Column — Why our Macmillan support workers are so important

SUMMER is here and we’re finally enjoying some sunshine! 

As we’re halfway through the year, I’ve taken time to reflect back on all the amazing things which have happened across Rotherham already this year. 

The main highlight is how we’re spending money in Rotherham on vital services.

We understand how busy and stretched the Macmillan nurses are. 

Macmillan have decided to help by giving the nurses more time to concentrate on the more complex needs of cancer patients by investing in new roles called Macmillan Cancer Support Workers. 

At Rotherham Hospital, Macmillan have invested over £230,000 to fund three Macmillan Cancer Support Workers in the breast, colorectal and urology departments. 

I had the pleasure of meeting a newly appointed Macmillan Cancer Support Worker, Claire Pass, who is based in the colorectal team at Rotherham Hospital.

Claire explains: “My role is to help people access things like financial, emotional and psychological support when they’re diagnosed with cancer.  

“I help reduce the amount of admin the Macmillan nurses have to do, freeing them up to concentrate on complex medical tasks.   

“No two people are the same, I listen to how cancer will impact on an individual’s life and help people make sense of their diagnosis. 

“I’m passionate about helping people to live as well as they can after the devastation of a cancer diagnosis.”  

We don’t want people in Rotherham to feel lost during their cancer care. I’m delighted we’re able to fund roles like Claire’s. 

If you’d like to help raise funds to help Macmillan fund services like this or would like to help by volunteering, please contact me on 07710 307050 or email [email protected].

Amy Hebdon is the fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Rotherham. Each month she updates The Rotherham Advertiser readers on the latest stories and developments by supporters across the town.