Together Magazine 2018

2018 issue 13

STRAIGHT TO THE ART

Helping children through tough times

MY NEW APPROACH TO LIFE AFTER CANCER

BY CHAI CLIENTS

WAYS WE GIVE SUPPORT IN THE NORTH WEST

p18

YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR GP

MORE THAN

SKIN DEEP

Advances in melanoma treatments

Chai Cancer Care

Together Magazine 2018 Together Magazine 2018

Contents

A Welcome Message Modern technology connects us to each other almost without limit and at Chai we make full use of it to achieve our goal: to reach anybody who needs us.

Lisa Steele’s article on p4 highlights how we deliver this, from counselling worldwide via Skype to bringing services right into a client’s home.

Indeed, our Home Support Service accounted for nearly a quarter of all our appointments last year. Our hub for the North West continues to develop and, in response to demand, a dedicated resource in Leeds has just opened.

The difference our services make is tangible. On p6, clients tell us about their new perspectives on life and the part Chai has played. We spotlight two new services: the subtle healing technique of craniosacral therapy on p32 and our advocacy service on p9, which helps clients navigate the complexities of the benefits system.

At our annual dinner, the appeal film The Wonder of Chai looked at the impact of cancer in the family through a child’s eyes. Without words, it vividly portrays the need for and value of Chai’s children and teenage services. Read how the film came to the screen on p18.

4 Access all areas

14 A decade of difference

Our trusted Medical Advisory Panel guides us on the latest developments in the cancer world. In this issue, the focus is on advances in melanoma and prostate cancer treatments, on p14 and p30. Meanwhile on p10, GP and palliative care expert Dr Niki Davies points out the support that GPs can give to cancer patients and their families.

At home, on Skype, in centres and schools – how Chai’s support networks reach out. By Chief Executive Lisa Steele

Treatments for melanoma have come a long way

With no statutory funding, the £3m it takes to run Chai each year is down to you – our wonderful donors. So often, personal reasons are behind the support we receive, whether this is financial, or in a volunteer or advisory capacity.

It’s a two-way relationship that we never take lightly and for which we feel blessed. Our interview with long-term supporters Simone and Brian Brick on p24 illustrates this, as does the kaleidoscope of events and challenges undertaken for Chai, on p33-39.

9 Service spotlight: Advocacy expertise

Chai is more than the sum of its 58 services. On a daily basis our clients experience the heart and soul with which they are delivered.

With you as our partners we can continue to be there for everyone who turns to us – thank you.

Founder Presidents Susan Shipman Frances Winegarten z’l Chairman Louise Hager Chief Executive Lisa Steele

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Trustees Louise Hager Jonathan Hodes Lady Kalms MBE Richard Segal Susan Shipman Dr Adrian Tookman Philip Weinstein Lord Young CH DL Honorary Patrons Maureen Lipman CBE Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis

Medical Patrons Prof Michael Baum Prof Michael Brada Dr Rachel Craig Dr Niki Davies Prof Michael Douek Prof Andrew Eder Prof Rosalind Eeles Dr Ian Ellis Mr Daren Francis Miss Joanna Franks Prof Anthony Goldstone CBE Prof Daniel Hochhauser

Making every day count – clients’ positive perspectives after cancer

Chai’s northern development is honoured by supporters and clients

Feathers, cola bottles, chessboards – madcap fun from Mad Hair Day

30 New-generation treatments for prostate cancer

18 The Wonder of Chai

The improving prospects for the most common male cancer

How an appeal film with no dialogue got people talking about Chai

Chai’s benefits adviser, Louise Crystal guides clients through the system

19 The London 360 Degrees dinner

10 You, your GP and your cancer

Our annual fundraiser was an all-round success

A reminder that your regular doctor can be a valuable resource throughout the cancer journey

24 Perfectly suited

32 Service spotlight: Craniosacral therapy A gentle hands-on therapy can ease the aftershocks of diagnosis and treatment

33 The Chai Calendar Re-live a packed year of events

Instinct and loyalty rank high for supporters Simone Brick and husband, Brian, CEO of Moss Bros

12 Chai fashion Catwalk highlights and moving moments from a stylish day

37 You’re amazing!

As if we didn’t know it already. How all our fabulous fundraisers have supported us

26 Northern soul Meet the team making sure Chai’s services in the North West are firmly on the map

39 Ways to give Donate, leave a legacy, celebrate and support – here’s how 2018 issue 13

CHAI CANCER CARE

Requests the pleasure of your company at Louise Hager Chairman

President The Rt. Hon. Lord Young of Graffham CH DL

16 Mad for it!

6 I look at life differently now

28 The Manchester 360 Degrees dinner

Prof Gordon Jayson Mr Amir Kaisary Dr Daniel Krell Dr Jonathan Krell Dr David Landau Prof Jonathan Ledermann Dr Jane Neerkin Prof Gordon Rustin Prof Karol Sikora Prof Albert Singer Dr Adrian Tookman Dr Larua Tookman

The 2018 Natalie Shipman Memorial Lecture Advisory Board Brian Brick Jo Coleman Alan Fell Jonathan Freedman Michael Glass Diane Kenwood Alexandra Maurice Robert Prevezer Marc Samuels Dr Adrian Tookman

IMPROVING SURVIVAL FOR WOMEN WITH OVARIAN CANCER – WHERE ARE WE IN 2018?

STRAIGHT TO THE ART

Helping children through tough times

MY NEW APPROACH TO LIFE AFTER CANCER

BY CHAI CLIENTS

Keynote Speaker: Iain McNeish, Professor of Oncology and Head of the Division of Cancer at Imperial College, Director of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre and Chair of Cancer Research UK Clinical Careers Committee

Date: 15th October 2018 Doors open: 7pm Lecture begins: 7.30pm Chai Cancer Care 142-146 Great North Way London NW4 1EH

Admission free. Please call 020 8202 2211 to reserve a place

WAYS WE GIVE SUPPORT IN THE NORTH WEST

p18

YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR GP

MORE THAN

SKIN DEEP

Advances in melanoma treatments

emmes

F O U N D AT I O N

This edition of together is generously sponsored by The Emmes Foundation Editor: Deborah Wald Design: Creative & Commercial © Chai Cancer Care 2018 Cover: Chai therapist Shira Jacobs supports children affected by a cancer diagnosis. Girl, posed by model.

Find out more on p18 Photography: Adam Lawrence

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Access all areas

Figures cover the period 1/8/2017 - 31/7/2018

Cu

rre

Chief Executive, Lisa Steele identifies and explains the many networks that enable Chai to provide services to anyone who needs our support, wherever they are

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t seems difficult to imagine, but when Chai was established in 1990, it was greeted with scepticism in some quarters, or perhaps it was fear. People were nervous of the topic of cancer being raised openly. No one was addressing the issue of how it affects the patient emotionally or the wider impact on the family. No one was acknowledging the feelings of vulnerability, anger, fear and powerlessness that cancer brings. Yet the turnout of 500 people to Chai’s first event proved there was a thirst for knowledge.

From their own experiences, founders Frances Winegarten z’l and Susan Shipman understood the need to inform, dispel fears and help those affected by cancer feel less alone. They organised public lectures in synagogues and set up a telephone helpline – a communal and personal approach designed to reach as many people as possible – and publicised it all through newspaper articles, flyers, word of mouth, shul networks and small ads in the Jewish press.

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nts

Home Support Service visits

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4,024 example after surgery, during treatment, or in the latter stages of cancer, our counsellors and therapists can go to them. For the 20% of clients supported in this way, its value is inestimable. Even so, some clients live outside our geographical catchment area. With telephone support and Skype however, we can provide counselling, nutritional advice and advisory services, anywhere in the world, from Brighton to Be’er Sheva, Cardiff to Cape Town.

Websites and Facebook forums are a great online source of support for cancer patients and their families and there is enormous value in the shorthand that exists between people who have been through the same experience. Peer support at Chai provides the opportunity to connect and share through groups for those with the BRCA gene, the bereaved, and those going through breast cancer. The new

By Your Side service matches volunteers who have had cancer, with clients going through a similar experience. This one-to-one setting enables clients to talk about topics they can’t discuss with anyone else. Art, jewellery-making, yoga, meditation, Pilates, mindfulness and further group activities are access points for mutual support, self-expression and enhancing self-worth.

According to Macmillan, approximately 100,000 mums and 70,000 dads with cancer have young or teenage children*. These UK figures are reflected in the rising numbers of young parents contacting us. Back in 2008 we began investing in services for children and teenagers focusing on music, art and play therapies, and counselling for older children. Out of this evolved our Chai in Schools programme, when we started receiving requests from head teachers – and parents, too – for guidance on how staff could better support children while in school.

The long view Great strides have been made in cancer treatments and thankfully survival rates are rising. In response to this new era of survivorship, in 2012 our Medical Outpatient Rehabilitation & Palliative Care Service was established, in collaboration with The Royal Free Hospital and Marie Curie Cancer Care. Here we address the complex long-term physical and emotional challenges cancer can leave behind, supporting our clients to live long, full and meaningful lives despite the changes.

“Increasingly our therapists see children in school, helping to maintain their routine” Our training includes workshops and discussions in which we show teachers (who may never have encountered a cancer scenario or the death of a family member) how to recognise and manage a child’s response to cancer, be that disruptive behaviour, signs of depression or any other indicator. Increasingly our therapists see children in school, which offers several benefits: maintaining the child’s routine, a familiar setting, and relieving parents of the burden of additional journeys to and from Chai.

The uptake of the service has been rapid since its launch in 2012.

Now operating nationally in 23 schools, both Jewish and nonJewish, we are encouraged that so many educators recognise its value and contact us to put the programme in place.

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Connecting and sharing

Starting small

Ap acro pointm e ss th e co nts untr y

apy her t d l Chi ssions se

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“Great strides have been made in cancer treatments and survival rates are rising” * Macmillan, 2017.

Clients are often amazed when we say we can also provide our services at home. Developed since 2003, the Home Support Service helps ensure that when clients are unable to come to us, for

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Networks of support Every Chai client is an individual with a specific story so there is no standardised way to support everyone. Our priority is to make our 58 services as accessible as possible wherever a person may be. It’s one of the cornerstones of how we have developed. Indeed, if you took an aerial view of Chai, you would see many networks in action, ensuring we fulfil that aim. From a single base in the early years in North West London, 10 satellite hubs now crisscross the country, catering to the different needs of communities in Redbridge, South London, Southend, North and South Manchester, Hackney, Glasgow, Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds.

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Underpinning much of our development is Chai’s Medical Advisory Panel, whose members are our eyes and ears for understanding the shifts in cancer treatment and the implications for our services. As well as their wise counsel, many have shared their expertise with the wider public through our lectures, and we are delighted to add four new members to the Panel this year [see right].

New

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17,2

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There are so many more networks woven into Chai’s daily support of more than 3,200 clients: the dedicated client service teams; the volunteers providing transport for clients and operating our reception desks; our tireless fundraisers, donors and committees, our trustees and lay advisors. On recent trips to Antwerp and Johannesburg, Louise Hager was invited to share Chai’s knowledge on the development of cancer support services within their own communities. It is both humbling and inspiring for the work we do, to see how our experience is helping others build their support networks. ■

MEET THE NEW MEMBERS OF OUR MEDICAL ADVISORY PANEL Dr Niki Davies, GP, The Pinn Medical Centre with a specialist interest in cancer care and palliative care.

Dr Daniel Krell, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Free Hospital London, Dr Krell’s clinical work focuses on gastric, oesophageal, colorectal, pancreatic, liver and biliary tract cancers. He is involved in research aimed at identifying new cancer therapies.

Dr Jonathan Krell, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London. Dr Krell’s interest is in breast and gynaecological cancers, and hereditary malignancies including the BRCA gene.

Dr Laura Tookman, Medical Oncology Consultant, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Dr Tookman focuses on the treatment of gynaecological cancers.

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Chai Cancer Care

Jackie’s wise words:

I look at life differently now Cancer changes a person’s life but with the support of Chai, the toughest path can lead to new and positive perspectives on life When I discovered a lump, confirmed by a mammogram, the surgery suddenly became urgent. It was a very aggressive cancer, probably accelerated by the BRCA gene. And after surgery came 15 blasts of chemotherapy, which left me sick, dehydrated and suffering with awful ulcers.

A family can spiral downwards when cancer hits. You don’t know how long you’ve got and at times we reached a very low ebb. Richie and Becca also had counselling at Chai while Daniel decided against it. People react differently. My mother endured the ice cap to help prevent hair loss; I went public. Losing your hair, brows and lashes is extremely tough for a woman but I am a free spirit and began experimenting with boldcoloured scarves, hats and make-up.

