Fred, Russell and myself were made very welcome by the club Officials and members during our visit to Stafford Castle Golf Club yesterday. Noel Walsh, Captain and Jenny Bloor, Ladies Captain both outlined their very personal reasons for their choice of Headcases as the Club charity for 2019.

Fred explained the origins of Headcases and how we operate to the 30 plus lady members who attended the fundraiser. The members were holding a coffee morning, having enjoyed a round of golf in the unseasonal sunshine.

Our thanks to all officials and members for their generous support. We look forward to working in partnership with the Club throughout the year to raise awareness and funds for Headcases.

Pictured below from left to right: Noel, Captain. Fred, Headcases Chair. Russell, Headcases member. Paul, Headcases secretary and Jenny, Ladies Captain. Click the photo to visit the Club website.

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Who doesn’t like to be pampered? In case the photo is unclear, our local scheme is contacted via:

The Macmillan Centre at Stafford Hospital on 01785 236075.

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We visited the Northfield Centre in Stafford in November last year where we attended a Penny Brohn event. Part of the event was centred around physical activity – a great aid to general wellbeing and a stronger immune system. George Gaye of I.H.L. put everyone through their paces with a very entertaining demonstration of how simple it can be to get more activity into your life.

George outlined how the scheme works. A referral from a health professional is needed in the first instance. Contact can then be made with the Active Referral Team on 01889 586260. The scheme operates from two centres at Rugeley and Cannock. If you have queries on how it all works, ring the number above or use the links below:

IHL can be contacted by email at:- wellbeingcannock@ihlmail.org or our website can be found here:- http://www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.org/cannock/wellbeing.htm

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For those of you on Facebook, there is an opportunity to join this closed group where you will find community, and details of upcoming Penny Brohn ‘Living Well’ courses.

To find out more send a join request to the Staffs Living Well Closed Facebook Group: bit.ly/2che2tE

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We have been advised that Bill’s funeral will take place on Friday 8th February at 3.30pm. All are welcome to attend the funeral at:

Carmountside Cemetery and Crematorium, Leek Road, Milton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 7AB

and afterwards at:

The Swan Inn, Town End, Cheadle, Stoke on Trent ST10 1PF

Family flowers only please – any donations to Headcases.

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It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death, on 15th January, of a much loved Headcases member. Bill fought a brave fight, beating cancer, and was cheerful and positive during his recovery.

Bill was always smiling and laughing at group meetings, despite difficult side effects from his treatment. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Our thoughts are with Margaret and family at this difficult time. We will post details of the funeral in due course.

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May I take this chance to wish all our members, specialist nurses and friends a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.

Not forgetting the consultants, doctors and nursing staff at our wonderful hospitals who will no doubt be working tirelessly over the festive period. Thank you all, and Cheers!

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Exciting news! We have recently been informed that Noel Walsh, Club Captain, has put Headcases forward as the nominated charity for the coming year. This is likely to generate considerable funds for the group – collection tins and posters are en route to the club as I type this.

We are indebted to Noel and the rest of the club officials for making us their choice and I will keep everyone abreast of the news as this develops through next year.

Cheers!!

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Fruit Fly Collective (a small arts and health organisation) have teamed up with Macmillan to create a series of magazines to support those people who feel alone after their cancer diagnosis. We want to fill the magazines with beautiful artwork based on real stories from people who have experienced cancer, and who are from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

The magazines will be delivered to cancer centres and cancer support organisations within the UK where they can be read by visitors in waiting areas. We will also be exhibiting some of the artwork, created by the stories, at the Tate Modern next Spring.
People are welcome to write down their stories, thoughts and ideas and email to caroline@fruitflycollective.com or they can go straight to a short survey (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/W2CGZPG) to answer a few questions that will help build their story.

Any help sharing this, to get as many voices heard from as many different communities, to support as many people living with cancer, would be much appreciated.

Dr Caroline Leek

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