Vital support work continues at FORCE Cancer Charity - SPRING 2020. FREE.
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The magazine of FORCE Cancer Charity SPRING 2020. FREE.
Vital support work continues
at FORCE Cancer Charity
www.forcecancercharity.co.uk FORCEcancercharity @forcecancer 01392 402875 / 01392 406151
We are still
Spring 2020
What’s inside
We need your help 3
here to help
Farewell and welcome 4-5
New support group 6
Equipment update 7
Making a difference 8-9
Volunteering 10
Research news 11 - 13
Get Active with FORCE 14 - 15
Fundraising latest 16
By Meriel Fishwick
The Shop 17
FORCE Chief Executive
Mervyn’s memories 18
T
Friends of FORCE 19 hankfully I had the opportunity to change my editorial before
Supporter stories 20 - 21 this edition of FORCE Matters reached the printers.
Firstly, I am able to tell you that in response to the
Gallery 22 - 23 Coronavirus pandemic we have been able to reschedule many of our
Supporter stories 24 - 27 services thanks to a wonderfully flexible and adaptable workforce,
technology and good old telephones. Although there are no
Support us today 28 face-to-face services at this time, please check our website -
www.forcecancercharity.co.uk - or use the following contact
details if you or anyone you know needs information or support.
• For cancer support, information and advice on claiming benefits:
01392 406151 support@forcecancercharity.co.uk
• For psychological and emotional support:
01392 406168/406169 help@forcecancercharity.co.uk
COVID 19 brings another layer of anxiety and distress for many of
our beneficiaries, some of whom find themselves in the at-risk group
and others who may be facing changes to their treatment plans. Please
be assured we will be doing all we can to help allay fears and provide
good, up-to-date information and support. We can also help make
links with the clinical teams, should that be necessary.
Commitment and continuity have been the bedrock of FORCE
since its origins in 1987. To recognise long-serving individuals who
have made a significant contribution to the charity, FORCE trustees
have introduced a new role. Mervyn Hayes and David Cantle have
been enrolled as our first two Vice Patrons - congratulations and so
many thanks to them both for their years of dedication to FORCE.
In January more than a decade of work was recognised when the
RD&E Cancer Services Team and FORCE won a national award for
collaboration. The electronic holistic needs assessment (eHNA) was
developed by the RD&E IT teams with FORCE funding and the data
has helped shape the hospital’s Health and Wellbeing programme for
cancer patients to improve their experience and outcomes.
It doesn't have to cost a fortune to make a difference and FORCE
was pleased to support the RD&E Lymphoedema Team by spending
£3,555 on a new lymph scanner, which could benefit thousands of
cancer patients every year.
As we all try to find our way through the coming weeks, FORCE
will be faced with major financial decisions, even with the measures put
in place by the Chancellor. The impact of COVID 19 is far reaching
and I know some of our supporters are dealing with their own financial
difficulties. I am therefore appealing to anyone who is in a position to
help FORCE at this time to donate now. The future of some of our
services will depend on it. Thank you so very much.
2 | SPRING 2020 | FORCEMATTERS
LEGACIES
FORCE NEEDS SUPPORT
TO FACE SIGNIFICANT
CHALLENGES
I
’m very proud to have been part of FORCE for 30 years and Gifts in wills have made it possible for us to do some amazing things
witness the support we have be able to offer people affected by across Devon.
cancer in the communities across large parts of Devon.
FORCE is at a pivotal stage in its development and as one of They have enabled us to take our
the most respected local charities in the region we’re asking all our services into more communities. Our
supporters to consider including a gift to FORCE in their will. FORCE@ initiatives in Okehampton,
In everything FORCE has achieved there has always been a plan Tiverton and Honiton mean thousands
to ensure our work is sustainable and we have continually adapted to of people can access the support they
meet the needs of our beneficiaries. Thankfully, we have never set up a need closer to home.
service and had to remove it due to financial constraints.
Our core values remain central to everything we do, but we are now
facing significant challenges as we plan for the future sustainability of
FORCE in a hugely competitive environment. There are now a myriad They have paid for equipment that
of cancer charities doing great work but it’s important to remind allows cancer specialists to save lives,
people why FORCE is unique in its offering to the people of Devon. reduce unnecessary treatment and
cut costs to the hospital.
We are local, we fund research, offer face to face support, support
innovation and help fund equipment to improve cancer care.
Above all, because we support anyone affected by cancer, we are
a brain tumour charity, a breast cancer charity, a pancreatic cancer
charity, a prostate cancer charity, a skin cancer charity, a lung cancer They have helped us fund the cancer
charity, a bowel cancer charity, and so the list goes on. researchers of the future at the
Everything achieved by the charity since it was formed in 1987 has University of Exeter Medical School.
been possible thanks to the generosity of local people. Legacies make
up a significant part of our income. Every legacy we receive is precious
and has the power to transform lives now and in the future.
They have allowed us to invest
in the nursing staff who deliver
chemotherapy to patients nearer to
where they live, sparing them the
stress and inconvenience of travelling
too far for treatment.
A £700,000 gift in the will of a supporter enabled FORCE to start
setting up our outreach programmes in 2014 and make a three-year
commitment initially. Through further legacies and some incredible
support we have been able to extend that to six years.
To ensure a future for all areas of our work we are dependent on
voluntary income and the importance of legacies to FORCE and the
people we support cannot be underestimated.
FORCE is not in a position to dedicate big sums of money to
promoting campaigns that encourage people to leave a gift in their
will or offer a free will writing service. So we simply urge you to
think hard about your choices and remember FORCE if you are
considering charitable gifts as part of your legacy.
Meriel Fishwick, FORCE Chief Executive
FORCEMATTERS | SPRING 2020 | 3
PROFILE
DAVID ACCEPTS
NEW ROLE WITH PRIDE
D
avid Cantle has stepped down as a trustee of FORCE after
more than 30 years on our board.
But we are delighted that he will still be heavily involved in
the work of our charity in a newly-created position.