Jackie before diagnosis at her step-daughter’s wedding in June 2016

I’ve got a new purpose Jackie Loebenberg, 56 had a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction in 2016 after cancer was discovered. She is married to Richie and has two children, Daniel and Becca, from her first marriage, three step-children and five step-grandchildren.

‘M

y mother discovered she had the BRCA gene three years after having breast cancer in 2013.

I was worried I might have passed it on to my children and in July 2016 I tested

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positive, too. I was recommended for a preventative double mastectomy, and that’s when I turned to Chai. Mum had so much support from them when she was ill, it was my first thought.

I went to Chai for reflexology, healing, counselling and nutritional advice. It really became like a second home to Richie and me, and Mum and I are so grateful for the strength it gave us as a family. I wanted to give something back while I am still here, not a legacy after I’ve gone. Richie’s new food business Eureka Cove proved the ideal channel.

“

I’m using my professional skills and have boosted my confidence

”

He’d just started supplying Tesco with a range of kosher frozen ready meals and for every Eureka Cove product sold, 25 pence goes to Chai. It’s about

Take the support that’s

nourishing both body and soul. We’ve also set up Eureka Education, bringing a programme of inspiring events to schools and communities covering a range of topics to enhance positive living. Cancer has heightened my awareness of others’ hardships. I’m using professional skills I gave up when I had children and that’s boosted my confidence. It’s given me the motivation to seize the day.’ ■

there, without guilt.

Face reality and go with

the changes as you go through the process.

Indulge yourself a bit. Make

the most of what you have, not what you haven’t.

Taking back control. Jackie had her head shaved at a barber’s when her hair became very thin a month after chemo began

For Eureka Cove stockists, visit eurekacove.com

My ambitions have grown Alex Conn, 21, is in his final year at Leeds Beckett University, studying sports coaching. Last year he had surgery and chemotherapy for testicular cancer.

He lives in London with mum Kerin, dad Adam and sister Emma. and that suited me fine – I wanted it over with. Only when I walked through a sarcoma ward full of children, did the impact of having cancer hit me. ‘Would that be me?’ I thought.

Alex took up cookery during chemo as his taste buds changed

‘A

t school we had a talk about checking ourselves for abnormalities. For some reason it stuck, so I always have. When I discovered a lump last year, the blood test and scan came back normal. So I continued with my holiday plans, heading to Cyprus to teach at a sports summer school. Two weeks in, however, the lump had grown and I became worried. I came home and this time a scan showed a malignancy, which was spreading to the lymph nodes.

For six weeks I went from one hospital ward to another as the consultants investigated. With Mum and Dad by my side, I registered bits of what they said.

The bottom line was immediate surgery

Confronting cancer has raised my ambitions. I want to teach and will now take a fast-track qualification to get there quicker. There’s more consideration in my decisions and less time wasting.

I relate better to people and I reflect on what I’ve achieved so far, like playing at Twickenham, aged 11, in a rugby tournament. Good memories have become really intense.’ ■

Surgery revealed stage 2b nonseminomatous germ cell tumour. The first days of chemo were the toughest. I felt the fluid going into me and it’s not nice.

I was nauseous and tired and my taste buds altered. On days in hospital, family and friends came by and we cracked jokes, which was good. If nobody was too earnest it meant nothing had changed.

“

There is a separation of who I am, before and after cancer

”

But there is a separation of who I am, before and after cancer. As a sportsman, I was always active. Now I had time to think. Mum suggested counselling at Chai (she had it too), and I was open to the idea. Having that safe space helped me massively through it all. I could express my frustrations and process my thoughts, some of which were quite selfish, including “Why me?” It’s difficult telling people “I’ve had cancer”. I’ve decided I will tell a girlfriend about it early on in a relationship.

Back on form after treatment, with a goat, on a uni bar crawl

Alex’s wise words: �

If you can, laugh a bit. It makes you and those around you feel better.

�

Eat what you love. For me it was Jaffa Cakes – I can’t eat another, ever!

�

Check yourself once a month and if anything changes, see your GP.

�

Don’t be afraid to talk.

Keeping it inside eats you up.

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Chai Cancer Care

Together Magazine 2018

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT Ruth: David’s not one to dwell on things, but for me knowledge is power, and researching his situation was one of my coping mechanisms. The children were wonderful, spending nights with me so I wasn’t alone. But I wasn’t eating or sleeping and needed a separate source of emotional support. Coming to Chai was about self-preservation and holding it together for the family.

The counsellor made it clear she couldn’t wave a magic wand – and you need to hear that. At Chai I could be vulnerable, have a good cry and leave feeling slightly unburdened. My counsellor at Chai also did mindfulness classes, which were wonderful, and I now meditate every day. I get tetchy if I don’t!

Ruth and David in 2014, the year before his diagnosis, in Edinburgh

We don’t wait – we live life now!

In 2015, David Cooper, a software sales director, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Intensive chemotherapy shrank the tumour to allow surgery but last year nodules appeared in David’s lungs and he is currently having chemotherapy. Married to Ruth, a retired academic librarian, they are both 63 and have adult children, Hannah and Joshua.

‘D

avid: Coming round from the first operation, Ruth whispered to me, “It’s not good news.” The tumour was tangled with my veins, making it inoperable but the surgeons were able to ‘replumb’ me inside sufficiently so that I could have chemo and radiotherapy.

Having chemo first – three gruelling months in my case – improves survival rates after surgery and very fortunately my tumour shrank sufficiently for a second operation to remove it.

I am a born optimist; I latch on to anything positive. However, the thought of leaving Ruth and the children behind was so distressing, not for my sake, but for theirs.

I saw how my illness was affecting Ruth, which was so awful to witness because I couldn’t do anything. It was important to

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I did spend some time feeling sorry for myself but this experience has made me so aware of others’ suffering. We contribute to the research involvement network at Pancreatic Cancer UK. For now, we make short-term plans and live life as fully as we can – the cancer doesn’t define us. And every day I thank my lucky stars David is still here.’ ■

me that she had Chai to help her cope.

If she was getting support, I felt better.

“

It’s been a rollercoaster but we don’t allow the cancer to define us

”

Six months before the cancer, I’d taken things down a gear, moving to a less pressurised job. After the operation, I was working one day a week and I joined The Prince’s Trust as a business mentor, which was very rewarding as I’d always planned to ‘give back’ in some way. We also took a sum out of our pension fund and bought a flat by the sea in Brighton.

When I can forget about the issues my body still has, I enjoy everything ten times more than before. Sitting on the front at Brighton, having a coffee, is magic.

David and Ruth in Brighton, after two major surgeries, chemo and radiotherapy, 2017

Advocacy expertise Navigating the maze of the benefits system during illness is the last thing anyone wants to do. Louise Crystal is there to help clients through

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ortgage and rent payments, household and credit card bills, car expenses… all can become looming concerns when a person’s ability to pay is compromised because of cancer. Louise Crystal’s job is to assist Chai clients through the maze of local authority, statutory, NHS benefits and grants they may be eligible for. ‘In my experience, financial worries on top of cancer puts people under one too many pressures,’ she says. ‘We help take some of that away.’

A person’s savings determine their eligibility for certain benefits and some of these now fall under the umbrella of the Government’s new Universal Credit (UC) system. Included are Income Support, Housing Benefit and Employment Support Allowance. The new arrangement, which is still rolling out across the country, aims to simplify benefits payments into one amount of money paid into the recipient’s account every two or four weeks.

“

I n my experience, financial worries on top of cancer put people under one too many pressures. We help take some of that away

”

‘Those already on benefits will have them transferred across to the new system,’ assures Louise. But new claims which can only be done online, means navigating the labyrinthine website, which could test even the most capable, fit and healthy person. Plus, as some areas are not yet fully up-and-running with UC, Louise’s experience at a City law firm and then as a Citizen’s Advice Bureau consultant, is even more invaluable. ‘The forms are bewildering,

with seemingly endless repetitious questions. But they need to be answered in a way that ensures the claimant gives the most relevant and pertinent information. Clients may overlook aspects of their changed circumstances, which have a significant impact on their claim. I make sure nothing is missed out.’ Some applications involving medical assessments, can take up to eight weeks and much red tape. Louise’s knowledge of how the system works, means she can push things along with local councils, at support agencies and with the Department for Work and Pensions.

Some benefits, such as Blue Badge permits, which give parking concessions, and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) remain outside the UC system. PIP provides sums for those under 65, to cover expenses for living aids such as walking sticks, weighted saucepans, front-fastening bras after breast surgery or wigs. (For those over 65, the equivalent is Attendance Allowance.) Other benefits Louise helps clients with include Bereavement Allowance (payable if you are over 45 but below state pension age) and Carer’s Allowance, which may adjust for some under the new system.

Despite their complexity, Louise encourages clients not to dismiss the support available. ‘It can change people’s lives. Sorting out housing for a client living in overcrowded circumstances; arranging taxis to do the school run for a single parent undergoing treatment; deferring utility payments for a while. Some people find it difficult emotionally to become part of the benefits system but I remind them they have paid their taxes and deserve to make this time easier on themselves.’■ For more information, please contact Chai on 020 8202 2211

Ruth and David’s wise words: As a carer, you are

very important: look after yourself.

Live day-to-day, don’t ruminate on what tomorrow holds.

Take pleasure from little things.

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Chai Cancer Care

Together Magazine 2018

Before and during treatment

YOU, YOUR GP AND YOUR CANCER Working in primary care, doctors often have a disjointed journey with cancer patients.

But, as the clinical teams step in, Dr Niki Davies says GPs still have an important role in providing care

The diagnosis

Niki Davies is a GP at the Pinn Medical Centre. She has a special interest in cancer and end of life care. She was Macmillan GP for Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group where she helped develop its new end of life service. Since May 2017 Niki has been working in the Enhanced Supportive Care team at UCLH, seeing oncology patients in clinic. She also works as an on-call doctor at the Peace Hospice in Watford, Hertfordshire. She recently joined Chai’s Medical Advisory Panel.

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It’s very likely that your doctor will have played a part in your cancer diagnosis. Approximately half of all cancers are referred by GPs via the ‘two-week wait’ pathway. This is where a patient presents with one or more symptoms, or a test result, which may suggest cancer and the GP will use this pathway to get you seen within two weeks. Fewer than 10% of patients who are referred via this urgent route actually have cancer. Despite seeing an average of 35-45 patients per day, GPs must be ready to recognise the symptoms from the information you give us, or the signs from our examination or tests. It can be difficult to assess what may be going on so making a list of points that concern you can be invaluable. Of course, if you are still worried about something after you have seen your GP, or a symptom does not get better or changes, do go back to your GP.

After the initial referral, I often feel I ‘lose’ my patient to secondary or tertiary care. A new cancer diagnosis brings a constant barrage of appointments at the hospital for tests, for review, to discuss treatments, for further tests and then for further review. So many appointments in fact, that the last thing you the patient might want, is an appointment to see your GP. We do receive copies of your results and letters explaining the treatments and plans as they progress, but I would encourage you to keep in touch with your GP, especially if you have other medical problems as well, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Your GP will be happy to see you at any point along this journey but as we are not the cancer experts, questions about the specifics of treatments or side effects are best aimed at your consultant or clinical nurse specialist, who are usually your first point of contact.

Your GP may however, be asked to prescribe some of your medications; not your main therapy, but perhaps to manage side effects, or to treat medical problems unrelated to your cancer. Equally, if you need an operation, it may be your practice nurse who will remove your stitches or change your dressings, and you may need to see your GP if you have problems after surgery. If your GP doesn’t know the answer to a question, they may signpost you back to the hospital; not because we don’t care, but because we don’t know and the hospital more likely will.

After treatment Hopefully you will reach the end of treatment, or be able to take a break from it. This is a good time to touch base with your GP again.

You’ve probably heard the term ‘living with cancer’: that’s what 2.5 million people in the UK are doing right now and Macmillan project it will be 4 million by 2040. People diagnosed with cancer are living for longer, which is great news, but we know that life may be very different during or after cancer.

It may have affected your physical and emotional wellbeing, your relationships with others, your finances and employment. You may be coping with either the cancer itself or the after-effects of treatment.

Your GP can talk to you about any of these issues and, where possible, highlight services to help, such as Chai.

We are there to support you and your loved ones through the challenges as they come along.

Palliative support Sadly, not all cancers can be cured and many people still die each year. Your GP will be central to your care if this is the prognosis; looking after you, referring you to local palliative care and district nurse services; the community teams should work together to improve your quality of life, supporting and caring for you and your family. My job gives me the privilege to look after people at the end of life and good coordinated care can make such a difference to everyone involved. Your GP is in a unique position: they may have known your family for years or, if this is not the case, it’s the chance to develop those relationships, which are important now – and in the future.

