Roger Wilson (Newletter Editor) has had a rare cancer since 1999. He founded Sarcoma UK, now a national charity, and works as a Patient Representative in the NHS and Cancer Research.

Jackie Banfield (Social Secretary) trained and worked as a radiographer at Barts. She cared for her husband after he was diagnosed with kidney cancer.

Shirley Radford (Treasurer) is a qualified banker and financial consultant.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

We run a programme of events throughout the year. All meetings are open to the general public unless otherwise stated.

12 March - Social Meeting: Getting to know you.

16 April - Talk about Macmillan Cancer Support by the Coordinator for the West Midlands. (Please note: 3^rd Monday because of Easter).

14 May - Roger Wilson talks about his patient advocacy and his journey in 2011 to meet the Queen.

11 June - Evening open meeting - everyone welcome. Talk by Mr David Baxter-Smith, consultant urologist, on prostate cancer.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, please call Lesley on 01694 723427, or Roger on 01694 722123.

Stretton & Shropshire Cancer Care is affiliated to Macmillan Cancer Support.