David and another former trustee, Mervyn Hayes (see Page 17),
have agreed to become our first vice patrons, a role designed to harness
their great experience, energy and passion for FORCE.
In a special interview with FORCE Matters, David said: “It is
hard to believe that more than 30 years have elapsed since I became a
founding trustee of what was then called the Force Charitable Trust
under the banner ‘Giving quality to the lives of Westcountry patients.’
“My introduction to FORCE came through my wish to find out
more about cancer and what it was doing to my son, who was being
treated for osteosarcoma (bone cancer in his leg). Chris Rowland, the Mervyn Hayes and David Cantle
founder of FORCE, was Stephen’s oncologist and Bernard Simons, the receive their VP badges from
Anne Hong and Meriel Fishwick
charity’s co-founder, was a cancer patient. They both wanted to help
patients and families have a better quality of life.
“I was attracted to help them via my own business contacts and period of our three centres. It was gratifying that the last one was
senior management experience from working in the construction Honiton, where we have lived since moving to Devon in 1973. Her
industry. My links with a number of clubs and societies and as work also brought much fun and enjoyment in the staging of three
Chairman of Governors at Honiton Primary School provided a sound successful seasonal balls and other activities, which raised £30,000.
knowledge of many organisations. “Fun was always the key for Chris Rowland when we started our
“My initial motivation came from my son, who wanted to fundraise fundraising activities and the scenes portrayed in the FORCE Matters
for FORCE. Stephen sadly died within three months of his diagnosis magazine epitomise the fact that his challenge is still very much being met.
and needless to say, together with my family, we became dedicated “My biggest thrill was being involved with the building of our current
FORCE supporters to make Stephen’s wish come true. Support Centre and its extension, needed as our activities grew.
“Soon, I was asked by Bernard to take up a post as one of the new “The opening of the Tiverton, Okehampton and Honiton outreach
trustees and the rest is history. centres fulfilled one of Chris Rowland’s dreams. In the early days he
“I have seen many trustees come and go over 32 plus years and talked about a mobile unit to go around the countryside, educating
it seems strange that it is now my time. My decision to retire arose and providing a platform for FORCE to meet and greet clients in
following issues with an acoustic neuroma (a type of non-cancerous the community. He wanted to call it the Onco Wagon. I believe the
brain tumour), for which I received treatment in Bristol in 2019. The centres located in hospitals, with the benefits of providing chemo
time seemed right to bring in a younger person to replace me, well alongside many of our services, more than satisfies his wishes.
equipped with commercial and information technology skills. “The many facets of what we now present to the world are
“It has been a fabulous, progressive journey through the field of remarkable and quite breathtaking and I am still amazed at the quality
cancer care, the excitement of our many achievements as a charity, of the staff who deliver them and the brilliant way our ambassadorial
the way in which we can still smile, the wonderful friendships that volunteers and fundraisers operate.
have evolved. We have unquestionably made our own FORCE “I am proud of the way FORCE has become part of my life and
family, which we cherish. It has been a privilege, honour and pleasure above all I praise the foresight of our founders, which enabled FORCE
to recognise the thousands of patients and their families who have to deliver a service second to none.
benefitted from FORCE. “My appreciation extends to my colleagues for the honour they
“I must also show recognition of my wife Jean, who has been an have given me in my appointment as a vice patron of FORCE. It’s an
amazing fundraiser incredible honour
in her own right, and Greenslade Taylor Hunt Bear Raffle and an exciting
my daughters, Juliet opportunity to
and Susan, who maintain my contact
shared our passion in with FORCE
supporting FORCE. and hopefully I
“Sue worked will still be in a
for three years as position to offer
FORCE outreach help or give advice
coordinator during on appropriate
Honiton Ladies Lions Pamper Evening
the commissioning occasions.”
4 | SPRING 2020 | FORCEMATTERS
SUPPORT SERVICES
Kayleigh is the ideal complement
to our therapies service
K
ayleigh Brown is our new complementary She returned to the UK at the end of 2012 to
therapies co-ordinator. She joined the take up a post as spa supervisor across two sites at
charity at the end of last year when Anne the world-renowned five-star Celtic Manor resort
Clemo-Crosby retired. in South Wales. She managed a large team during
She is a therapist first and will be hands on with an 18-month stint at the golf, spa and leisure hotel
patients and their loved ones but is also excited complex, which attracts celebrities and world
about leading the team forward into a new decade. leaders – she recalls seeing German Chancellor
Kayleigh is full of ideas on how to use her Angela Merkel at a NATO summit there in 2014.
considerable experience, especially introducing “It was a big learning curve, managing such a
digital and IT solutions to make the service as large team. Throughout my career my passion has
effective as it can be. been the hands-on nature of the work, delivering
“My role is to make sure that we continue to therapies, but I have always enjoyed management,
provide all those complementary therapy services in leading a team and trying to be a good role model,”
the most efficient way possible for the good of the she said.
people that need them and for the charity,” she said. During that time, she and Kemar were married
“I am learning about how cancer affects people and I want to make - they now have a two-year-old daughter called Madison – and the
sure that we continue to provide what is both wanted and needed.” couple came to live in Kayleigh’s home county in 2014 when she took
Kayleigh was born and raised in Exeter and trained in beauty up a new post as spa manager at Darts Farm.
therapy at Exeter College. Kayleigh has also trained in reflexology - specialised foot massage
Once qualified she was keen to spread her wings and got a job at the techniques – and it was during the time that she was required to offer
prestigious Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire to learn her trade at one of treatments for free to achieve qualification that she realised just how
the most luxurious health spas in the country. much she was drawn to helping people in need.
She delivered all kinds of treatments including massage, facials and She explained: “That’s where my passion grew for supporting
various body treatments and learnt vital skills in dealing with people people when they really needed it, just by giving my time and offering
and the value of hard work. therapies. I found it humbling and so rewarding to be able to allow
She was then recruited as one of only four beauty therapists to people time to forget their worries, even if it’s just for an hour. It’s an
work in a newly built Marriott hotel in Canada. The company incredible privilege.
recruited from the UK because our therapists have a reputation for “I feel very lucky that I am able to use my experience in the spa
high standards. The hotel was in Ontario, in the affluent holiday area industry to give something back to people in need of our services as a
around Muskoka, a fairly remote spot two hours north of Toronto. charity. I definitely feel this is where I’m meant to be. As soon as I saw
“It was an amazing experience, incredible, the best time of my life. the job description, I knew it was where I wanted to work.