Where Chai fits in The services our patients need along their cancer journey are not always provided by the NHS, as we all know. This is why Chai, alongside other third-sector organisations, is so vitally important to making sure our patients have as much support and comfort as possible at this challenging time. It is reassuring for me as a GP, to know that I can signpost my patients to Chai and be confident of the quality of services being provided. Their Medical Outpatient Rehabilitation and Palliative Care Service is a unique resource for people who may be struggling to find someone who will coordinate their care and medications. Of incalculable value, too, is the support that family members can receive – indeed 40% of Chai’s clients are family members. I am fortunate to be able to recommend Chai, and was honoured to be asked to join the Medical Advisory Panel. I look forward to providing a primary care perspective on its services and developments.

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T

here was so much about ‘the new’ at the fourth Chai Fashion with Averyl show last March. Guests lapped up a showcase of spring/summer 2018 looks and many attending were first-timers, who promised to come again.‘I had no idea it would be so brilliant.

I loved it!’ enthused one. And the event raised more than £105,000 – a new record!

The Kinloss Banqueting suite was speckled in pink and Chai purple light while the rainbow colours of the logo were picked out in vibrant, distinctive flower displays.

The 350 guests cheered as Chai’s ‘model’ supporters, including cancer survivors, danced their joy down the catwalk alongside professional models. Designers on show included Riani, Oui, Marc Cain, Luisa Cerano, Dorothee Schumacher, MaxMara, Marella, Weekend and Twinset. Raffle prizes came courtesy of Michael Kors, Ermenegildo Zegna, Giorgio Armani, Jean-Louis Scherrer and Food Story, who donated a masterclass with executive chef David Swann. David also devised the exquisite lunch, featuring on-trend salmon poke, and a dessert with hazelnut lotus crumb.

Lisa Steele, Averyl Trup, Louise Hager

“Chai’s ‘model’ supporters, including survivors, danced their joy down the catwalk”

Nicci Menashe

Speaker Katherine Lennard, diagnosed in 2010 with cancer of the neuro endocrine system, has been a Chai client for seven years. During the lunch she said, ‘At Chai I can talk freely about my cancer without causing stress to my family or friends. Step-by-step, hand-in-hand, they enable me to find meaning, quality and dignity in my life. I feel I am in a safe, caring and most crucially, a confidential place.’

Orly Wolf

son, Nico

la Loftus

borah Pears

Roma Groves, De

n

Roz Lare

Roberta Bent sher,

Daniela Pear s

Our heartfelt thanks to:

Chai’s volunteer models Sarah Burns, Jackie Conway, Roz Laren, Nicci Menashe, Joyce Misrahi, Isabel Oberman, Tanya Rosenthal, Margaret Rothem, Samantha Shulman, Gaby Singer, Joanna Trup, Tanya Wynne

Suzanne Zamet, Birte Tager

The florists who donated Amber Rose, John Carter, Flower Lounge, Funky Flowers, Gabriella Shemtov, In Water Flowers, Leone’s Flowers, Flowers by Miri, Rob Van Helden

Claire Lefton, Ally Corin, Emma Samuels

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Chai Fashion

Photography: Chiko

This year’s celebration of style set new records

Margaret Rothem

Carole Jayson, Joy Lyo ns, Rosemary Fisch, Linda Weinstein

Together Magazine 2018

Naomi Fisch, Claudia Salem

The show team Averyl Trup, Susan Burns and their team, Elemis, Chiko Photography, Muzika, Creative & Commercial, Food Story

The uplifting atmosphere of the day of course, had a more serious purpose – to raise funds for Chai’s vital services. Client, Katherine Lennard spoke movingly about how cancer has affected her life in the past seven years and how Chai has become a bedrock for her family, providing counselling and complementary therapies. She has also seen the palliative care consultant at Chai’s medical oupatient clinic.

More of Chai’s clients were heard in a film, which showed the breadth of its support, to all ages and in all situations. Louise Hager endorsed their words, adding, ‘As the cancer journey changes, we match those twists and turns, with the aim of empowering our clients to deal with whatever set of circumstances they may face.’ Long-standing supporter Claudia Salem concluded the event with a vote of thanks to everyone involved. ■

13

Chai Cancer Care

A Decade of Difference

drugs pembrolizumab and nivolumab.

However, these drugs took much shorter times to be licensed; for example pembrolizumab took only four years from its first clinical trials to being approved and follow-up of these trial patients must therefore necessarily, be shorter.

In a little over ten years, treatment of malignant melanoma has been transformed.

Dr David Chao, who gave last year’s Natalie Shipman Memorial Lecture, explains his reasons for balancing optimism and realism

A

colleague recently referred to me a patient who had just been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, with the words: ‘Fortunately it’s melanoma so you’ll be able to do something.’ How times have changed! Historically our treatments for melanoma were poor because it had proven resistant to traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

All that changed on March 25th 2011 when the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) in the United States approved the immunotherapy drug ipilimumab for the treatment of advanced melanoma.

Thus began a new chapter in the treatment for not just melanoma but for all cancers. Having waited decades for progress, in August that same year, the FDA approved a second new treatment, with a different mechanism of action, the BRaf gene inhibitor vemurafenib for advanced melanoma, and this has been no less significant for melanoma but its impact has been more restricted to this cancer.

To summarise these tremendous advances is not possible within the confines of two pages (but I include a reference at the end for those interested). Instead, I’d like to share some personal perspectives about the way the drugs have dramatically improved outcomes for patients – and where the shortfalls remain.

THE DEVIL IS IN THE (DE)TAIL… The graph (opposite) shows the survival of patients with advanced cancer over time (in dark blue). Traditional therapies (in lighter blue), such as chemotherapy, only prolong survival by months rather than years, and inevitably patients will succumb to the cancer. To make a real difference treatments need to help patients live much longer, or even be cured. In the graph this would result in the end of the line or tail as it’s often called (in grey), curving upwards.

It took ten years of trials of ipilimumab before it was licensed so a significant number of patients on the drug had

Dr David Chao is a medical oncologist at the Royal Free and North Middlesex University Hospitals in London.

He did his medical degree at Oxford University where he also did his DPhil in Immunology. His areas of interest are lung cancer and malignant melanoma and he is currently Lead for Cancer, and Deputy Lead for the North Thames Clinical Research Network, and Chair of the Skin Cancer Expert Advisory Group for the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS).

He has a long-standing interest in immunotherapy.

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been followed for that long. The trials proved beyond doubt that after three years, 22% of patients with advanced melanoma who were treated with ipilimumab were alive and disease-free. They continued to be for up to 10 years; in effect, the grey line in the graph demonstrating long-term survival. I am hopeful we may have found the holy grail of immunotherapy (sometimes also known as ‘immuno-oncology’ or I-O) and that this new treatment may actually be able to ‘cure’ patients even with advanced and previously incurable disease.

THE PARADOX OF PROGRESS Ipilimumab was rapidly superseded by the next-generation immunotherapy

Control Standard or other therapy Immuno-oncology therapy

50

The trials proved beyond doubt that after three years, 22% of patients treated with ipilimumab were alive and disease-free So, while regulatory bodies such as the FDA and the EMEA, its counterpart in the EU (and the UK at least until March 2019), have shown a commendable willingness to approve new therapies faster than ever, that also means that the ‘tail’ we can study on the survival curve is getting shorter.

Shorter follow-up of patients introduces uncertainty about the long-term benefits, and indeed side effects, of a new drug treatment. The consequence of having new treatments approved so quickly means we simply don’t know

what will happen after the first few years, and this can come as a surprise to patients. Human beings don’t cope well with uncertainty and it is part of the discussion that we as doctors must have with our patients in helping them to decide what is the best treatment for them. A patient said to me during one such discussion, ‘It is really the blind leading the blind,’ to which I replied, ‘Maybe, but I have a white stick and I’ll be with you all the way.’

16 years ago, the mood was one of ‘therapeutic nihilism’, where we knew that nothing we could offer would change the outcome and care was focused on quality of life. Now the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction, in my opinion, to one of ‘therapeutic optimism’ where hope can create unrealistic expectations in both patients and doctors and compromising between success and side effects can be seen as giving in.

IS MORE ALWAYS BETTER? Oncologists are eternal optimists and with the new-found belief that immunotherapy may yet cure our patients, we strive for better and better results. For example, combining two drugs, say ipilimumab and nivolumab, may be marginally better than nivolumab alone but it is also more toxic, with over 50% of patients experiencing severe side effects.

There are now clinical trials exploring the combination of the BRaf gene inhibitors with immunotherapy resulting in three or even four drug regimens and, while we await the outcomes, we already know that there is increasing toxicity. Where once we sought to balance the success of treatments with the attendant side effects, the trend now is towards treating as aggressively as possible despite side effects. When I started as a consultant

With the new-found belief that immunotherapy may yet cure our patients, we strive for better and better results I see press coverage about patients who would not be alive now without these new treatments and at the same time recall all those patients for whom the treatments failed and who suffered appalling side effects and who no longer have a voice. It drives me in my purpose to find ever better treatments while at the same time balancing between reality and a healthy dose of optimism. ■

Further reading: Cancer Research UK website

www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/melanoma

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way ay is a fun with Mad Hair D d n o b r u ening o of strength has supported h Chai, whic families through d n a ff a our st ent, bereavem idance d n a ss illne u g d n ining a offering tra and art therapy , to teachers t the school. It’s a a n re ild to ch ise that y to fundra ce and a w e v ti a cre bra n really em the childre hted to support the we are delig ols programme. o Chai in Sch

Thanks to our young and adult hair-raising participants:

“

e Everyon £1 to do donated g crazy n somethi r hair i with the Ari & Lyla Miller, Sinai Primary

Harlie & Sinai Pri Millie Brass, mary

teacher, shaw, head Juliette Lip ol Primary Scho Sinai Jewish

Eden & Kayla M Sinai P engelg rimary rein,

er, nen Brod Rabbi Ro d teacher & ea DS deputy h v at NWLJ a R l o o sch

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e Marks, Nuria Pere Cammi C z, Michael astrogiov a Blakeley anni, Jona , at Newbu than Rich man ry Place Ph armacy, Salford

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“

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an, co-o Place Ph wner New armacy, bury Salford

”

Michael Sobell Sinai School, Naima Jewish Preparatory School, North West London Jewish Day School, Mosaic JPS, Yavneh Primary School, Tracy Lewis Childcare, Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary, King David Nursery, Brodetsky Jewish Primary School, Leeds Jewish Free School, Deborah Taylor Nursery, Tapuach, Brackmans Bakery & Coffee Shop, Haydn’s Kosher Meats.

air Day rt in Mad H which a p k o to e W ing, Friday morn sement on a busy u m a f o a lot generated . We’re a destination ty si o ri u in the and c nd as some bout a a re a e in th wa do not kno to open y community a w t a re sag Chai, it wa tion and tell people. a the convers aflets for people le e th d a h ty boxes We y and chari ional a w to take a dit to make ad for people donations.

“

Jared & Sasha

Cohen, Sinai Primary

Dede Fertleman, Sinai Primary

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Brackmans an, owner, m le d d A w Andre offee Shop Bakery & C

Cleo Apple, Sinai Primary

rg, hilla Goldbe Benny & Te wish Je n to gh Brou ol Primary Scho

The tresses and the creativity flowed for Mad Hair Day last May, which raised more than £3,000 for Chai.

We caught the highlights Mad Hair Day supports the Chai in Schools programme, which trains teachers to be able to support children coping with a cancer diagnosis in the family. Play and art therapists go into schools to work with the children and Chai also provides counselling support to teaching staff when they request it.

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We know one of the toughest things for a child is seeing their parent lose their hair because of cancer treatment. Through a fun activity, Mad Hair Day helps teachers introduce the subject of the effects of cancer in a gentler way.

To find out more about Chai in Schools, contact Lisa Steele on 020 8457 3392 or email lisas@chaicancercare.org

,

rand

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Hil han & Et Olivia Primary i Sina

“

It’s important ch ildren know why they are taking part in Mad Ha ir Day. We explai ne ones the money d to the younger raised would he ‘poorly people lp ’, and to older ones that it was abou t cancer. Sadly, some children at school have been affected by it an d one girl spok bravely and br e illia Chai had helped ntly about how her when her mother was ill.

It was a great da with a powerfu y l message.

”

Bonnie Berman , PA to the head teacher, Brodetsky, Leed s

, Yavneh

Ziggy Ezra

Primary

Total raise

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£3,026 17

1. The challenge: to surprise and inform

T h ee r d i n o W Cha of

‘How do we capture, in a few minutes what Chai is all about and the difference it can make to people‘s lives?’ says Louise Hager.

