A special event at the Royal Berkshire Hospital has recognised the work of volunteer cancer champions in the community.
Staff from the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support's chief executive Gemma Peters, and the Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glenn Dennis, came together to honour the volunteers.
The Berkshire Cancer Centre, based at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, was the first in the country to pilot the idea of champions.
The initiative has been so successful that, in collaboration with Macmillan Cancer Support, the role is now active in scores of locations nationwide.
Nurse consultant Mark Foulkes said: "We have more than 30 members of the public, who volunteer their time to provide very human support to members of their community who have been diagnosed with cancer.
"Rojina, Shaheen, Joyce, Annalisa, DJ and all of our volunteers are remarkable people, and they make such a difference."
The volunteers help their communities, particularly in areas where language may be a barrier, or where knowledge of symptoms and available support needs to be boosted.
Joyce Hernandez, a nurse at the Royal Berkshire Hospital for 18 years, said: "I get such a lot out of being a cancer champion.
"It’s something I do alongside my work, and it’s a great feeling to know that I am doing my bit for my community, and that they know I am here if they need me.
"Going through cancer diagnosis and treatment is scary.
"I hope we help to make sure no one feels like they are going through it on their own."
The champions are given training and ongoing support from the Macmillan team at the Berkshire Cancer Centre.
They organise sessions to raise awareness of certain cancers, symptoms, and screening programmes in their community.
They also provide one-to-one support, such as accompanying patients to GP or hospital appointments if requested, or simply offering a listening ear or shoulder to lean on.
The Berkshire Cancer Centre, part of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, provides cancer services, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and palliative care, to patients across Berkshire and areas of South Oxfordshire.
It is further supported by chemotherapy and radiotherapy services at the Royal Berkshire Bracknell Clinic, and the Chemotherapy Unit at West Berkshire Community Hospital.
The recognition event was an opportunity to celebrate the dedication of these volunteers, and the vital role they play in supporting those living with cancer in their communities.
The cancer champions continue to be an integral part of the community, providing support and hope to those who need it most.
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