I spent three years there and during that time I was working with a “I’m on a fantastic journey of understanding and learning about
team of international staff including my future husband, Kemar, who’s how amazing the services and support we provide is and what a
a chef from Jamaica,” said Kayleigh. difference it can make.”
FORCE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS have been given a special
tour of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital’s new radiotherapy
treatment suite.
The latest in high-tech cancer care – a £2.5million medical
linear accelerator machine with an ultra-manoeuvrable treatment
couch – has been installed in a bunker built specially to house it.
Experts from the RD&E radiotherapy physics team explained
that the equipment works by delivering high-energy x-rays or
electrons to a patient's tumour and is designed to destroy cancer
cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue.
The new machine had been due to start treating patients this
Spring.
The team also built a thyratron – a gas-filled tube that can
act as a lamp - which they presented to FORCE with a special
inscription marking 15 years since the opening of our Support and
Information Centre.
FORCEMATTERS | SPRING 2020 | 5
SUPPORT SERVICES
Immunotherapy:
a revolution against cancer
N
ew cancer treatments and their immunity fails. underway since 2017, collecting quality of life
benefits have hit the headlines a lot A major advantage of immunotherapy is that information from people with breast, prostate
over the past few years with targeted because it is much more targeted, fewer and and colorectal cancer in eight hospital trusts.
treatments such as immunotherapy being milder side-effects are experienced by many It is hoped that results from this project will
developed for many cancer sites. patients. It can significantly increase the time inform a national Quality of Life assessment
Immunotherapy, which uses a person’s own people remain well after a primary or secondary by the end of 2020.
immune system to recognise and attack cancer cancer diagnosis and one recent study showed FORCE always keeps an eye on the
cells, has transformed the outlook for some that immunotherapy dramatically increased national picture with interest to see what we
cancers such as lung and malignant melanoma. life expectancy for some people diagnosed with can learn from larger projects.
Normally, our immune system works to cancers affecting the head and neck. At FORCE we already recognise that
protect the body against infection, illness Although it is good news that treatments for there will be many more people living with
and disease. It can also protect us from the cancer are improving life for some, we need to non-curative cancer and we hope to develop
development of cancer. Cancer cells, however, support the emotional and social wellbeing of services which reflect this with a new support
can produce signals that stop the immune people receiving ongoing treatment. group (see below).
system from attacking them, so our natural Nationally, a pilot project has been Annie Kerr, FORCE Information Manager
Are you living with
non-curative cancer?
W
e often hear that new treatments brought to light how
can improve life expectancy but the valuable peer support is
reality of daily living can be difficult for cancer patients. They
and living with uncertainty about what’s can relate to each other
ahead can be particularly challenging. in a way no-one else can
With this in mind, FORCE is piloting a and this proves to be
new support group for patients living with invaluable,” said Emma.
cancer that cannot be cured, recognising that The first pilot group Annie Kerr and Emma Barker
both the physical and emotional impact of called Managing Life
illness can have far-reaching effects. with Non-Curative Cancer will run once a of treatment, pain management and fatigue,
The new group will be led by FORCE month on a Friday morning at the FORCE relationships and intimacy, the psychological
Information Manager Annie Kerr and Cancer Support and Information Centre. The and emotional cost of a potentially life-
Oncology Support Specialist Emma Barker, start date is yet to be confirmed. limiting condition, fear of the unknown, how
who researched access to support for people The group will support up to 10 people to plan for the future or for the end of life.
living with cancer. with individuals asked to commit to all six “The impact on so many aspects of life can
They looked at what is important for people meetings if they can. be very challenging but we hope this group
diagnosed with secondary cancer and found “We know at the time of primary diagnosis will offer valuable support,” said Emma.
the things that came up were quite complex. there is a lot of support in place to help FORCE hopes to run two pilot groups in
Family tensions, guilt, the expense of being people manage the impact of cancer on their 2020/2021 and feedback from these groups
unwell, the change of role in life and social lives. When a secondary cancer is diagnosed, will be essential to guide the development of
isolation were all identified. sometimes support needs to be available in a regular six-week programme to be launched
Having an oncology nurse and a counsellor a different way for people living well with next year.
involved in the support group will provide cancer as an ongoing condition,” said Annie.
people with both clinical and psychological “We hope to create an opportunity for For more information or to discuss
support in a safe and informative environment. people to explore some of the issues they face, booking a place in the group, please
It will allow them to share experiences and things that may not always be easy to talk contact Emma on 01392 406169 or
emma.barker@forcecancercharity.co.uk
challenges with others living with a similar about with family and friends,” she added.
or Annie on 01392 406151 or
condition. Topics may include dealing with feelings annie.kerr@forcecancercharity.co.uk
“Our involvement in running groups has of isolation and anxiety, the physical effects
6 | SPRING 2020 | FORCEMATTERS
EQUIPMENT
New scanner could benefit
thousands of patients
F
ORCE has bought a new piece of equipment that could benefit By calculating the percentage of fluid in an area before, during and
thousands of patients each year at the Royal Devon and Exeter after treatment, patients should not only feel changes in their tissue
Hospital. but will see the outcome in numbers on the new scanner.
Our trustees gave the green light to donating a new scanner for “It will help them to see that the treatment and self-management is
the Lymphoedema Service, based at Heavitree Hospital, at a cost of effective and that they are making a difference,” said Michele.