‘The appeal film is the climax of a charity dinner.

It needs to be fresh, unexpected and open d l to m people’s eyes to what l i p f kee . we do.’ h to

is , th oug s hs d n eco ise en ur mont al s 1 o 4 appe d ra er f tes minu hat woul just ov cessful 4 c In ory t for en t su a st running our mosthe scre Chai e’s how ame to c Her

The storyline: Each week ‘Sam’ arrives home from football, tosses his boots into a basket and jots down the score on the kitchen notice board. Each week, mum congratulates or consoles. Friday nights, with chicken soup and kneidlach, are traditional and comforting. One day after footie, mum’s not there, she’s upstairs crying, after being diagnosed with cancer.

Life changes: Sam sees his mum lose her hair and weaken with the effects of chemotherapy. He becomes withdrawn, he lashes out.

Arriving with his dad at Chai to see an art therapist, he refuses to get out of the car. Eventually he meets the therapist and begins to explore his feelings.

2. The gamble: no words ‘Without any dialogue, we wanted to show the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis on a family, seen through a child’s eyes,’ says Barry Frankfurt, of Creative & Commercial (C&C), Chai’s marketing agency. Inspired by the emotive narratives of the John Lewis Christmas adverts, the film’s formula is straightforward: engaging characters, a simple story and a memorable twist. ‘The format was new, not just for Chai but across the charity spectrum,’ says Barry.

4. The song: Elvis enters the building

On set secrets Twelve-year-old Bobby

Pearce, who plays Sam, was spotted working on a musical sketch of Mary Poppins for The Late Late Show with James Corden.

The TV presenter and actor is a partner at Fulwell73, which makes Chai’s films.

The film’s power hinged upon choosing a soundtrack that would echo the storyline and touch the audience so deeply, they would want to support Chai. ‘Elvis Presley’s “The Wonder of You” really speaks to the viewer,’ says Barry. The song was especially re-recorded so each scene was perfectly timed with the music.

3. The process: precision collaboration C&C, Fulwell73 and director Daniel Mendelle, have worked with Chai for years. ‘This was a very different angle – a fictional narrative rather than clients talking to camera,’ says Daniel. ‘We drew on Chai’s experience to ensure an accurate portrayal of the cancer experience. It had to be emotionally credible to connect with the audience.’

From the brief, Daniel drafted scripts and storyboards and ideas were bounced back and forth until all parties were happy. ‘Louise and Lisa are two of the most passionate and astute people I’ve ever collaborated with,’ says Daniel. ‘They speak with authority and strive for the best results whether for the services, the clients or the film.

Of paramount importance to them is the sensitivity with which we portray these experiences.’

6. Why it works: it reflects reality ‘When cancer hits a family, familiar things like football and Friday nights, are disrupted,’ says Lisa Steele. ‘We considered every second of content, based on what we know. Sam’s anger, tears and depression, his little sister’s confusion, the silence and powerlessness felt by the family. All that happens.’

5. Dilemmas: how far to go?

‘To fully connect with the film and the pivotal role Chai plays, we needed everyone at the dinner, just for a few minutes, to step in to that upside-down world of cancer,’ says Louise. ‘We wrestled with how candid to be about the mum’s story: showing the effects of chemotherapy: the hair loss, the weakness, whether she would survive. We didn’t sugar coat anything, but stayed faithful to what our clients go through everyday, like the scene of the fight between father and son, which is an unbearably intense, real moment.’

Co-ordinating all the elements of the film, was the remit of Aimee Nathan, senior production controller at TV and film production company, Fulwell73. ‘The preparation for the shoot was sizeable: finding and booking the location, crew, stylists and make-up artists, supervising the props, managing the budget and helping with the script. Shooting and editing was done on a tight turnaround with the first cut ready to view within a day!’.

PLEASE

OPEN

7. The results: £1.2 million raised ‘The film made for tough viewing, especially for those women who’ve had breast cancer,’ recognises Louise. ‘So it was incredibly heartening to have our approach endorsed by so many clients and to be thanked, as one person put it, “for opening people’s eyes to the harsh reality of what having cancer is like.”

The film worked because it was different, relevant and relatable.’ Indeed, it is Chai’s most successful film yet, having been shared thousands of times on social media and, so importantly, raising the funds that enable Chai’s life-changing support to continue.

Vanessa Black, the art therapist in film, works at Chai. ‘It was vital to bring authenticity to the portrayal of a session,’ says Louise.

Filming took place in the art room and reception of Chai in Hendon.

The challah, chicken soup and kneidlach were bought in Golders Green while the challah board, knife and cloth, kiddush cup, candlesticks and benchers were lent

by Charlotte Gillis, client services director at C&C. ‘They’re on my table every week and gave a genuine intimacy to those Friday night scenes.’

Stop press!

The Wonder of Chai has been shortlisted for the EVCOM Industry Award for Excellence in Charity or Not-for-Profit See the film at: chaicancercare. org/getinvolved/videos

T HE C HAI 3 6 0 D EGREES DINNER

Ivona & Laurence Kirshel

Steven Sharpe, Lisa Althasen & Gabrielle Sharp

Jacqueline Meller, Juliette Green, Michael Meller

Rick & Carol Sopher Naomi & Andrew Fisch

Claudia & Robby Salem

Andrew, Danielle & Katie Rubin, Adam Cohen Richard & Josephine Segal

Nick & Maxine Leslau The Hon Andrew Wolfson & Orly Wolfson

David Saleh & Jonathan Hodes

Philip & Michelle Hertz

David & Reba-Lee Abramson David & Tracey Kyte

Jonathan Hodes & Peter Miller

David, Marion & Jonny Tapnack

Ellis & Susan Green Michael & Wendy Dunitz, Albert & Lynda Hay, David Winton, Sandra Sorsky, Francoise Winton, Harold Sorsky

Philip & Lorraine Weinstein

Evelyn & David Green

Orly Wolfson

Mark Ehrnreich

David & Jo Fogel, Melanie & Edward Rom

Avromi & Daniella Rosenfield

Barry & Ally Mosheim

Nicola & Andrew Loftus

Daniel & Nomi Grunbaum, Karine & David Morris

David & Ann Marks

Stephen & Katherine Lennard, Toni Nagel & Michael Rosenfeld

Steven Fogel, Benita Fogel

Sharon & Jonathan Goldstein

Stephen & Susan James

Lucy & Paul Landau

Ian & Laura Langdon

Daniel & Tanya Dahan, Vicki & Elli Morris

AS THE TEMPERATURE DIPPED TO A CHILLY 1C° LAST DECEMBER, THERE WAS WARMTH IN ABUNDANCE AT CHAI’S ANNUAL DINNER Held appropriately at London’s Roundhouse, the theme of the evening was the all-encompassing care that Chai provides to anyone in the Jewish community affected by a cancer diagnosis.

Posters highlighted the latest statistics: more than 3,000 clients; teachers and pupils supported in 23 schools; 58 services; 11 Chai centres across the UK. Lord Young, welcoming the 750 guests, thanked supporters new and long-standing whom he described as ‘the partners without whom Chai could not exist’. Two films were shown during the evening: the first highlighting the scope of Chai’s day-to-day work through the voices of clients of all ages. The second, The Wonder of Chai, was a poignant child’s-eye-view of the effect of cancer on family life. Without dialogue, and

just the soundtrack of Elvis Presley’s ‘The Wonder of You’, it made a hugely powerful impact.

(Read how the film took shape on p18.)

In her speech, Louise Hager highlighted a 20% rise in the number of Chai clients since 2016, with seven families alone registering on the day of the dinner. ‘While 50% of those diagnosed now survive, the treatment is still brutal on the patient – and their loved ones,’ she said. ‘In a contrast to the world of clinical waiting rooms, tests and treatment, when cancer changes a life forever, Chai draws a circle around that world to embrace each and every person who turns to us.’ Without statutory support, it costs £3m a year to do that. But, true to Lord Young’s words, supporters did not falter in their role as partners, raising £1.2m.

Joan Lipkin Edwards & Graham Edwards

Tony & Natalie Gibber, Ian & Sandra Crooke Russell & Michèle Tenzer Norman & Jennifer Hanison, Louise Hager, Suzanne & Jeffrey Zamet Peter & Karen Goodkind

Marion & Anthony Diner Joyce Misrahi, Paul & Sara Phillips Alicia Ani, Alexandra Maurice

Ellis & Susan Green Lisa Steele & Josef Sucharewicz

The deeply moving night was rounded off with rousing entertainment from the Gat Brothers, runners up on Israel’s Rising Star show, who brought a unique, euphoric twist to classics by Simon and Garfunkel and The Beatles. ■

Sir Michael & Lady Heller, Lady Kalms

David & Pamela Crystal Issy & Susan Zuckerbrod

Avi & Alison Goldberg

Lord & Lady Young

Photography: Chiko

DONOR PROFILE

Brian’s parents. Helen just had an instinct… ‘Brian phoned me, we went out and that was it,’ explains Simone. ‘On our first date he took me to look at Cecil Gee’s window on the King’s Road at midnight – very romantic!’ Brian came home and told his mother: ‘I’m going to marry her, it was beshert.’ The instant attraction has endured for 33 years and, with three children, Freddy 30, James 28, and Gaby 24 who is a buyer in the business, they still try and manage a family holiday once a year, despite Freddy living in California.

Perfectly suited

The Stanmore home they have lived in for 23 years is large, elegant and comfortable, tidy but lived-in, and filled with family photos. On the overground commute to and from Brian’s Clapham office, if not chatting to Gaby, Brian catches up on emails or tunes out on Netflix. Born and bred in Stanmore, it’s close to his mum. ‘You get to the stage it would be daft to move,’ he says.

It was in 1990, while saying kaddish for his father at Bushey synagogue, that Brian got to know Philip Shipman, whose young daughter Natalie was very ill with cancer. ‘Regular shul goers welcomed me in at a difficult time. And then Natalie passed away, so Philip was saying kaddish alongside me.’ Brian was invited to support the fledgling charity being set up by Philip’s wife Susan. ‘Without question, Chai had our support.’

From life in retail to meeting on a blind date and their long-standing connections to Chai, some things in life seem meant to be for Simone and Brian Brick

SO IMPORTANT THERE’S A PLACE “LIKEIT’SCHAI WHERE KIDS CAN GET THEIR FEELINGS OUT ”

S

Now a member of Chai’s Advisory Board, he offers a valuable perspective on planning for the increasing pressure on its services.

‘Cancer touches almost everyone so there will always be a demand and it all needs funding.’ The couple are loyal dinner attendees and bring new supporters into the fold. ‘Friends are truly touched when they learn what Chai does. And no wonder.

What it’s achieved in serving the community is amazing.’

hort-termism is something Brian Brick, CEO of Moss Bros. doesn’t take kindly to. He knows it’s a function of today’s socially driven, online world, but he’s not a fan. ‘I was interviewing candidates for a PA position. One girl hadn’t been in any job longer than two years. She saw it as a plus. I saw her as someone I’d train up who’d leave. And I like loyalty.’ Brian’s been at the helm of Moss Bros almost a decade, ‘a long time, even for a CEO these days,’ he acknowledges.

Simone’s mother Glenda is one of the volunteers who help Chai deliver such special care to its clients. The charity is meaningful to them both as Simone lost her father to cancer aged 13.

‘It’s so important there’s a place like Chai where kids can talk to somebody, get unexpressed feelings out and not feel they’re a burden. As the eldest of four, I became my siblings’ second mother. I came across my diary from back then and it was so sad. I was clearly so upset, yet never cried in front of Mum. I only addressed all this recently, after 40 years.’ Now she urges her children not to wait to enjoy life, ‘because you just don’t know what’s round the corner.’

He was already a non-executive director of the group when he was invited to save it from collapse. Did he have a plan to turn round the £3 million loss? ‘Not quite. I got a lot of surprises that first year. I asked our marketing company what we were paying for. “You pay us to think, and then for the work,” they said.

I decided we’d do the thinking.’

This is someone who has a sixth sense for retail. His father owned Brick’s Manshops, and Brian worked in the warehouse and in stores in the school holidays. The Monday after his finals in economics and accounting at Manchester University, he joined the business. In 1985, he and brother Alex took it over, rebranding as Suits You, successfully selling out in 2005.

