FREE - ISSUE 13 / 2022
HOW FRIENDS OF ANCHOR CAN SUPPORT YOU Our wide range of wellbeing and practical support is close by and easy to access, from hospital or at home.
CLOSE TO YOU … IN COMMUNITY
CLOSE TO YOU … IN SERVICE
Patient Community
Mindfulness-based stress reduction course
A supportive, private platform for you to connect with fellow patients. Search ‘Friends of ANCHOR Patient Community’ on Facebook to join.
Brew + Blether
A virtual get-together, hosted by our wellbeing team every Monday on Zoom and in person once a month.
For the latest information on the wellbeing support available, please scan the QR code
Hair Loss Support Service
Our hair and wig stylist is on hand to guide you through the unknowns of hair loss, whether you’d like advice and support with a wig, or scalp, styling and hair care tips for your own hair.
Podiatry Service
Scan me!
To reach the wellbeing team: wellbeing@friendsofanchor.org 01224 859222
Fully-guided sessions running over 8 weeks, to equip patients, carers or family members with the tools and practices to alleviate feelings of stress, fear and anxiety, as well as improving sleep.
A once-weekly service within the inpatient wards. To make an appointment with our podiatrist Kay, please speak to a member of our wellbeing team (look out for the red polo-shirts).
CLOSE TO YOU … IN A PRACTICAL WAY Patient packs
A range of care packs are available, each filled with practical aids to meet your needs at different stages in your treatment.
Wellbeing provisions
Our complimentary provisions to help combat the side-effects of treatment are available within the ANCHOR Unit and can also be posted to you at home.
iPads and connectivity
Our free WiFi is available throughout the ANCHOR Unit and iPads are on offer within the inpatient wards, for keeping in touch with loved ones. Please speak to one of our wellbeing team who will be able to help.
THE LAST 6 MONTHS
IN NUMBERS HOW WE’VE SUPPORTED PATIENTS THROUGHOUT THE LAST SIX MONTHS
Volunteer-led services 2,863
miles covered by patient transport drivers
33
individual fundraisers
122
hours of driving
896
hours gifted by our Welcome Team volunteers
Patient support
Fundraising
878
care packs gifted to patients
14
122
inpatient podiatry appointments
97
total attendees for our weekly Brew + Blether
new monthly donors
552
Going the Distance participants
38
Research
£97,197
the sum we’ve pledged to pilot research this year
7
different areas of focus will be funded
13
mindfulness sessions, including our first one in-person memories created for those receiving end of life care
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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SAVE THE DATE
CELEBRATE OUR MILESTONE YEAR
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UP CLOSE
PROFESSOR MIKE GREAVES
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UNDER THE LENS
NEW STUDIES TO RECEIVE SEED FUNDING
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ANNIVERSARY YEAR
25 YEARS OF SUPPORTING PATIENTS
Spotlight Issue 13 / 2022
A DAY IN THE LIFE
KAY WATT
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PATIENT PERSPECTIVE
JIM’S STORY
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VOLUNTEER FOCUS
AT THE HEART OF IT
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IN FOCUS
CREATING A CALMING ENVIRONMENT
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MAKE YOUR MARK
OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
DELIVERING THE DIFFERENCE
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FUNDRAISING
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
JIM MILNE
HELLO AND WELCOME TO EDITION 13 OF SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE
This year is a particularly special one for Friends of ANCHOR - our 25th anniversary. What a milestone to have reached, the quarter-century mark. I remember well the day that senior oncologist at the time, Dr Andy Hutcheon, and the head of NHSG communications at the time, Alan Reid, came to see me with the idea of forming a charity that would be dedicated to local cancer and haematology care. It was a big ambition, but after losing my first wife and the mum to my two young girls to cancer just a couple of years previously, I thought it was a very worthwhile one, and one I wanted to fully support. I’ve seen great changes in the charity since the founding day in 1997. The one thing that has remained constant, pushing us forward year after year, is the patients. We want our loved ones in the ANCHOR Unit to get the very best treatment and care there is to offer. Over the years we’ve been able to pledge millions of pounds of support to that end. There was a relatively small vision for
what our support would look like back in 1997, but as the need became greater and greater, the bar lifted ever higher. From substantial equipment purchases to small items like thermometers for each patient, and pioneering research in the fields of cancer and haematology, the charity has been able to make a significant difference over the years. Every pound poured into enhancing the already-excellent NHS care, has only been possible thanks to the support of our donors and fundraisers. Friends of ANCHOR doesn’t receive any lottery or major grant funding, so when you see the sheer sum of money ploughed into research funding, staff development, medical equipment and wellbeing services, it’s all thanks to you. I’m really pleased that Balmoral can afford to finance the running costs of the charity so that we can assure you every penny of every pound supports the patients. We could not spend the money successfully without the backing of our committee who have, and continue to, guide the charity’s direction so well – and as a committee,
we’re grateful to the wellbeing team and fundraising team who work so hard to the benefit of the patients. After a challenging couple of years for everyone, we’re grateful to be celebrating our 25th year with a calendar of events you can get involved with to play your own part in supporting the cancer and haematology care available right here in the North-east. With our fundraising this year earmarked to Deliver the Difference for The ANCHOR Centre when it opens in 2023, your personal support will be making a difference for this generation and the generation after that. Know that by supporting Friends of ANCHOR you’ll positively impact the lives of those facing the reality of diagnosis and treatment. Your support will be directly felt by people here in the North-east; our work colleagues, friends and neighbours; our loved ones. We hope you’ll join us in making our 25th year the most impactful yet.