£3,555. “This is also beneficial for our patients to understand that sometimes
The Lymph Scanner is a portable, all-in-one unit for measuring the fullness they might feel is not always lymphoedema but natural
the fluid content in body tissue, useful in the early detection of changes to the tissues following surgery etc.
lymphoedema. “Our patients have already been through their initial treatments and
It works by generating an electromagnetic wave which measures they often find it difficult to deal with lymphoedema.
water content and converts it into a reading on “Many people can relate more easily to a visual
the display screen for instant results. demonstration or explanation of a condition,
FORCE Chief Finance
“The benefit of this equipment is that it is Officer Julia Pitts which is where the lymph scanner will prove
portable, quick, reliable and easy to use,” said and patient to be very valuable.
lead Lymphoedema Clinical Nurse Specialist Carolyn Westaway “This will hopefully reduce the time
Michele Tiltman. patients need to come to clinic as they
“It allows nurses to identify if we are looking will be successfully self-managing their
at an accumulation of fluid within the tissue lymphoedema with confidence and
or a change in the cosmetic look of tissue understanding.
following surgery or radiotherapy.” “For the nurses, it will help us plan our
The scanner, which could be used on up to treatment with the evidence to back our
2,500 patients a year, is particularly useful decisions. It will also allow us to identify
for areas of tissue that cannot be gauged by the pathways most effective for manual
simply measuring the circumference of an lymphatic drainage.
arm or leg. “We will find the scanner very useful as it
Patients are shown simple techniques to will allow us to prioritise the areas needing
improve the movement of lymphatic fluid. treatment.”
WHAT IS LYMPHOEDEMA?
Lymphoedema develops when the lymphatic system - a network
of channels and glands throughout the body that helps fight
infection and remove excess fluid - doesn’t work properly and
causes swelling in the body's tissues, usually in the arms or legs.
Lymphoedema affects more than 200,000 people in the UK
and there's a particular risk after treatment for any cancer where
lymph glands are removed.
Patients who have surgery for breast, gynaecological,
genitourinary and skin cancers are particularly at risk.
Swelling is not the only symptom. Patients can develop an
aching, heavy feeling, have difficulty with movement, develop
hard, tight skin and suffer repeated infections or experience fluid
leaking through the skin.
It can be difficult to fit into clothes and jewellery and watches
can feel tight.
There's no cure for lymphoedema but it's possible to control the
main symptoms using techniques to minimise fluid build-up and
stimulate flow through the lymphatic system.
Michele Tiltman and her Wearing compression garments, taking good care of your skin,
team, Louise and Sue Fuller, moving and exercising regularly, having a healthy diet and lifestyle
with the lymph scanner kit and using specialised massage techniques can all help.
FORCEMATTERS | SPRING 2020 | 7
MAIN
OUTREACH
HEADING
FORCE@
funding climbs
towards the
£1million mark
B
y the end of the 2019-20 financial year, Devon residents since it began in 2014. heartfelt gratitude of so many people whose
FORCE will have spent £890,000 The value of weekly support sessions in lives have been turned upside down by cancer.
on making sure support for people Okehampton, Tiverton and Honiton and The numbers using our FORCE@ services
affected by cancer is available beyond our access to chemotherapy in all three towns are increasing so we know that offering
Exeter headquarters. thanks to FORCE is immeasurable. emotional, psychological and practical help
The outreach programme, which became The return on an investment that will and the possibility of treatment closer to
known as FORCE@, has helped thousands of exceed £1million by this time next year is the where people live is the right thing to do.
Kathy praises brilliant support
K
athy Meyer is a fascinating character She has been a fruit She was diagnosed after her
with an infectious enthusiasm for life picker, school lunchtime daughter noticed she wasn’t eating
and a gift for engaging conversation. helper, shop assistant much and seemed tired and
She’s been a regular at our FORCE@ and when her bloated. She saw her GP and
FORCE@
Okehampton service where she had treatment daughters were old subsequent tests revealed
for peritoneal cancer and has benefitted from enough, she took cancer of the lining of her
Okehampton
other FORCE support too. advantage of a abdomen. Consultant
She told FORCE Matters: “I’m very lucky. training scheme to oncologist Dr Michael
I have a great family and great friends and encourage women Hannemann put her on
FORCE has been brilliant, a real support. back to work. She a regime of chemotherapy
They give you a lot of information on all sorts worked as a typist straight away and after six
of things you might need help with. and then in the credit months of treatment, she then
“I’ve done the exercise programme but I control department of a went on to a maintenance dose every
would never have thought of going to a gym major publishing company, three weeks in Okehampton.
before I was introduced to FORCE. That eventually working her way up to a senior “Coming to FORCE is a chance to get
certainly made me feel better. managerial role. away from things and relax. You feel as if
“I’ve had information about eating well, She has also been a part of the Girl Guide you’re talking to people without having to
which was really helpful. The complementary movement for more than 50 years and has put a brave face on. I can’t praise FORCE
therapies are really good. I’ve had massages supported FORCE by fundraising through enough. They do such a good job,” she said.
and my friend who drives me to my chemo her membership of the Trefoil Guild, a Kathy is one of many who find being able
sessions has also had complementary therapies branch of girl guiding. to have their chemo closer to where they live
because it wasn’t the sort of thing my husband She and Derek moved to the Westcountry invaluable.
wanted to do and it also gave him a break.” from Kent more than 20 years ago. One patient told us: “It turns a long, weary
Originally from Ireland, Kathy came to “We used to come to Devon in a motorbike day into a brief commute with easy parking
England just before her 16th birthday for and sidecar for holidays and always loved it,” and almost no wait.”
work. She lived in London and met her future she explained. Another said: “Coming here means my
husband at his 21st birthday party. She and They were running a B&B at their home husband can accompany me without having
Derek have been together for more than 60 near Holsworthy but gave it up when to take days off work. He has been able to go
years. They have two daughters, one in Kent she became ill near the time of her 76th into work for a few hours before coming here
and one in the Midlands. birthday. and the time saving is fantastic.”