A little while before he started work, Brian’s mum Helen took the number of a girl she’d met from Finchley called Simone Izsak. The occasion was the second marriage of Simone’s grandmother Miriam. The man she was marrying had introduced

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Simone and Brian at home in Stanmore where they have lived since they married. ‘It would be daft to move.’ says Brian

When he sold out, Brian retired for a whole week before getting bored of golf and starting to look for new ventures. Moss Bros had been his main competitor so becoming CEO gave him, ‘a small sense of satisfaction.’ A glint of triumph emerges at this point but mostly he wears his responsibilities for 130 stores and Moss.co.uk with a commendable lack of ego. ‘Occasionally the spring uncoils when he gets home,’ teases Simone, who has run

, and Freddy 30 ing mes 28, Freddy liv blings Ja (L to R) Si re close, despite ies to holiday a ily tr Gaby 24 The fam ancisco. in San Fr nce a year ro togethe Simone and Brian at a Ch ai din charity has ha d a special pla ner. The hearts since ce in their its earliest da ys

the Jewish Care charity shop in Golders Green for 12 years. ‘But I never take retail tips from Brian,’ she laughs. Theirs seems a truly appreciative relationship.

There is no ideal CEO, Brian asserts, but he admires Ray Kelvin of Ted Baker and Simon Wolfson of Next. ‘It’s about building a team and listening.’ At first he alone approved invoices above £500; he jettisoned parts of the business, cut staff, restructured the board, invested millions and prioritised markets such as the Tailor Me ‘affordable bespoke’ range and suits to hire for the prom season. Then he took a PR punt appearing in Channel 4’s Undercover Boss series. Disguised in garish tweeds, with a suntan and dyed hair, as ‘Dennis Bernard’, he discovered impossible delivery targets, excessive paperwork, tired shops and demotivated staff.

“

BRIAN RETIRED FOR A WHOLE WEEK BEFORE GETTING BORED OF GOLF AND LOOKING FOR NEW VENTURES

”

Four years on in 2012, Moss Bros’ recovery impressed George Soros enough to take a £12 million stake. The company is back in profit but Brexit looms and with it, higher import costs. The rating re-valuation, national living wage and apprenticeship levy all work against business, Brian says. Visiting stores around the country, he gets why some areas felt abandoned and voted ‘Leave’. ‘But whether it’s a good or bad Brexit, entrepreneurs are the backbone of this country. Good ideas will still win through.’

It takes understanding, commitment and passion to succeed in any endeavour. In business, with family and in their dedication to Chai and other Jewish causes, Brian and Simone are grounded and devoted. Whatever the wider future holds, this is one partnership destined to last. ■

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Chai Cancer Care

One call is all it takes

Northern Soul

Gerry’s is often the first voice people hear when they get in touch. ‘Understandably, many are extremely upset, either having been given a cancer diagnosis, or someone they love has been told they have cancer. I learn the background of what has happened and explain the different ways we can support clients.’

She travels extensively – one of the distinctive aspects of Chai in this region is the geographical spread of clients.

Where practical, she encourages them to visit the centre for appointments. ‘It has such a positive effect on people, and truly represents what we are about.’

Chai supports hundreds of clients across the North West who are dealing with the impact of cancer. Meet the team co-ordinating it all from the hub in Manchester

I

t’s Chai’s most ambitious development in the North West of England and it took quite some planning. But last year, the dream of a dedicated centre in the region became a stunning reality. It was in 2009 that Chai responded to requests to bring its specialised support to North Manchester. Established at Heathlands, news of its valuable support for cancer patients and their families reached other communities and Chai responded again, with services, including Home Support (for when people are too unwell to visit a centre), in South Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool.

“

IT’S STRIKING HOW OFTEN PEOPLE CONTACT US FOR SUPPORT AFTER ATTENDING A CHAI EVENT

”

experienced the benefits of the therapies we provide in a setting like this, rather than in a spa.’ The hub has six rooms for counselling and therapeutic treatments, a gym, a play therapy room for children, space for groups and events, a kitchen suitable for nutritional demonstrations and two admin offices.

Each day brings new referrals and there has been a rise of 20% in the number of clients since 2016 – a bittersweet figure reflecting greater numbers turning to Chai, but sadly, of course more diagnoses.

A major task for office administrator Karen Richman, is co-ordinating the diaries of 30 therapists and counsellors with the needs of hundreds of clients who range in age from four to 91. Not to mention updating client records and liaising with volunteers who provide clients with transport to and from Chai. ‘We try and arrange appointments so a client who may see a counsellor, complementary therapist and use our gym, need only come in once a week during what can be a stressful time. When people leave saying they feel calmer than when they arrived, we know we’re getting it right.’

WHAT A CONTRAST TO THE DAYS WHEN MANY THOUGHT CHAI WAS SOLELY LONDON-BASED

”

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Some of the region’s youngest clients are supported through Chai in Schools.

‘We’ve seen an upsurge in demand from schools and are currently working with children in Manchester and Leeds,’ says Karen. Head Teacher at King David Primary, Stacey Rosenberg, is full of praise for the programme. ‘The therapists who come into school show both warmth and professionalism in their support.’

The bottom line All that Chai provides is dependent on what it receives in donations. On the frontline, generating funds to cover the North West’s annual running costs of £450,000, is community fundraiser Jilly Berens. ‘Every event has a dual purpose: to be financially successful and to raise awareness of our services, and what’s striking is how often people contact us for support after attending one,’ she says.

This year’s diary has included a children’s carnival, an evening with a hypnotist, a coffee morning and the northern 360 Degrees dinner. Jilly, who was formerly in telecom sales, also manages the production of marketing material for three fundraising committees: the longestablished and enormously committed Chai Lights, and the more recently formed Forever Chai and the Chai Girls.

‘Social media and leaflet drops to shops,

Fran Batty 45, lives in Leeds with husband Stewart and children, 14-year-old Max and nine-year-old Isla. Fran had breast cancer in 2011 and again in 2017, when she had counselling at Chai.

Delivering services from the heart in the North West, (L to R) Jilly Berens, Gerry Singer and Karen Richman

Photography: Ed Horwich

The team running operations in the region is rightly proud of their new centre, which provides 41 services to 370 clients.

‘We’re so lucky to have this wonderful place for people to come to,’ says client services manager Gerry Singer who arrived at Chai two years ago from a career in business development. ‘I got to the stage I wanted to do something worthwhile and I have found that in Chai.

Introducing more activities and support groups and seeing the centre being used to its full potential is so rewarding.’

What a contrast to the days when many thought Chai was solely London-based.

‘Today, it’s more likely that some have not

The job involves a lot of multi-tasking but Karen’s previous experience on a renal transplant unit, at a medical school, and as secretary to Greater Manchester Police Force’s Medical Officer, makes her a good fit for the sensitivities of the role.

I was preparing for a mastectomy last year after learning I was BRCA positive, when I was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. After surgery, it took six months for the wounds to heal. I needed extra time off work but my boss became very unsupportive and I had to resign. The cumulative trauma was massive. My counsellor saw me through so many lows and helped me to eventually smile again. In a small community, it was especially important we didn’t already know each other. I needed to be able to express myself freely. I wouldn’t have coped without the support of my counsellor and the therapist I see for reflexology. Their care, and Chai’s continuous support is amazing.

Divorced mum Tanya Jacobson, 52, from Liverpool has two boys, Adam, 11 and Lee, six. She was treated for breast cancer earlier this year and has complementary therapy through the Home Support Service.

My ex-husband and I finally turned the page on our divorce. We were moving on amicably for the kids and had booked a trip to Disneyland.

Two days before flying, I was diagnosed with cancer. I remember being lost in the magic of where we were and then the shock, which kept hitting me. A childhood friend told me about Chai. I’d never heard of it and was blown away by what was available. I see a therapist for Indian head massage, reflexology and reiki.

I can be vulnerable with her when I feel like a wreck inside and her serenity and grace always leaves me feeling more positive. There’s something so embracing about this dedicated support for Jewish people. It’s like having extended family, a place where you belong.

businesses and shuls are most effective,’ she says. The new centre also plays its part: ‘Everybody supporting us can visit the centre to see how donations are used, and anyone who does, is amazed.’

With everything in place in Manchester to support people across the region, Gerry sums up the team’s sentiments. ‘We all feel it’s a privilege to be part of this new era, helping to make the Chai experience in the North West the best it can be for our clients.’■

Volunteer for Chai North West!

We would love to hear from you.

Please call 0161 772 4067.

For more information about Chai, call Freephone 0808 808 4567.

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es t W or th N e th C ha ii n

Louise Hager & Sus

an Shipman

n, itz, Michal Mocto e: Jane Mechlow shead Dinner Committe eler, Amanda Ad Spi re Cla , der Lisa Cohen-Bin

Michal Mocton

A year after its new centre opened at Heathlands in North Manchester, 470 guests gathered to celebrate and support Chai’s powerhouse of cancer care

Alex Woolfs

er

Yoni Brodie, Gila & Meir Spring

tein, Rabb

i Guttentag

kely

Daniella & Andrew Bere

Josh Lewis, Rafi Lew

is, Daniel Berke

Judith & Micha

Photography: Rob Clayton

el Seitler

It was a sell-out evening at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester’s Deansgate and throughout the evening, people spoke passionately about the value of Chai’s all-embracing therapeutic care.

Setting the tone, Dr Ian Ellis, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Genetics at the University of Liverpool, paid tribute to the pioneering ethos of Chai’s 360-degree approach to cancer support.

‘I have been a Medical Patron of Chai for 10 years and during that time, my medical colleagues and I have seen the enormous benefit Chai gives to patients and their families.

Their commitment to all parts of the community is evidenced by the services they have established across the North of England in North and South Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.’

Acknowledging in particular the partnership role of those attending the dinner, he stressed, ‘We could not do it without Chai and Chai could not do it without each and every one of you.’

Illustrating vividly the experience of being a client, Michal Mocton gave a heartfelt and moving account of the impact of cancer and of the support she and her family received from

Jonny & Rivka

Chai. ‘I heard someone say it was as important to their recovery as the chemotherapy. At first I thought this was an exaggeration, but really it’s the truth. Without Chai, five years on, my family and I would definitely still be struggling.’

Charles & Clare Spieler

Now providing 41 services to clients across the North West, Louise Hager welcomed improved cancer survival rates but contrasted this with a 20% rise in client numbers since the last Manchester dinner in 2016.

Lisa Steele, Carol Marks

burger

The evening raised £275,000, including £2,000 from the auction of a signed England World Cup Team shirt – what an investment that turned out to be! The funds will support services in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. Louise thanked supporters for their overwhelming reception, concluding, ‘you might not be able to touch it, but our clients feel the heart and soul with which our services are provided. It’s what they call the ‘Chai Factor’. The evening closed with a performance of hits by The Frankie Valli Tribute Band, ensuring guests left with a song in their heart. ■

Morris & Debbie Ham

Tasha & Jeremy

Michael & Jacky Edelson

ff & Marcelle Kuhillow

Bernard & Reba Tury, Geo

Dena & Alan Barge, Bobby & Vicki Garson

la Leon

ger & Su

uise Ha

rry, Lo Susan Te

Winburn

Shulamit & Dani Mechlowitz, Jane & Gigi Mechlowitz, Sophie & Alex Woolfstein

Dr Ian Ellis

Goldblatt, Eli

apiro

igail & Ben Sh

cton, Ab & Michal Mo

Shana & Ben Bur

ton

Mark Adlestone OBE, Marian & Alan Dobkin

Herzl Hamburger, Jan e Mechlowitz, Rosema ry Hamburger, Amanda Adshead, Mark Levine

Richard Segal, Kerrith & Michael Harris

Avrumi Truehaft, David Liber

ow, Eli & Suri Truehaft

Chai Cancer Care

Together Magazine 2018

New-generation treatments for prostate cancer

counsel our patients and try to address and minimise these issues. Specialised support from agencies such as Chai do much to help with the impact of such treatment on an emotional and functional level through counselling and palliative care.

ENZALUTAMIDE AND ABIRATERONE – THE GAMECHANGERS Enzalutamide Enzalutamide is taken orally and blocks testosterone binding to the androgen receptor, so preventing gene expression and growth, survival and proliferation of prostate cancer cells. It acts like a goalkeeper blocking the ball (testosterone) from getting to the goal (the androgen receptor).

The drug is NICE-approved for men with prostate cancer where the cancer is resistant to initial testosterone lowering. It is generally well tolerated with the main side effects being fatigue, diarrhoea, hot flushes, musculoskeletal pains and headache.

Progress on this most complex and common male cancer has proved difficult for scientists. Now we can begin to look forward, says Dr Simon Chowdhury rostate cancer is the commonest male cancer with 47,151 new cases each year in the UK accounting for 11,631 deaths*. Whilst most men present with prostate cancer that is confined to the prostate gland, for around 20%, the cancer has advanced or metastasised – that is, has spread beyond the prostate gland most commonly to the bones. Although localised prostate cancer can be cured by surgery or radiotherapy, metastatic prostate cancer is almost always incurable.

