East Midlands Kidney Cancer Support Group will hold its first ever face to face support group on Saturday, 11 February from 11am – 2pm in Boston.
The group is the only one of its kind in the region, set up by Lincolnshire NHS in partnership with Macmillan and national charity, Kidney Cancer UK. St Barnabas Hospice is also supporting the first face to face meeting this month and is hosting the event, at its wellbeing centre, Novak House.
The meeting will be at the end of Kidney Cancer Awareness Week, which begins on Monday, 6 February. As a mark of support for anyone affected by Kidney Cancer and to highlight awareness week, Boston Stump will be lit up on Friday 10th February.
“Our first face to face meeting is timely as we head towards Kidney Cancer Awareness Week,“ said Anna Chapman, Community Cancer Care Coordinator for the Lincolnshire Macmillan Living with Cancer Programme.
“We encourage anyone who wants to come along to do so – there is no obligation or pressure to talk or share experiences – some people just need to listen to others, that can often be a great support too. The meeting is open to anyone who has been affected by Kidney Cancer, including family members, carers and friends.”
Nick Turkentine, CEO, Kidney Cancer UK, said: “We are delighted that people in Lincolnshire and throughout the East Midlands are now able to access this type of support.
“Kidney Cancer Awareness Week is about letting people know they aren’t alone and making sure they know how and where to access support when they need it.
“During Awareness Week it’s also important to focus on prevention too so that people are aware of the symptoms and early warning signs and can act quickly. Kidney Cancer is a hidden killer that strikes without discrimination but – there are signs and if people know to join the dots they can at least ensure they bring them to the attention of their GP and get them checked.”
Sheena Ambler, Senior Clinical Service Manager South for St Barnabas Hospice, says: “Our Wellbeing Centre in Boston, known as Novak House, is a place where people who are affected by kidney cancer can come together, to find strength in the company of others who are experiencing the same things. Patients, families, friends, carers, all are welcome.
“We’re very pleased that we can provide this space to the support group. Being able to talk about what you’re going through often makes such a big difference to your mental wellbeing, and we at St Barnabas are strong believers that knowing you’re not alone, makes the journey a little easier.”
The first East Midlands Kidney Cancer Support Group face to face meeting takes place on Saturday, 11 February 2023, 11am-2pm, ST Barnabas Hospice Wellbeing Centre, Novak House, Endeavour Park, Wyberton Fen, Boston PE21 7TT. Visit the Kidney Cancer UK website to book your place.
Published 06/02/2023