8 | SPRING 2020 | FORCEMATTERS
OUTREACH
“I couldn’t do it
without FORCE” FORCE@
Tiverton
“A
t FORCE people are always pleased to see you and to help. grateful for FORCE’s weekly
It’s welcoming and relaxing and everybody shows such outreach service in Tiverton
dedication.” Hospital with “parking in Exeter
That’s how 80-year-old Barbara Hopper from Willand describes her such a nightmare!”
experience of using our services. “I’m so grateful to FORCE. They have
Barbara first came into contact with FORCE when her late husband been ever so good to me at Tiverton, really excellent. I
David was diagnosed with prostate cancer five years ago. couldn’t praise them enough. Everyone is very caring and there is always
“He was having radiotherapy at the RD&E and we saw a leaflet about a smile to greet you. They’ve listened to me moaning and groaning and
FORCE so we came over to the Centre. It’s such a wonderful, peaceful helped me to come to terms with things.”
place. We used to go there for a cup of tea and we had complementary She and her daughter also attended a FORCE Bereavement Day
therapies,” said Barbara. “Everyone was very good to us.” although she admits: “On the morning, we weren’t sure we really
David, a retired police sergeant, recovered but the family’s cancer wanted to go but we made ourselves and I’m so glad we did. It really
journey wasn’t over. Their daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer helps you see that you’re not on your own and you start to see the light
and in December 2018, Barbara herself discovered a lump and needed a bit. I would recommend people to go and try it.”
surgery and radiotherapy. Barbara has also had support from her church and says she is blessed
While she was in the midst of treatment, David died suddenly in with good neighbours alongside support from her family.
February 2019 – the couple had been married for nearly 60 years. “I’m very lucky,” she said, showing remarkable strength. But FORCE
It was devastating for Barbara and her family but she has been has also been essential in helping her cope. “FORCE always makes
able to lean on FORCE for support. The former school cook has had you so welcome. I couldn’t do it without them and I can’t praise them
complementary therapies and counselling and has been especially enough,” said Barbara.
SUPER SERVICE SUCH A
BOOST FOR BERNADETTE
FORCE@
B
ernadette Haly was the first person the more relaxed setting of her local hospital
to receive chemotherapy in Honiton with those nurses who have become such
when FORCE began funding the
service in East Devon 18 months ago.
familiar faces since she started treatment in
2017 is a real boost for Bernadette. Honiton
She still has regular treatment at the town’s Her initial diagnosis came after an MRI
hospital, provided by specialist nurses from scan when she was unwell for months with
the Cherrybrook chemotherapy unit at the what was thought to be an inflamed gall
RD&E who are paid for by our charity. bladder. Lesions on her spine were detected
“Having chemo in Exeter can take up the before the primary site of the cancer was “It was a fabulous city to live in and we were
whole day. Sometimes you can go in at 10 identified in her breast. there when the Berlin Wall came down. It
and still be there at six o’clock. Being able to “I have a mass on my head now which was amazing to see such an important point
have treatment just around the corner from makes me a bit wobbly and it means I can’t in history but reunification ultimately meant
where I live is brilliant. It makes the whole drive, otherwise I could walk to the hospital,” I lost my job because the Allied forces had to
experience more bearable,” she said. she explained. “I started my treatment at leave the city.”
Introducing treatment in our FORCE@ Cherrybrook but it’s so good to be able to go Her 11-year-old son was born in Germany
locations has removed the pressure of parking to Honiton. but wanted to come ‘home’ so in 1994 they
and the stress of visiting the extremely busy “Everyone is so welcoming and helpful and moved to live near her family in Devon and
environment at Cherrybrook for hundreds of the volunteers who make the tea and give you she got a job at Tesco, where she worked for
patients like Bernadette. a biscuit are really good. You don’t ever feel more than 20 years until ill health forced her
“The staff on Cherrybrook are marvellous uncomfortable there.” to retire.
but people do get frustrated at not knowing Bernadette was born and raised in East She is proud of the way Honiton has
whether they’ll be able to park or how long Devon but lived in Germany for more than embraced FORCE and the services we have
they’ll have to wait for their treatment. It 20 years. She joined the RAF in 1970 and was been providing in the town since 2018.
puts pressure on patients at a time when they in uniform for 10 years before working in a “People are becoming more aware of what
really don’t need it,” she said. Berlin-based department that allocated married you do and all the things that are available.
Having time to chat and “have a laugh” in quarters to families moving to Germany. It’s wonderful,” said Bernadette.
FORCEMATTERS | SPRING 2020 | 9
VOLUNTEERING
MAIN HEADING
Gwen reaches
a volunteering
milestone
O
ur shop has undergone massive changes since it first opened
in April 1995 and Gwen Richards has been there to witness
them all.
She is our longest serving shop volunteer, joining the team around
six months after we welcomed our first customer.
“I walked past the FORCE shop, which was the only charity shop
in Heavitree at that time, and they were looking for someone to sort
jigsaws,” Gwen recalls.
“I love doing jigsaw puzzles so I went in and spoke to Wendy
(Symes, former shop manager), who said they needed someone to work
on the till. My maths was OK and my mental arithmetic was pretty
good so I said yes and I’ve been here ever since!”
The shop used to be a dairy and was tiny compared to the space it
occupies now, especially since it expanded into the shoe repair shop
next door when the local cobbler retired.
“It’s a lot bigger now. The till used to be by the door and the shop
ended where the till is now. We’ve always sold a wide variety of things.
Now there’s just a lot more of it. When other charity shops opened, we
thought we might lose out but that’s never really happened,” said Gwen. “I tell people that it’s a local charity. We are the only FORCE in the
She volunteers every Wednesday afternoon, always on the till, and country. I explain all the things the charity does. People come in and
occasionally helps out with the book section on a Saturday plus “anything say how great the Centre is. They bring things in because they want
else Anna (Heard, current shop manager) can find for me to do!” to support FORCE and we tell them where the money goes. A high
She has worked under seven different managers and reckons there’s percentage of people donate because FORCE has been very good to
never a cross word. “What makes it a success is the team we have, them or someone they know. I’ve never heard people say anything but
the variety of things we have to sell and our prices are very good. good about the charity.”