In the past 10 years, however, significant advances have been made in the understanding and treatment of advanced prostate cancer. These include the earlier use of chemotherapy and drugs that target the testosterone or androgen (male sex hormone) receptors, in particular Abiraterone and Enzalutamide (see box, opposite). The result is significant improvements in survival rates as well as increased choice – and complexity – of treatment.

Dr Simon Chowdhury received his first degree from Cambridge University and qualified as a doctor at Guys and St Thomas’ Medical School. His PhD in tumour targeting was gained at University

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First-generation treatment: testosterone lowering therapy In 1941, Huggins and Hodges, at the University of Chicago, demonstrated that prostate cancers are driven by androgens such as testosterone, and that lowering testosterone by Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is a highly effective treatment for prostate cancer. The pair were awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1966 for their ground-breaking work, which showed that prostate cancers are driven by testosterone binding to the androgen receptor, providing a signal for cancer growth, proliferation and survival.

Reducing testosterone to extremely low levels remains the mainstay of drug treatment for metastatic prostate cancer to this day and manipulation of this pathway is one of the most effective treatments for any cancer. ADT is used as an initial College London and he also trained at St George’s and The Royal Marsden Hospitals.

He was a Visiting Fellow at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston), and from 2000 to 2003 Dr Chowdhury was a Research Fellow for Cancer Research UK. Dr Chowdhury is actively involved in clinical trial research into urological cancer and has co-authored over 20 papers in peer-reviewed journals and contributed chapters to six medical texts.

treatment and throughout the illness.

It works to stop the production of testosterone by blocking the brain’s communication with the testicles. This approach replaces surgical removal of the testicles, which understandably carries considerable psychological and physical consequences. Fortunately, more than 90% of patients respond to ADT, with meaningful clinical benefits such as resolving urinary symptoms and bone pain. ADT is commonly given as an injection every three or six months by the patient’s general practitioner.

“More than 90% of patients respond to Androgen Deprivation Therapy, with meaningful clinical benefits” This is not to underplay ADT (effectively chemical castration), which is clearly a difficult treatment for men to contemplate, let alone undertake.

There are side effects, too: lowered testosterone adversely affects bone and muscle strength, weight gain, cardiovascular, metabolic, cognitive and sexual function. However, for men with advanced prostate cancer the benefits of treatment outweigh these significant side effects. But it is important clinicians recognise these side effects,

*CRUK, 2016

P

Second-generation treatment: androgen receptor targeted therapies Research in the early 2000s showed that even in men with prostate cancer who become resistant to initial testosterone lowering, the androgen receptor pathway remains active. This breakthrough in our understanding of the biology of the disease led to major improvements in drug treatment for advanced-stage cancer. The two most important drugs developed after this discovery, are Enzalutamide and Abiraterone. They have revolutionised treatment, improving the survival of thousands of men. The first patient I treated with Abiraterone was a 67-year old man, in significant pain and in a wheelchair. After two weeks he could walk, return to work and he lived for 18 more months.

“Enzalutamide and Abiraterone have revolutionised treatment, improving the survival of thousands of men”

Abiraterone

Where chemotherapy fits in

Abiraterone decreases testosterone levels further than Enzalutamide and is also taken orally, twice daily.

Side effects are rare but include fatigue, fluid retention, hypertension, cardiac disorders, hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) and liver dysfunction. The drug is taken with a steroid, and clinicians must address potential long-term complications of steroid use, such as hypertension, diabetes, weight gain and cardiovascular risk factors.

Abiraterone is licensed and NICEapproved for men with prostate cancer whose cancer is resistant to initial testosterone lowering.

A recent large UK study showed that using Abiraterone alongside ADT significantly benefitted men with newly diagnosed advanced prostate cancer. This is a major step forward in treatment.

In 2004 chemotherapy was shown to offer a small but significant survival benefit in men with advanced prostate cancer. Docetaxel is given intravenously every 21 days for a maximum of 10 doses, lasting 30 weeks in total. Two recent large randomised studies have shown that using chemotherapy before men become resistant to testosterone lowering, has a significant impact on improving survival. It has changed the way Docetaxel can be used and I believe the evidence is compelling that clinicians should discuss ‘upfront’ Docetaxel chemotherapy with all patients newly diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer who are fit enough to receive chemotherapy. It means patients with metastatic cancer can be referred to an oncologist at diagnosis, and then be managed within the multidisciplinary prostate cancer team.

“The evidence is compelling that clinicians should discuss chemotherapy with all patients newly diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer” Future directions The next breakthrough for men with prostate cancer will be ‘personalised treatment’, interrogating the tumour’s biology to select drugs that target specific tumour abnormalities. For example, it is now recognised that DNA repair abnormalities such as BRCA2 mutations are frequently found in men with metastatic prostate cancer.

Poly adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (such as those used in ovarian cancer) have shown promising early signs of activity in men with prostate cancer and are the subject of ongoing global clinical trials being led by UK investigators.

Despite significant advances in the treatment of advanced metastatic prostate cancer, prognosis is still very poor. I strongly believe men facing this scenario should be managed by a multidisciplinary team including general practitioners, nurse specialists, palliative care, urology, radiology, histopathology and clinical and medical oncology.

Men should also be offered entry into clinical trials whenever possible.

The treatment of advanced prostate cancer is becoming more complex with many more options – but that, too, means the possibility of success is becoming greater. ■

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Together Magazine 2018

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

SEPTEMBER

THE CHAI CALENDAR

Gift Sale co-chairs Debra Zender & Julia Abrams with Tony Page

NEW YEAR HONOURS

Months of meticulous planning and creativity by the Chai Society committee went into this year’s phenomenally successful Rosh Hashanah gift sale at the Hendon flagship, which raised £49,000. Sponsored by Roundtree Real Estate, more than 900 shoppers flocked to 40 stalls selling homeware, flowers, jewellery, clothes and Judaica. Caterer Tony Page’s 300 honey cakes were snapped up in a flash, as were over 750 pieces of Maxwell Williams tableware.

Chef Denise Phillips also donated proceeds from sales of her new book, Celebrate Every Day.

This subtle treatment can ease the shocks cancer brings and reap huge benefits

F

irst introduced towards the end of 2017, craniosacral therapy (CST) is growing in popularity at Chai’s Hendon centre. Jo Piler has been practicing it for 25 years and her clients in that time have included babies with postnatal problems, brain injury and stroke patients as well as people who have mechanical functioning issues.

CST is a hands-on, non-invasive treatment, which works mainly by gently engaging the joints, connective and bony tissue of the skull and lumbar region, and the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding them. The therapy is said to help ease fatigue, stress and pain and to boost the body’s own healing ability, working on both mechanical and emotional levels, always looking to support the health in the system.

‘A diagnosis and the treatment of cancer is a shock to all the systems and can leave a person overwhelmed and traumatised. Emotional and physical responses can become fixed in the person,’ explains Jo.

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At a first consultation she notes any baseline issues in addition to the cancer, such as operations or accidents. The treatment, which lasts about 50 minutes, is relaxing but quite interactive. ‘I ask the client to tell me the sensations they are feeling. As I discover where there

THIS THERAPY AIMS TO EASE THE FATIGUE, STRESS AND PAIN TO BOOST THE BODY’S OWN HEALING ABILITY is pain, heaviness or imbalances in the body, I notice subtle movements on the cranium, the base of the back, the abdomen, diaphragm or limbs.

To ease these manifestations, which may include trauma, I work on several systems in the body including the arterial (oxygenated) and venous (deoxygenated) blood supplies to the heart.’ While CST is a difficult therapy to quantify scientifically and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis, clients at Chai report an overall sense of eased symptoms and reduced anxiety.

Sandy Orelowitz, in her 60s began CST at Chai three months after surgery for bowel cancer.

‘I live on my own but look after my elderly mother so it was very tough emotionally and psychologically with no aftercare or support for me. I really was struggling.’ Sandy has had four treatments so far and is feeling huge incremental benefits. ‘Craniosacral therapy has been wondrous. What Jo does is seemingly very simple, making you aware of all the cramps, twinges, numbness and tingling you are feeling. But the holding, the embracing care and the subtle release of all those tensions, is so cathartic. She’s brought me back from a state of free-fall to feeling more tranquil and relaxed – it’s extraordinary.’ ■

The event did more than raise money, however. For some visitors, it was their first step towards connecting with Chai.

One woman said, ‘I knew I needed it but just couldn’t make that first call.

Coming in “anonymously” to the gift sale helped me see this is where I needed to be. Since then, Chai’s support has been phenomenal, counselling me as I deal with the implications of carrying the BRCA gene.’

SPORTING TRIBUTE

The GG3x3 Basketball Tournament held its second event in memory of passionate player, George Goldstone who died two years ago, aged 32. Members of London, Leeds and Manchester Jewish communities took part in the event held at JFS in Harrow. Organiser and friend Martin Dyan, said, ‘We’re sharing George’s love of the game and his belief in supporting causes that make a real difference to people’s lives.’ £3,902 was raised.

Your whistle-stop tour of the fundraising events, talks and tributes that have made this a memorable year

REMEMBERING PAULETTE

In Manchester, a coffee morning in memory of Paulette Warner who passed away last year, raised £3,500 for the North West Image Resource Service. Organisers and friends Shelley Blackstone, Beverly Niman, Diane Bourmad, Marilyn Barilan, Janet Ludwig and Sharon Freeman meet every Friday for lunch. Originally called the WIs, they renamed the group Mrs P’s Girls to honour Paulette.

Ken, whose hypnotism act in Blackpool is the world’s longest running, unleashed his powers on the 200-strong audience. ‘Victims’ fell asleep on the floor and danced with abandon but blushes aside, the evening was a huge success, raising £6,000.

BREADY, STEADY, BAKE!

Chai in the North West hosted its first challah bake for clients at the Chai Centre for Shabbat UK. Shiffy Silverstone offered her challah plaiting expertise and spoke about the origins of baking challah.

A GENEROUS HAND

Mrs P’s Girls

OCTOBER THE NATALIE SHIPMAN MEMORIAL LECTURE

‘Treatment for Melanoma – From Zero to Hero’ was the topic for this year’s lecture, delivered by Dr David Chao, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Royal Free Hospital.

It focused on the remarkable advances in immunotherapy and was followed by an informative Q&A session chaired by Professor Albert Singer, Consultant (Hon), Whittington Health NHS Trust. ‘It was a privilege to speak at Chai and to see the wonderful work you do,’ said Dr Chao.

More than 130 people attended the St John’s Wood Synagogue Ladies Guild Annual Card Lunch raising £3,255. It was held in memory of Patricia Miller, a previous Chairman who passed away from cancer.

NOVEMBER LIGHTING THE WAY

Organised by the Chai Girls, the Chanukah Extravaganza was the first gift sale in Manchester. More than 100 shoppers were tempted by an eclectic mix of presents and £2,500 was raised.

Save the date: This year’s sale is on 18th November 2018. For details contact JillyBerens@chaicancercare.org

EASILY PERSUADED

Hoop la! The George Goldstone basketball tournament

In Manchester, even the strongest minds succumbed when Forever Chai booked hypnotist Ken Webster to entertain guests.

Drinks and desserts lulled supporters before

Desirable hats at the Manchester Chanukah extravaganza

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Chai Cancer Care

Together Magazine 2018

A ROSY OUTLOOK

A pair of high-calibre events from the Outlook committee raised more than £9,000 this year including, in November, £5,245 from the annual Bridge Lunch at the Hendon centre. Earlier in the year, a Tea & Talk featured June Kenton, who transformed Rigby & Peller into a multimillion-pound lingerie business. She regaled the audience with anecdotes from her autobiography, Storm in a D-Cup. June also developed a mastectomy lingerie line after having breast cancer. The event raised £3,832.

EAST END EXPOSURE

‘Life in the Jewish East End before the Second World War’ was the theme of Michael Bennett’s fascinating discussion for November’s Michael Bennett with Wednesday daughter, Emma Byre Afternoon Club. The son of famous photographer ‘Boris’, whose wedding photographs added Hollywood glamour to London’s Jewish community, Michael painted a vivid picture of times past.

THE POWER OF CAKE

It’s remarkable what it can do! The first bake sales of the year came courtesy of Year 8 Hasmonean High School girls Aliza Siepe, Ariella Wolfson, Kayla Samuels, Ariella Goldstein, Avigayil Rowe and her six-year old sister, Sara, who raised £270 • At Yavneh, Zara Daniels, Katie Saleh, Mia Cohen and Jessica Adda brought in £475 • Mikayla Shane, Lauren Wise and Ronnie Canning-Elms raised £230 from their sale • And in Manchester, £450 arrived from Greenco Properties after their cake and biscuit sale. Just goes to show, a little bit of what you fancy does everybody good.