www.friendsofanchor.org
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ONLINE SHOPPING Tea Towels £10
Shop the range in our 25th year
Show your support in our anniversary year by wearing our limited-edition merchandise with pride or pick up gifts throughout the year from our online shop.
Anniversary Pin Badges £2.50
Little Anchor Earrings £16
Dog Bandanas £8 Keep Cup £12
Buffs £10 Greeting Cards £4 per pack
Bobble Hat £10
Hoodies £25 With delivery costs covered by our corporate sponsor Balmoral Group, you can rest assured every penny of profits supports our work
3-for-2 across all packs
Scan me! Scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit friendsofanchor.com to shop our full range. 06
Spotlight Issue 13 / 2022
Hydrate M8 Tracker Bottle £15
SAVE THE DATE
CELEBRATE OUR MILESTONE YEAR WITH US OUR 25TH YEAR IS PACKED WITH EVENTS FROM FITNESS CHALLENGES AND ADRENALINE THRILLS TO OUR ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
JULY 24
Friends of ANCHOR skydive
OCTOBER 2 Loch Ness Marathon, 10km and Wee 7–9
AUGUST 21 Dundee Kiltwalk 27 Ride the North
Celebrate with us!
Nessie race
Scotland’s Virtual Kiltwalk
SEPTEMBER 9 Friends of ANCHOR Gala Golf Event 10 Glack Trail 18 Edinburgh Kiltwalk
Found a different event you’d like to tackle?
Let us know and we’ll come alongside you to provide support!
www.friendsofanchor.org
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UP CLOSE
PROFESSOR MIKE GREAVES PROF GREAVES HAS WORN MANY HATS IN HIS ROLES WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN, NHS GRAMPIAN AND FRIENDS OF ANCHOR. HERE HE TELLS US ABOUT HIS LONG-RUNNING HISTORY WITH THE CHARITY, AND THE DIFFERENCE THE ANCHOR CENTRE WILL DELIVER FOR PATIENTS WHEN IT OPENS NEXT YEAR.
This year is our 25th anniversary – but you’ve been involved with Friends of ANCHOR since the very early days. What changes have you seen over the years? I relocated to Aberdeen from Sheffield in 1996 when I was honoured to be appointed as Professor of Haematology at the University of Aberdeen. I recall that within a couple of years of my arrival, I was introduced to James Milne, who I knew had initiated and underwritten the plan to establish a local charity to support the care of patients with cancer and blood disorders. The charity was of course, Friends of ANCHOR. Jim’s drive, enthusiasm and altruism were evident to me from the very beginning, and I felt privileged to be associated with the charity in its early phase. Under the stewardship of Jim, Friends of ANCHOR rapidly matured into a very significant contributor to the direct care of patients through its wellbeing initiatives, and subsequently its invaluable contributions supporting research, as well as facilitating the purchase of state-ofthe-art equipment for improved diagnosis and treatment, and provision of novel staff training opportunities.