Ninety per cent of people think we are very reasonable,” said Gwen. To read more about our shop and its 25th anniversary, go to Page 17
“Everybody loves the shop. I don’t think I’ve
Join our teams in
ever heard a bad word from anyone who’s
been in.”
Devon born and bred, she worked in
Okehampton and Tiverton
insurance for the Co-op and then at a play
group before spending 30 years in schools,
listening to and encouraging children to read.
She and her husband of 58 years have lived
in Heavitree for more than 30 years. They WE ARE ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT unload and load our outreach van, set up
have a son and daughter, four grandchildren for people to join our fantastic line-up of the areas we use in each hospital, register
- one of whom refers to the FORCE shop as volunteers. We are especially keen to hear visitors coming for an appointment or
“Nanny’s Shop” - and one great-grandchild. from anyone who could bolster our teams chemotherapy and offer information about
She thought about retiring when new tills in Okehampton or Tiverton. FORCE, directing people to our Exeter
were installed but she has taken the shift to FORCE offers support and advice at Support Centre as appropriate.
high tech checkouts in her stride and has no Okehampton Hospital every Wednesday You don’t need any specific skills or
plans to quit just yet. and Tiverton Hospital on Thursdays. experience for our volunteer roles, just
“I love it. It’s amazing what you can get Volunteers are the first point of contact enthusiasm and the ability to talk to our
used to, even the new tills! I love everything when people arrive and play an important visitors.
that’s here, especially the camaraderie. I go part in welcoming visitors, helping them The first step is to contact our Volunteer
home tired but I always enjoy it. It’s always to feel at ease and offering refreshments. Manager Heather Taylor –
a laugh in here and most of the people who Our volunteers also help serve drinks call 01392 406154 or email
come in are lovely,” said Gwen. and snacks to cancer patients receiving heather.taylor@forcecancercharity.co.uk
She lost her father and father-in-law to chemotherapy. There’s more information on our website:
cancer and knows the value of the support In addition, we need their help to forcecancercharity.co.uk/volunteer/
FORCE can offer.
10 | SPRING 2020 | FORCEMATTERSRESEARCH
FORCE’s current funding pledge to the team at the University of Exeter Medical School is coming to
an end and our trustees have decided that we should retain our commitment to local cancer research
by helping to get more clinical projects off the ground. Dr Jackie Whatmore leads the Medical School
team funded by our charity and tells FORCE Matters how important our support has been.
A new focus for our funding
‘F
ORCE has supported moved on to do great things.
a programme of cancer Joanna recently worked on
research at the Medical our project which looks at how
School in Exeter for many years. secondary cancers develop in the
This funding has supported brain. She enjoyed this research so
several students and staff, training much that has moved on to work
cancer researchers of the future and in the same field in Canada.
leading to world class studies that Joanna writes: “The FORCE
have been published in many widely funding has helped me build
read scientific journals. a foundation for my future
I thought that I would take this career! I gained priceless research
opportunity to fill you in on what a experience that has helped
couple of our researchers have gone me move on to the next stage
on to do after leaving Exeter. of my scientific career. In January 2020 I started working as a
You may remember reading about Zahid Pranjol, particularly his Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Calgary
rather memorable trip to present his research in Russia. in Canada where I continue studying the development of brain
Zahid was funded by FORCE for both his PhD studies and then as tumours.”
a more senior researcher. After completing FORCE-funded projects The way FORCE is supporting our research is changing but our
on cancer, he moved on to carry out research at the William Harvey commitment to do the very best work and train cancer researchers of
Research Institute within the Queen Mary University of London. He the future is not.
then secured a lecturer position at Sussex University. Going forward, FORCE is partially funding a two-year Masters
Zahid said that the experience he gained through his early FORCE- level research project. We are currently recruiting to this post and the
funded research has been greatly rewarding for him in progressing researcher will continue our work investigating the processes involved
with his career. when primary lung tumours form secondary tumours in the brain.
Joanna Pyczek is another FORCE-funded researcher who has We are very excited to continue working with FORCE.’
Bursaries aid talented young researchers
T
wo dedicated young including work on computer programming to enhance and support
researchers have expressed her research, some of which has now been published.
their gratitude to FORCE As well as supporting Holly’s academic progress, it also meant
for funding to enhance their she could travel to conferences and workshops while living in a city
training. where expenses exceed the national student average by a whopping
Medical students Holly Russell 80 per cent.
and Lily Hillson have both “I cannot express the extent to which this placement and your
received Dr Christopher Giles funding of it has bolstered my enthusiasm for cancer research. This
Rowland Bursary awards. work has solidified my wish to undertake a PhD focusing on cancer
The annual prize was established genetics,” said Holly.
by FORCE in memory of our “I wish to express my gratitude once again for your funding of my
charity’s co-founder. Lily Hillson academic research. I intend to use the knowledge it has given me to
A grant of £1,500 is made each improve our understanding of cancer and aid in its treatment.”
year to a second year BSc Medical Sciences student at the University Lily, from Tavistock, has been awarded the bursary for 2019/20.
of Exeter Medical School who opt to take a Professional Training She is now undertaking a placement year in the lab of Professor
Year (PTY) linked to oncology. David Parkinson at the University of Plymouth, recognised as a
Holly has completed a successful placement at the Wellcome Trust Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence. It is one of only four
for Human Genetics at Oxford University, focussing on endometrial in the UK with a unique focus on low-grade brain tumours.
and colorectal cancer. She now plans to undertake a PhD in cancer Her focus is on the biology of Merlin - a protein that acts as a
genetics at Oxford or Cambridge. tumour suppressor - and its role in tumours of the nervous system.
Money from the bursary enabled her to attend numerous courses, Read more about Lily in the next edition of FORCE Matters.
FORCEMATTERS | SPRING 2020 | 11MAIN
RESEARCH
HEADING
Expectant mums recruited
for exciting new study
D
evon mums-to-be are being recruited to an exciting new Dr Katharine Edey
research project into monitoring blood for signs of ovarian
and bowel cancer during pregnancy.
