Charity's call to talk about cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust called this week for people in Rotherham to mark the occasion on Saturday by reaching out to friends and family living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis and take advantage of the support available.

Angela Eyre, a Macmillan information manager at the Macmillan Information and Support Centre based at Rotherham Hospital, said: “Simply being there is often exactly what a person needs.

“If you or someone you love is facing cancer, visit our centre at the hospital, and you’ll be supported with kind words and practical information.”

Support group Active for Health puts on physical activity and helps people talk about their condition.

Tracey Green (pictured), from Treeton, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.

The 53 year-old, who also works at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust as a clinical lead for tissue viability, said: “After I was diagnosed with breast cancer I thought it would be the end of my life.

“I had chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was left with some nasty side effects including ‘chemo brain’, lymphoedema and joint pain.  

"I joined Active For Health and it definitely helped with the side effects of cancer treatment and so much more.  

“After each session, we stick around for a cuppa, our social time is a massive support.   

"It can feel hard talking to family and friends about cancer when you’ve finished your treatment, everyone expects you to get back to ‘normal’, the sessions are a great way to connect with people in the same boat and unload some of your worries.”

Active for Health offers 12 free physical activity sessions for people living with and beyond cancer in Rotherham.

Details can be found at http://rotherhamgetactive.co.uk/active-for-health.

You can also find support at Macmillan’s Online Community website at community.macmillan.org.uk or call the Macmillan Support Line from Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm, on 01709 427655.

Rotherham gym Xercise4Less is also teaming up with the Anthony Nolan Trust to mark World Cancer Day.

Throughout February, Xercise4Less Rotherham will also be donating £1 for every new member that joins the charity.

And the gym in Greasbrough Road is holding an open weekend on Saturday and Sunday, when people visiting the premises are invited to  buy a wristband or make a donation to the Anthony Nolan Blood Cancer charity in exchange for a free guest pass.

Anthony Nolan works to save the lives of people with blood cancer through their donor register, securing donations of blood stem cells or bone marrow to provide people with blood cancer and blood disorders with vital transplants.

The charity also funds world-class research into stem cell matching and transplants.

The Xercise4Less gym is holding Challenge Mondays throughout February from 5pm to 8pm.

Members can take part for a £1 donation and be in with the chance of winning a three month club membership.

Ashley Bonia, regional manager for Xercise4Less, said: “Anthony Nolan does fantastic work and it is a pleasure to be partnering with them.

“This cause is close to our hearts with members of the Xercise4Less team directly affected by blood cancer.

“We hope to see as many gym members, and non-members within the community, becoming involved as possible to raise much needed funds and awareness for this worthy cause.”