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For you personally, what’s one of the funding highlights the charity provides here and now in 2022? To me, a distinctive feature of Friends of ANCHOR is all of the elements of support it provides, from direct patient care to research, which is outstanding within the sector. All four of the charity’s funding areas can be regarded as complementary as they all have the interests of patients at heart in their different ways. As the clinical lead for The ANCHOR Centre project, what excites you most about the new facility and the difference it will make for patients? Although I believe the clinical care provided for patients in haematology and oncology is of a very high standard, the facilities in which the care is delivered currently are not co-located and are no longer of the highest standard. The principal aim of the ANCHOR Project Team in the design and delivery of the new Centre is to provide as welcoming, comfortable and efficient an environment as can be achieved, and Friends of ANCHOR’s support will make a significant contribution to this. In addition, bringing together haematology and oncology
staff in a cohesive and vibrant working environment will be an additional benefit which I anticipate will serve to support staff recruitment in future, to the further benefit of patient care. Do you have a message for the people over the years who have supported the cause, or for those coming on board as we head into the next quarter-century of support? Having seen what has been achieved by Friends of ANCHOR over a quarter century, my message is one of sincere gratitude to all of those who have demonstrated their generosity and altruism in supporting the charity. Through research the diagnostic approaches, therapeutic possibilities and outcomes in cancer and blood disorders have improved tremendously over those 25 years, but, of course, there is much more to be achieved and your support will be crucial to us, and those who follow, in maintaining this trajectory.
www.friendsofanchor.org
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Spotlight Issue 13 / 2022
UNDER THE LENS
NEW STUDIES TO RECEIVE SEED FUNDING THIS YEAR, FRIENDS OF ANCHOR WILL FUND SEVEN PIONEERING NEW STUDIES IN THE FIELDS OF HAEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY, AT A FUNDING COST OF £97,917.
Since 2010, Friends of ANCHOR has funded 72 pilot research projects, each one taking place right here in Aberdeen. This year, we have committed to funding seven more. These pioneering studies play a critical role in the future of cancer management, allowing scientists to build compelling cases for major funding. Projects like these can form the building blocks of future breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment. Seven new studies will get underway this year at the University of Aberdeen, at a total cost of £97,917. We’re pleased to be continuing our longstanding partnership with the University, to improve our understanding of the causes of cancers and haematology illnesses, to develop the care, and to discover treatment breakthroughs. It’s only thanks to the support of our donors and fundraisers that we’re able to back these important research projects. With thanks to our Going the Distance 2021 and 2022 participants, whose fundraising will support such work.
Meet one of this year’s Friends of ANCHOR-funded research teams, investigating a new method by which oral cancers could be detected earlier. The team: Karolin Hijazi, Rasha Abu-Eid, Prof Anne Kiltie, Christopher McDonald, Rafa Moleron, Roy Soiza and Janet Kyle The funding: £14,973 The background: Oral cancer, including tongue, cheek, palate and lip, is a significant health problem in Scotland, where rates are almost double those seen in England. Despite some advances in treatment, the prognosis of this type of cancer remains poor, mainly because of late diagnosis. Whilst a wealth of knowledge is emerging in relation to the role of human bacteria, diet and the immune system in a range of cancers, there remains little knowledge of the importance of these factors in oral cancer. The study: Three groups of patients attending NHS clinics will be asked to take part in the study: oral cancer
patients, those with oral pre-cancer, and a comparator group of patients who have neither oral cancer or pre-cancer. The researchers will use cutting-edge technologies to compare patterns in the diets of the people within the study, as well as mouth and gut bacteria, inflammation factors and microscopic changes within their cells and tissues. By examining the results and the relationships between these factors, the group aims to provide initial knowledge that can then be taken to the next level. The benefits: This early seed project, along with its subsequent large study, have the potential to define the role of oral and gut bacteria, in order to improve early diagnosis of oral cancer and precancer. Given the focus on diet within this study, the project could also identify dietary factors that can be exploited for prevention of oral cancer and pre-cancer progression. These two outcomes would ultimately contribute to the development of technologies that will alleviate the suffering and the mortality rates of oral cancer patients in Scotland and beyond.
www.friendsofanchor.org
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ANNIVERSARY YEAR
25 YEARS
of supporting patients
THIS YEAR IS A MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY FOR THE CHARITY, AS WE MARK 25 YEARS OF SERVING THE NEEDS OF CANCER AND HAEMATOLOGY PATIENTS THROUGHOUT THE REGION.
The vision set on our founding day to come alongside the NHS to optimise patient care continues to be our relentless endeavour. Since 1997, we’ve funded millions to make that vision possible, thanks to the support of our valued donors and fundraisers. It’s thanks to people like you that we’ve able to fund game changing equipment purchases, pioneering cancer and haematology research, and the person-centred wellbeing services that Friends of ANCHOR is known for. All the while, we’ve carried on with our commitment to NHS staff, investing in their learning and training through our clinical excellence funding.