Zara Daniels, Katie Saleh, Mia Cohen , Jessica Adda

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PINNER’S SWINGIN’ EVENIN’

Pinner Synagogue’s Maturians social group took guests back to the dinner-dance era, at an evening for Chai. Cocktails and dinner were followed by the Stardust Big Band performing hits by Ellington, Miller and Goodman, which had everyone up on the dance floor.

The evening raised more than £5,000.

DECEMBER PAIRED TO PERFECTION

Long-time Chai supporter and honorary patron, actor and author Maureen Lipman CBE, and chef and food writer Denise Phillips were paired to perfection one winter morning in Hendon. A packed audience watched Denise prepare rugelach for later sampling, while Maureen interviewed her about her culinary career and shared her own anecdotes. The occasion was the launch of Denise’s book Celebrate Every Day, proceeds of which go to Chai. Copies are available from chaicancercare.org (£23.50 inc. P&P) or from Hendon and North Manchester centres, £20.

Chai’s Chairman, Louise Hager, Maureen Lipman CBE, Denise Phillips, Chai’s Chief Executive, Lisa Steele

SAY ‘CHAI’ TO US

Manchester Chai opened its doors to the community with a Chanukah-themed coffee morning. Visitors toured the new state-ofthe-art Heathlands centre, and discovered the resources available to cancer patients and families across the North West.

JANUARY EGGS-TRAORDINARY EFFORT

Ten-year-old Avi Gardner from Whitefield in Manchester is devoted to his hens – all 70 of them! He started out with four birds and when he acquired more, began selling Avi Gardner, the surplus eggs they egg entrepreneur produced, giving a percentage of his takings to a different charity each month. In January, Avi donated £50 to Chai. Egg-cellent work!

TOP TABLES

TV’s Come Dine With Me provided the inspiration for two irresistible Chai Five events this year. In January, 60 guests enjoyed a chocolate-themed evening prepared by hosts Aviva Braunold, Hannah Raphael, Shoshi Stanton, brothers Gaby and Joel Noimark, Deborah and Dan Artman, Nehama Sills, Michelle Shiers, Abigail Shaw and Atara Tatarka. In May, Chai Five followed it with a kiddush and lunch for the shidduch of the year, celebrating the Royal wedding and raising £1,000.

THE KING LENDS HIS SUPPORT

Always hitting the right note with their events, the Chai Lights committee in Manchester hosted an Elvis night raising over £1,300. The evening included a buffet, disco and of course, a thrilling rhinestoned tribute act.

FLOWERING AWARENESS

The Chessed Club at Hampstead Village Shul nurtured the young shoots of support for Chai with a flowerarranging workshop at Chai in Hendon. Led by Chana Weisz with her flower arrangment at Miri Moses of Flowers Chai in Hendon

by Miri, the girls, aged 11 and 12, learned the decorative process and placed their wonderful arrangements around Chai for clients to enjoy. The girls then had a tour of the centre. Chana Weisz said, ‘I was inspired. Every detail is designed to benefit the clients. Chai does incredible things.’

FEBRUARY #BREASTINFORMED

Young Chai’s ‘Breast Friends Forever’ event saw guest speaker Joanna Franks, Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon at UCLH bust myths and put statistics in perspective to reassure and raise awareness of breast health among the younger generation. Guests also had tasters of the therapeutic treatments Chai provides to clients. The event raised £2,000.

Joanna Franks (4th from right) and the Young Chai committee

FANCY FOOTWORK

Plenty of ballroom favourites got people dancing when the Nearly Golden Oldies committee hosted a ‘Strictly comes to NGO’ black tie dinner-dance, raising £2,500.

CARDIO-CHAI

Six Year-5 pupils from Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary School in Salford have been doing keep fit classes since January, raising £2,000 with their energetic efforts.

To let them know where their money goes, they were invited for a tour of the North Manchester centre.

FULL MARKS TO CAROL

A Chai awareness evening generously hosted by benefactor Carol Marks, in her home in South Manchester, drew 30 friends to hear Louise Hager speak passionately about Chai’s services in the North West. Following the event, many of the guests signed up to come to the Manchester 360 Degrees dinner in June.

APRIL

Manchester’s music night. The Chai Lights committee plus Elvis!

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

That’s certainly true of northwest Londoner Brian Levin, who decided to host a house party for friends and family and then turned it into a fundraiser for Chai. All we can say is, Brian must know a thing or two about entertaining, because he presented us with an astonishing £4,145!

PURIM CAPERS

It was fun, games and generosity when a Purim Fete for young members of Cockfosters & New Southgate Synagogue, organised by youth director Alex Fenton, raised £2,251.

SING WHILE YOU SPIEL

A capella group The Four Sons took to the streets of northwest London for Purim, bringing their unique harmonies to the festival’s celebrations. Made up of more than four these days the group includes George Rosenfeld, Asher Levy, Gideon Caplan, Rafi Levy, Dov Forman and Shimon Hurst.

MARCH LEARNING TO GIVE

The First Give initiative helps young people develop skills to support local charities. We’re thrilled that Year 9 pupils at Yavneh College and Hasmonean High School chose to support Chai. Students delivered a presentation to a panel of judges and peers on the work that Chai does and how they fundraised for the organisation. Yavneh raised £250 and Hasmonean raised £550.

MAY SWEET MEMORIES

A family tea at Stanmore Synagogue was hosted by Anthony Newfield and Sarah Konn, in memory of Rachel, Anthony’s wife and Sarah’s sister, who passed away from cancer last year. The event raised £2,500.

ROLL WITH IT

Kneading, rolling, plaiting and dabbling with dough is so therapeutic. Chai’s Challah Braiding event at the Central Square Minyan in Hampstead Garden Suburb produced some delightfully tasty results. Led by ‘Challah Mummy’, Allegra Benitah and sister Saskia Joss, £500 was raised.

WINNING HANDS

Former Chai client, volunteer and tireless fundraiser, Carol Ellman together with Angela White hosted her fourth annual bridge lunch, attracting 110 players, and raising almost £5,500. Everyone in the room was touched hearing Katherine Lennard’s story about the support she and her family have received. ‘It gave me everything I needed,’ she said. Following an appeal for drivers, eight new volunteers came forward.

CHIPPING IN FOR CHAI

Dyrham Park Country Club played host once again to the hugely popular and successful annual Club 18 Golf tournament. The competitive field teed up to raise more than £40,000 for the Chai in Schools programme. Back in the clubhouse for dinner, supporter and committee member Paul Balcombe raised the stakes in a novel way, challenging fellow players to make an additional donation of £100, which he then matched.

‘It was the quickest £3,000 we have raised for Chai, such is the support,’ said co-chair Michael Lubliner.

Save the date: next year’s tournament is on 5th June 2019.

JUNE GIVING TO THE GIVERS

Volunteers’ Week was the perfect time to recognise the devotion of Chai’s amazing unsung heroes. Described by Louise Hager as ‘paradoxically, both our backbone and our ambassadors on the front line’, more than 60 volunteers enjoyed a talk by Maureen Lipman entitled ‘A sprinkle of stardust’ including how she ‘hyperventilated with excitement’ upon meeting Barbra Streisand. The appreciation was mutual. ‘I always receive more than I give at Chai. It’s a real “mechaye”’, said Maureen.

Mignon Marks, Sara Ettlinger, Melanie Sherwood, Heather Meyer

Gaby Essers, Dovi Krok, Kevin Oppenheim, Mark Smith

Peter Goldstein, Mark Goldbart, Robert Goldstein, Nicholas Lawson

DONATE TO THE BEAT

There was dancing room only at Michele Kleinman’s fifth, two-hour Zumbathon in aid of Chai and the Cockfosters and New Southgate Synagogue mikveh. Participants worked up a sweat, worked off a calorie or two, and raised £552.

(L to R) Club 18 Golf Co-Chairmen, Ronnie Gottleib OBE and Michael Lubliner; Ken Jaffa, Mick Green, Malcolm Stern, Paul Balcombe

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Chai Cancer Care

A GOOD DRESSING DOWN

Hertsmere Jewish Primary School raised £400 for Chai when pupils came to school in their pyjamas. Teacher, Myra Confino said: Skylar Stanton & ‘Chai is a charity very Lottie Barnett close to our hearts at HJPS and this was a fun way to raise awareness and give it our support, as it has supported us.’ The school also held a parents and teachers School Bingo Night which raised £295 in memory of parent Rachel Newfield.

WHATEVER YOU DO… DO IT FOR CHAI

The North West’s annual fundraising and awareness Week for Chai offered something for everyone.

• Shabbat meals were a central theme.

Karen Richman invited guests to give a donation to Chai in lieu of gifts. Jilly Berens, Chai’s northern community fundraiser, gave guests insights into Chai’s services at Natasha Winburn’s lunch and Victoria Rubin’s awareness and fundraising dinner was in tribute to a friend who passed away from cancer.

• Seed in Manchester presented their ‘Power Up’ Shiur at King David Primary School and Shoshi Black gave a thought provoking shiur on the topic of sibling rivalry at Seed’s Prestwich centre.

• It was full-throttle fun when 150 youngsters descended upon Forever Chai’s Carnival Craziness at the Castle Leisure Centre in Bury. The afternoon of slime-making, pottery-painting, discodancing, penalty shoot-outs and magic tricks from Ian Lavin, raised £1,680 – and every child took home the slime they created – lucky parents!

• Nine-year old Talia Addleman was inspired to set up a stall outside her home, selling cakes at 50p a time, raising £207.

Talia’s dad is Andrew, owner of Brackmans Bakery & Coffee shop, a Salford landmark. No wonder she sold out!

Talia Addleman’s baked goodies, with dad Andrew

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Together Magazine 2018

CONCERTED EFFORT

Now in its fourth year, Gabby Niman’s ‘Live in Concert’ fundraiser has become a family affair with three of her children performing.

Her amazing commitment to Chai developed after her grandmother had cancer. More than 70 people attended and £1,000 was raised for both Chai and The Lee Spark NF Foundation.

IT’S LOVE CHAI-LAND!

Picking up on TV’s hottest summer hit, seven mums with children at Rosh Pinah Primary School raised nearly £5,000 for Chai at a Love Island Zumba evening. Chai has been supporting one of the mums, Nicky Simmons, and her family, since her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. With Alice Aharon, Michelle Webber, Nicola Noah, Catherine Kober, Victoria Dadds and Caroline Alhadeff, they decked a school hall with Love Island decorations, while cocktails, a zumba class led by Natasha Berko, a raffle and a good luck message from Eyal Booker, one of this year’s Love Island contestants, added to the fun. Jo Franks, Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon at the Wellington Hospital, and member of Chai’s Medical Advisory Panel, spoke about the importance of breast examination. But the heart of the evening belonged to Nicky who gave an emotional speech about her cancer experience and the difference Chai has made.

Nicky Simmons (second from right) and her Love Island supporters (Photography Benjamin Leon)

SOPHIE EXPRESSES HER THANKS

Accomplished artist and Chai client, Sophie Levi, donated 25% of profits from her one-woman-show at Lauderdale House, Highgate. Counting Prince Charles among her sitters, the exhibition featured her beautifully rendered scenes of Kenwood, Highgate, Alexandra Palace and Primrose Hill.

Sophie Levi with one of her paintings at her Lauderdale House exhibition

WORLD CUP WINNER

Football didn’t come home this time but footie fans raised £1,017 and more awareness about Chai’s services during the World Cup. Our supporters hosted match screenings for friends who donated £10 each, and enjoyed special offers on BBQ packs from Basar, Hendon.

JULY

You’re amazing!

WALK RUN CYCLE

Once again, you’ve given your all to make sure Chai’s services are there, whenever and wherever they’re needed. Time to kvell…!

SWIM SKYDIVE

CREATIVE FUNDRAISER

Young Chani Levin with brothers Yitzchak and Hillel and friend Sadie Steiner, raised £115 from their sale of loom bands outside her home.

Chani Levin

AUGUST SONGS FOR DEBORAH

The Singing for Pleasure choir performed its annual concert at the MAZCC in Leeds in memory of Deborah Judah who passed away from cancer, aged 51, last year. Deborah benefitted from Chai’s services in Leeds.

Attending were her parents Pam and Melvyn Sumroy, family and friends, along with more than 150 guests, who enjoyed show tunes, and Hebrew and Yiddish favourites. More than £1,100 was raised towards furnishing a dedicated Chai hub at Regent Park in Leeds.

