Strictly Mesothelioma and Patient and Carer Day
Patient & Carer day is an annual event which is organised by Mesothelioma UK. This year’s event took place in Blackpool on 4th October 2019.
The event is a chance for those suffering from mesothelioma and their families to meet with medical professionals from around the country who come together and report on what is happening within the mesothelioma world. Talks dealt with issues including diagnosis, trials, pain management and support.
The day was preceded by the 2nd annual Mesothelioma UK awards evening on 3rd October 2019 which had a strictly come dancing theme.
This year SWASAG was thrilled to take 23 patients, carers and family members from the South West up to Blackpool by coach.
The coach left at 7am from Truro on Thursday 3rd October. Pick ups were arranged in Plymouth and Tiverton before the journey to Blackpool. We arrived in Blackpool at around 4pm, after a little rest the Group met up again for a tram ride to see the Blackpool lights, this was a very damp affair but it definitely didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, we travelled along the sea front and then back to the Hotel for Mesothelioma’s ‘Strictly Meso’ awards ceremony.
This was a wonderful evening of dining, dancing and fun including demonstrations of dances throughout the meal from professional dancers, then many of our patients, carers and families took part in a ‘cha cha cha’ dance lesson. The evening was hugely enjoyed by everyone, our own Lynne Mitchell from Exeter won the game of heads and tails and received a luxury bag of goodies.
Friday 4th October saw the start of the patient & carer day several talks were given including an update from Professor Dean Fennel who reported on the trials currently available alongside what future trials were coming in the mesothelioma world. Dr Noelle O’Rouke did a fascinating talk on what can radiotherapy contribute to the care of mesothelioma and the prospects for such treatment in the future.
Chris Wallis a sufferer of Mesothelioma received a standing ovation for his fantastic presentation ‘fighting strong against mesothelioma’ an insight on his journey with mesothelioma.
The event was brought to a close by Liz Darlinson (Head of Services for Mesothelioma UK) who gave a presentation about the Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist Team of which SWASAG’s very own Christine Jones is a part of, Liz gave a little insight into the amazing work they carry out within the different regions around the country. The day finished around 4 pm another long but very rewarding day.
The coach returned to the South West on Saturday 5th October, its occupants very tired but so very much more informed about what is happening and what is available around the country for those fighting mesothelioma.
SWASAG would like to thank all of those who supported the organisation and funding of the event.