FORCE has made a grant of £25,000 for an 18-month study at the
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
The number of women over 40 having babies is increasing and
although cancers in pregnancy are extremely rare, the risk of ovarian
and bowel cancers increases with age.
Ultrasound scanning is a well-established part of early pregnancy care
and has led to a rise in the number of ovarian masses identified.
These are usually benign but some may be malignant and it is often
difficult to know which is which and how to treat them, while looking
after both mother and baby.
Outside of pregnancy, there are blood tests looking for particular
markers that can also provide information on the likelihood that a
lump is cancerous.
“We do not know if, or how, pregnancy affects the normal range of
these markers so they are not used during pregnancy,” said consultant
gynaecologist Katharine Edey, who is leading the research project.
“We would like to change this by collecting blood samples from The study will be managed by the Exeter Tissue Bank, part of the
a large number of women during their routine pregnancy. We will National Institute for Health Research Exeter Clinical Research
measure specific proteins in the blood so that we can identify their Facility.
normal range. Funding from FORCE pays for staff to collect and analyse up to
“We can then compare these normal ranges in pregnancy with the 1,000 samples from volunteer donors, who will remain anonymous.
normal ranges outside of pregnancy to see if they are different and if The research team from the RD&E also includes obstetrics and
they are, we can adjust the pregnancy ones. gynaecology consultant Dr Lisa Knight, consultant biochemist
“This means we then have a normal pregnancy range that could be Professor Tim McDonald and Dr Bridget Knight, research midwife
used to provide extra information for women who are found to have and tissue bank nurse manager.
an unexpected ovarian mass in early pregnancy. The usefulness of The work is being carried out in a purpose-built unit within the
bowel markers is less certain, but knowledge of normal levels will help Research Innovation Learning & Development (RILD) Building on
us pass this information on to the women we care for.” the RD&E’s main Wonford site.
Expectant mothers are recruited after their routine 12-week scan FORCE Chief Executive Meriel Fishwick said: “FORCE is
and have a second blood sample taken at 28 weeks. delighted to support this research project because it has the potential
More than 250 women have already signed up with that number to help or reassure a certain group of pregnant women by providing
expected to multiply, thanks to funding from FORCE. extra information to specialists. The results of this work will be shared
“This grant has helped from day one of recruitment,” said Dr Edey. and therefore the benefits will extend beyond our locality.”
Expectant mothers are The number of women Blood samples are collected from More than 250 women have
recruited after their routine over 40 having babies is a large number of women during already signed up with that
12-week scan increasing their routine pregnancy number expected to multiply
40
250
12 | SPRING 2020 | FORCEMATTERSRESEARCH
Wonderful wedding day gesture
in mum Jane’s memory
N
ick and Lucy Yarnold have a
profoundly personal reason
for supporting FORCE’s latest
commitment to fund local cancer research.
Jane Yarnold – Nick’s wife and Lucy’s
mother – died from the disease in 2009 at the
age of 55.
The family has made a donation of £4,200
to FORCE in her memory with the funds
earmarked for research into ovarian cancer at
the RD&E.
The money was raised from Lucy’s wedding.
When she and partner Paul Arpino were
planning their big day, they asked the Rotary
Club of Crediton Boniface whether they
would provide the catering and run the bar.
Irene Butt, who used to own the New Inn
at Coleford with Rotarian husband Paul, is
Nick, Lucy and Paul
renowned for providing great food at Rotary
events and she agreed to the family’s request.
The wedding was at the Oak Barn in On the day, members of the Rotary club and something
Hittisleigh where Irene and her team of acted as waiters and waitresses and ran the we really
Rotarians and friends catered for 80 guests bar, giving their time for free in order to raise wanted to do,”
and 120 for the evening party. money for charity. It was amazing”. said Nick, a
“It was brilliant,” said Lucy, a sonographer “My family said it was one of the best former national account
in the ultrasound department at Torbay weddings they had ever been to. It was manager in the snack foods industry.
Hospital. “It was a lot of work for Rotary but fantastic,” said dad Nick, a former president He and Jane met as teenagers and were
they pulled it all together. You would never of the Rotary Club. married for 34 years. They lived at Yeoford,
have known that they weren’t a professional where Jane was school secretary for 25 years.
catering company!” The catering crew Lucy describes her mum as “a very kind
“We had canapes, a huge ploughman’s and thoughtful person” and recalls the
and some very fancy mini desserts, then wonderful care and support provided by
pulled pork at the evening do. All the guests staff at the RD&E, particularly Dr Tom
commented on how wonderful the food was. Whitehead, and FORCE during her mum’s
illness. Jane used the charity’s support centre
Jane Yarnold in Exeter to find a wig.
“It was really important to my mum for her
confidence and
the way she was helped at FORCE was so
The Rotary Club of Crediton Boniface kind and supportive” said Lucy.
charged a commercial fee for the food and
drink with the profits set aside for charity. Rotary Club of Boniface Crediton
cheque presentation
Nick and Lucy had been looking for a
cause to support with the proceeds and
when they heard about Dr Katharine Edey’s
research project into ovarian cancer, funded
by FORCE, it seemed ideal.
“We really wanted to donate the money to
something connected to ovarian cancer,” said
Lucy, who also lost her aunt and grandmother
to the disease.
“It is something that’s very personal to us
FORCEMATTERS | SPRING 2020 | 13SUPPORT SERVICES
FORCE FITNESS PROGRAMME
LEADS WHERE THE WORLD
SHOULD FOLLOW
P
hysical activity has been recognised as we never rest on our laurels and despite the
an essential part of cancer treatment. undoubted success of the Get Active with
The latest research suggests that FORCE scheme, it continues to develop
exercise should now be embedded as standard and grow.
practice for patients at any point on their We have recruited experienced
cancer journey. physiotherapist Becky Bailey (see opposite) to
It is not yet an integral part of cancer work alongside Louise in offering one-to-one
care around the world because there are not assessments when patients are first introduced
enough qualified professionals to deliver to the FORCE exercise programme.
appropriate exercise programmes. Becky’s arrival has enabled us to provide
In Devon, however, we have the gold more individual consultations in our
standard, thanks to FORCE. FORCE@ locations – Okehampton, Tiverton
Our funding for the training of exercise and Honiton.
professionals to reach the Level Four We are also now actively involved in
Qualification in Cancer Rehabilitation means offering prehab - an exercise programme
that patients across the county can access before cancer treatment.
a variety of schemes for getting active and Louise has strengthened our links with the
improving their wellbeing. Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, particularly
“Exercise can help people live well with on how to refer people into our service.
and beyond cancer thanks to all the physical Oesophageal patients are the latest to
and psychological benefits it offers,” said benefit. They are now directed to FORCE
FORCE’s specialist oncology physiotherapist while they await surgery at Derriford.