IT ALL ADDS UP Every amount Chai receives makes a difference to our clients. Thank you to: Sinai pupil Amelie Magnus who donated £26 from her book sale • Welwyn Garden City Cheder who donated £240 from their weekly tzedakah • Smart women, Linda Cohen and Ruth Isaacs raised £120 with their annual fashion sale • Chai therapist Helene Blankstone and daughter Lottie raised £30 by going sugar-free last February • Entrepreneurial youngsters Noah Simons, Louie Franks and Zach Peters who raised £235 with their stall at Sinai School selling funky stationery and knick-knacks.

RUN • £5,228: Chai client Johnny Maurer began training shortly after his final chemo session. With running mate Damian Schogger, family and friends, they completed a 5k run. ‘I ran for this amazing charity, which helps cancer patients like myself, and our families. No questions asked, just support and more support. Thank you!’ said Johnny.

• £2,576: David Edelman 60, ran the Manchester Half Marathon in memory of his wife Susan who had pancreatic cancer. The team effort included David’s eldest daughter, her husband and two friends, recognising the support Chai gave Susan.

• £1,245: Emily Gittelmon and Hannah Katsch, members of the Mornington Chasers running club, chose to support Chai on the Regent’s Park 10K.

N LONDO

MARATHON

Our Virgin London Marathon runners raised a whacking £55,000 for Chai!

Each one has a personal story and our gratitude goes to each one:

• £6,550

James Steele

• £6,250:

Elliott and Tash Stern

• £10,899

Ben Radstone

• £6,611:

Michael Jaeger

• £7,616

Ricki Stone

• £9,768:

Richard Silver

• £3,237

Neil Sapler

• £3,428:

Darrel Yawitch

Neil Sapler

Elliott & Tash Stern

• £3,015: Susan Kogan and Gemma Goldrein got down to the mucky business of completing Tough Mudder for Chai and Cancer Research UK.

Ricki Stone

• £102: Hannah Mark took part in the neon bright Colour Run in memory of her aunt, Suzi Gold, and to thank Chai for its support of her family.

• £800: Rochelle Humphreys ran with her daughters, sister and niece to complete Race for Life.

• £50: Lottie Blankstone summed up her Race for Life experience: ‘It was empowering to run on behalf of people with cancer. Doing it with my mum was the best feeling!’

WALK • £2,044: South Londoners Vivien and Ed Spevock repeated their Walk for Chai for a second year. And this time they cajoled grandson Zack into taking part, who alone raised £343.

Michael Jaeger, Darrel Yawitch

James Steele with wife Lydia (right), mum and Chai CEO Lisa Steele, and baby Isla

NYC MARATHON • £7,000: Sisters Michal Mocton and Adina White headed to the Big Apple for the New York City Marathon.

Michal from Manchester and Adina from London, walked the 26.2 miles, a triumph for Michal after two breast cancer surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Chai has supported Michal’s family throughout.

Read our supporters’ full stories at chaicancercare.org/news

Richard Silver

SWIM • £1,400: Sarah Dunston 24, from Edgware, swam the Channel – in her local pool – over 12 weeks. It was her ‘thank you’ to Chai for the support it gave her family during her mother’s breast cancer.

• £1,425: Lifelong swimmer Jillian Gothelf swam the Kinneret – in a New Barnet pool – after Chai supported her and her husband when she had breast cancer.

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Chai Cancer Care

Together Magazine 2018

• £10,849: Team Russells, made up of current and old Haberdashers’ Aske’s boys, raise thousands for charity with their challenges. This year Habs’ housemaster Tom Hardman chose the Ironman Atlantic Challenge and to donate to Chai after they supported a team member’s mum.

CHALLENGES • £3,708: Brooke Bloomfield raised her sights sky-high when she skydived for Chai 15,000 feet above the Wiltshire countryside. Her brave step (out of a plane) was in memory of her Aunty Lallie (Elaine Buchi) who died from ovarian cancer in 2014 and was supported by Chai.

Brooke Bloomfield

• £3,034: Amy Grossmith-Dwek 18, took to the skies for Chai, after being given a skydiving experience for her birthday. Amy’s mum is being treated for breast cancer and receiving support from Chai.

Afterwards, she said, ‘It was such a thrill and I’m Amy Dwek so pleased I did it.’

• £2,377: 30 Year-3 pupils from King David School grappled with a fun-filled circuit class at HUB Fitness in Bury, to raise funds for the Manchester service.

The children ran their own fundraising campaigns and everyone taking part was rewarded with a goodie bag containing a certificate, medal, Chai keyring and a well-earned energy bar!

• £490: Young trekker Zach Nicholls took on climbing Snowdon for Chai. ‘My grandma died of cancer and I wanted to help other people and their families fighting cancer.’

• £1,588: In March Joe Hildebrand 34, took part in his first boxing match.

The white-collar bout took place at The Dome venue in Tufnell Park and ended in a creditable draw.

CYCLE • £1,732.50: Ben Shipman, son of Chai Founder President Susan, finished the 100-mile Prudential Ride London. Ben 31, said, ‘Despite the rain (and a knee injury), the thought of Chai’s work spurred me on. I’m looking forward to next year!’

• £1,727: Rachel Taylor and friend Ellie Fishman braved freezing water, high fences and a lot of mud in the 5k Junior Warrior Adrenaline Race.

• £2,000: Joshua Rabin dedicated time, creativity and discerning taste buds for the soup cookbook he published, and which was sold at Chai. The book proved as irresistible as a good chicken soup and had to be reprinted!

• £1,770: Jack Harris climbed two mountains – that’s right – two mountains – to say thank you to Chai for supporting his Aunt Lucy. In Wales, he scaled Moel Siabod, a mere 2,861ft as a ‘warm-up’, and followed it with Snowdon, which stands at 3,560ft.

• £250: Joe Katzenellenbogen was inspired by his friend George Rosenfeld (one of the Four Sons singing group) and decided to donate his Bar Mitzvah money to Chai.

FUN RUN Rachel Taylor and Ellie Fishman

Marc Woolfson and son Jesse

135 supporters aged two to 74 took to the running track at Allianz Park at the Maccabi GB Fun Run, raising £8,000 for Chai by completing 1K, 5K and 10K distances.

• £1,032: Chai reflexologist Debbie Anderson and husband Joel, daughters, Ellie 10, and Ruby 7, and friends, Ella 10, and Luca 7.

• £555: Marc Woolfson, son Jesse, brother and sister-in-law Adam and Mandy and niece Jamie Chester.

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Vered Lebrett

Sally Barker

Avishai Blackston

• £295: Asher Flenner, 12 and sister Ariella, 10 and family on behalf of their grandfather, Angelo, who is receiving support from Chai.

• £707: Vered Lebrett ran in memory of her inspirational grandfather, Dr Leslie Shapiro z’l.

• £770: Naomi, Barry, Noah, Libby and Yona Frankfurt, who deserve medals for choosing to run for Chai every year.

• £1,468: Chai client Sally Barker.

• £400: David Blackston and threeyear-old son Avishai, who did the 1K.

Read our supporters’ full stories at chaicancercare.org/news

Showing solidarity with cancer patients, these supporters raised amazing amounts for Chai by cutting their long hair. Some also donated it to Zichron Menachem the Israeli cancer support charity, which makes wigs for children with cancer.

Thanks to our young supporters who made us part of their special day by thinking of Chai

Ben Shipman

Anderson Family and friends

A CUT ABOVE

BAR AND BAT MITZVAH CELEBRATIONS

Joshua Rabin

Sheina Cowan

Yael Zinkin

Sophie Lunz & Sophia Sh er ababo

•£ 1,247: Six-year old Yael Zinkin had 30cm of her hair snipped after two members of her family were diagnosed with cancer.

•£ 1,700: Sheina Cowan, whose 32cm plaits have been made into a wig for another child.

•£ 752: Rochelle Shorrick raised money for Chai and Great Ormond Street Hospital, remembering Avril Caspi, the mother of a friend, and five-year-old Shani Berman.

•£ 4,066: Ten-year old friends Sophie Lunzer and Sophia Shababo. ‘We wanted to do it so Chai can maximise its potential to help people,’ said Sophie.

Before

•£ 1,232: Gali Shaya and Ayala Soriano: ‘We chose Chai because it’s a really local charity and does inspiring work,’ said Ayala.

Soriano a & Ayala Gali Shay

After

Thanks

to all our wonderful supporters who set up a fundraising page in aid of Chai

Ways to give With every donation, you make a difference to the support Chai is able to give to cancer patients and their loved ones.

Please help ensure that we can continue to be there whenever and wherever we are needed.

Sharon Baker Barton Family Sara Canning Benjamin Caplan Danny Caro Caspi Family Zahava & Orli Hurst Olivia Levine Dan Levitt Julia Levy Adina Levy

Mark a special occasion Nominate Chai to receive a donation in lieu of gifts.

Contact Jacki Stanton jackistanton@chaicancercare.org or call on 020 8457 3231.

Leave a legacy Support Chai with a legacy in your will. If you wish to tell us of your intention, we would be honoured to recognise your generosity during your lifetime. Contact Lisa Steele: lisas@chaicancercare.org or call 020 8457 3392. Or visit Jewish Legacy jewishlegacy.org.uk.

Donate online It’s swift, secure and easy. Just click on the Donate tab on the website and follow the easy instructions.

Rochelle Shorrick

Joe & Benjamin Mark Elliott Mayer Juliet Nardi Dalia Rahamim Helen Rothstein Hadassa Schleider Ilan & Michal Schogger Michael Silverberg Phil Singer Tapnack Family Tunkel Family

Call us We take donations over the phone.

Call Jacki Stanton on 020 8457 3231 or Janet Lloyd on 020 8457 2072

By Post Send cheques or charity vouchers to: Chai Cancer Care 142 – 146 Great North Way London NW4 1EH Gift Aid your donation If you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid increases your donations by 25%. Tell us when you make your donation, or download a Gift Aid Declaration form from our website.

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How does Chai care?

Thanks to the generosity of the Thanks to the generosity of the community, Chai Cancer Care community, Chai Cancer Care provides specialised support to provides specialised support to thousands of people across the thousands of people across the UK who have been affected by UK who have been affected by a cancer diagnosis. a cancer diagnosis.

To find out more please call To find out more please call our Freephone Helpline on our Freephone Helpline on 0808 808 4567 or visit 0808 808 4567 or visit www.chaicancercare.org www.chaicancercare.org

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Counselling Counselling Counselling for Individuals, Counselling for Individuals, Couples & Families Couples & Families Counselling for Counselling for Genetic Issues Genetic Issues Music Therapy Music Therapy Relationship Counselling Relationship Counselling Telephone & Skype Telephone & Skype Counselling Counselling Children, Children, Teenage Teenage and and Family Family Service Service Art Therapy Art Therapy Music Music Therapy Therapy Play Therapy Therapy Play Therapies Manual Lymphatic Drainage Post-Prostate Surgery Advice Physiotherapy Medical Medical Outpatient Outpatient Rehabilitation Rehabilitation and and Palliative Palliative Care Care Service Service

Services are available at: Services are available at: North West London North London South West London South London Essex Essex Hackney Hackney Southend Southend Birmingham Birmingham Leeds Leeds Liverpool Liverpool South Manchester South Manchester North Manchester North Manchester Glasgow Glasgow Clients’ Homes Clients’ Homes Chai Lifeline Cancer Care Registered Charity No. 1078956

Complementary Therapies Complementary Therapies Acupuncture Acupuncture Aromatherapy Aromatherapy Craniosacral Therapy Craniosacral Therapy Foot Care Service Foot Care Service Healing Healing Hot Stones Hot Stones Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy Indian Head Massage Indian Head Massage Reflexology Reflexology Reiki Reiki Therapeutic Massage Therapeutic Massage

Home Support Service Home SupportServices Service Image Resource Hair, skin & nails Image Resource Services advice and care Hair, skin & nails Semi-Permanent Makeup advice and care Manicures Semi-Permanent Makeup Group Activities Manicures Art Workshop Group Activities Ceramic Studio Art Workshop Computer Lessons Ceramic Studio Israeli Dancing Computer Lessons Jewellery Workshop Israeli Dancing Knitting Jewellery Workshop Laughter Therapy Knitting Meditation Laughter Therapy Music Workshop Meditation Open/Supervised Gym Sessions Music Workshop

Pet Therapy Open/Supervised Gym Sessions Pilates Pet Therapy Table Tennis Pilates Walking Group Table Tennis Wednesday Afternoons Walking Group Yoga Wednesday Afternoons Yoga Support Groups BRCAGroups Group Support Bereavement BRCAGroups Group Breast Buddies Bereavement Groups Groups for Buddies Cancer Breast Patients/Carers Groups for Cancer Lifestyle Group Patients/Carers Lifestyle Group

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