Louise Ballagher. This adds to already established
“National drivers recommend that exercise “At the moment these are only guidelines relationships within RD&E oncology and
should be part of the basic care for patients. and recommendations, but FORCE has been surgical teams including breast, head and
There is now a push to make this standard wonderful in acting on this and providing neck, upper gastrointestinal and colorectal.
practice in hospitals across the country. support for thousands of patients. “We are constantly reviewing extra
“That’s what we have been delivering for “We offer a variety of exercise opportunities opportunities to find more diverse ways to
cancer patients since 2014. that help build confidence and offer encourage people to get active,” said Louise.
“FORCE is at the forefront of fulfilling the reassurance to patients that there is more than “Exercise can help counteract the adverse
recommendations of those national drivers. one route to follow. We offer lots of different effects of cancer and its treatment at any stage
“We introduced it before the latest national opportunities and ways to get active.” in the cancer pathway.
cancer strategy was even introduced. It is part of our charity’s strength that “Evidence suggests that following an
exercise programme before treatment leads
to increased cardiorespiratory fitness, fewer
FORCE PAYS FOR PATIENTS TO UNDERTAKE: post-operative complications and less time
spent in hospital.”
• An eight-week, • An eight-week WALKING • An eight-week YOGA We already know that simple physical
INDIVIDUALLY PRESCRIBED CIRCUIT OR GROUP course activity during treatment can reduce many
PROGRAMME at gyms in EXERCISE programme • An eight-week side effects including fatigue and anxiety and
Okehampton, Tiverton, in Barnstaple and High PILATES/TRIPUDIO the risk of recurrence in some cancer by up to
Cullompton, Honiton, Bickington. FITNESS programme
Crediton, Ottery St Mary,
60 per cent.
• HOSPITAL-BASED • A WALKING/ Exercise after treatment and for patients
Seaton, Axminster, Exeter EXERCISE programme at RUNNING group receiving palliative care can also improve
and Exminster. Heavitree.
fitness and general wellbeing.
After their initial consultation with Louise or
Becky, patients are offered advice and practical
help and can be signposted to appropriate
exercise programmes, other healthcare
professionals or community services.
14 | SPRING 2020 | FORCEMATTERSSUPPORT SERVICES
Becky strengthens
our Get Active team with
G
et Active specialist Becky Bailey being able to help them improve their fitness
began working with FORCE in 2018, with the holistic approach FORCE takes
shadowing Louise as a volunteer by looking at their physical and mental
before joining the team on a part-time basis. wellbeing.”
“I wanted to be involved because I really The Baileys are an active family -
like what FORCE offers. The charity does so husband John is a keen cyclist and their
many amazing things to support people,” she two boys, aged 12 and 16, are also keen
said. “Chemo and radiotherapy have such a sportsmen.
big impact and anything we can do to help Becky enjoys swimming and
patients get back to a better level of fitness is playing badminton and is involved
so important.” with para-badminton, working here
Becky, who was brought up in Taunton, and abroad as a specially qualified
knew she wanted to be a physio from the age Badminton World Federation
of 14. She qualified from Cardiff in 1992 international classifier, evaluating
and worked at the RD&E where she first met players and determining their
Louise, FORCE information nurses Annie level of disability to allow them
Kerr and Nicky Peterson and our former to compete in events.
complementary therapies coordinator Anne She is a regular visitor
Clemo-Crosby. to the FORCE shop near
“So many former RD&E staff work for the their home in Exeter and
charity and that means there is a really high the Baileys fundraise as
level of expertise here in so many areas, which a family for FORCE
is of such great benefit to the people who need because they know the
to use FORCE,” said Becky. value of the support a
She has been part of the Community Rehab local charity can offer.
Team at Honiton and Ottery St Mary delivering “I lost my dad to
Physiotherapy for the patients mainly at home cancer and there was
and includes some patients needing palliative nothing like FORCE
and end of life support. in Taunton to support
Her role enables her to refer patients into him so I appreciate
the services that FORCE offers, services she is all the things that
now helping to implement. FORCE does here,”
“I love the connection with patients and said Becky.
ALBERT FOLLEY is a great advertisement for so I’ve stayed with Nick ever since.”
the Get Active with FORCE programme. The His doctor is happy and Albert’s happy that
85-year-old has twice been diagnosed with he doesn’t need to diet any more.
cancer. After his second round of treatment, He’s kept up the exercise programme,
his oncologist became concerned about his visiting the gym two or three times a week
weight, partly due to insufficient exercise. for 30 to 40 minutes on the treadmill and 20
He had a one-to-one assessment with FORCE minutes on other equipment.
oncology physio Louise Ballagher, who referred “Nick has been careful to ensure that I don’t
him to rehab specialist Nick Paynter at the overdo it or damage myself and I do rather
Cranford Sports Club near his home in Exmouth. rely on his support,” said Albert. “Exercise is
“I would never have gone to a gym at my vital. It’s too easy to sit back and be concerned
age had it not been for that,” he admits. “Nick that you’re gaining weight and having trouble
worked out a weight loss programme for me picking things up off the floor. I’m totally
and at the end of eight weeks it worked so committed to regular exercise. I’m delighted
well because I lost the best part of a stone and and I would recommend it to anyone.”
FORCEMATTERS | SPRING 2020 | 15You can also read