In our anniversary year, we’d be grateful for your backing as we look ahead to the next quarter-decade of patient support. Skip back to page 7 to browse our calendar of events in 2022 – we would love for you to choose a challenge and join us at the start line of a race or walk, or at our golf day in September. Or read on over the page to find out how you can play a direct part in the care of people right here in our corner of the world when The ANCHOR Centre opens next year. Scan the QR code to visit our events page online,
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Spotlight Issue 13 / 2022
DELIVERING THE DIFFERENCE
MAKE YOUR MARK IN OUR ANNIVERSARY YEAR
25 years. It’s a significant milestone and one we’re proud to be celebrating. As we look ahead to this next season of supporting patients, one of our key areas of focus is our current campaign, the ANCHORED Together appeal. With a £2m fundraising pot to fill, this is our commitment to Deliver the Difference for The ANCHOR Centre when it opens at Foresterhill next year. As well as the fundraising that will further enhance this excellent facility, we’re preparing to be in the Centre day in, day out, to support every person walking through its doors for treatment. Our welcome team will be the friendly faces greeting patients and easing their navigation through the building, and our gardening crew will maintain the
tranquil green spaces that have been incorporated into the design in order to provide a quiet spot away from everything else. All the while, our wellbeing services will continue, with our dedicated complementary therapy room providing a spa-like space for our much-loved massage, hydrotherm, podiatry, nail and hair and wig services. The furnishing of that relaxing space for patients is one such area that your ANCHORED Together donations will support – and our funding will also provide enhancements to the equipment, furnishings and décor, to contribute to patient ease, both physical and emotional.
Support our appeal Will you join our monthly donor collective?
24 monthly donors so far £300 the combined amount given per month. If 25 people donated £25 a month … £13,875 would be the collective impact by the time the Centre opens. What a legacy! Scan this QR code set up your regular gift today.
Scan me! www.friendsofanchor.org
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WE’RE PODCASTING!
WATCH THIS SPACE
LATER THIS YEAR YOU’LL HAVE THE CHANCE TO GET YOUR FRIENDS OF ANCHOR UPDATES IN SURROUND SOUND AS WE TAKE THE CHARITY’S NEWS TO A BRAND NEW PLATFORM... PODCASTING! WE’LL BE WORKING WITH PODCAST HOST AND FREE RANGE PODCASTING FOUNDER MIKE ELDER, WHO GOT IN TOUCH WITH THE IDEA OF HOSTING A PODCAST IN SUPPORT OF THE CHARITY, AS A WAY OF GIVING BACK AFTER HE RECEIVED CARE IN THE ANCHOR UNIT PERSONALLY.
Quickfire questions with our podcast host, Mike Elder Tell us about yourself in a sentence: I am a ‘retired’ school leader who wanted to reinvent himself as ‘Super G’ when grandparenthood came along, but those dreams have been dashed as I am now known just as ‘Soupie’ by my three grandchildren! How did you get into podcasting? I ran a media project for S6 pupils at school, and one student was very keen to produce a podcast. She recorded some great content but we didn’t ever manage to publish it as an actual podcast, so it became a bit of unfinished business to see if I could crack the podcasting challenge! Why did you want to create a podcast for the charity? Four years ago, I was treated for a blood cancer and received fantastic care and treatment on
ANCHOR Ward 112. I also benefited greatly from various items and services provided by Friends of ANCHOR so, ever since then, I have been very keen to give something back, in any way that I can, to this fantastic charity. Who are you most looking forward to interviewing? Over time, I am keen to interview as many different people associated with Friends of ANCHOR as I can. I am planning, though, to kickstart the podcast by interviewing some of those who have taken part in fundraising or as models in Courage on the Catwalk and Brave as there are so many amazing stories to be told by people in those groups.
Keep an eye out for how to listen!
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Spotlight Issue 13 / 2022
A DAY IN THE LIFE
KAY WATT MEET KAY, OUR FRIENDS OF ANCHOR PODIATRIST WHO WORKS IN THE ANCHOR UNIT A DAY A WEEK, HELPING KEEP PATIENTS’ FEET SHIP-SHAPE.
How long have you been providing podiatry services for ANCHOR patients? I’ve been able to offer podiatry appointments in the inpatient wards of the ANCHOR Unit, wards 112 and 114, since lockdown lifted last spring. It was really wonderful to be back on the wards among the patients, as the charity’s podiatry service had been on hold due to the restrictions. In the not-too-distant future, we’ll be able to re-introduce the podiatry service for outpatients too, which I’m really looking forward to. How would you describe the podiatry service offered by Friends of ANCHOR?
“ The appointments that are funded by Friends of ANCHOR give patients a chance to have their feet professionally checked over and any problems sorted out.” Some people have specific foot care needs that an appointment can really help with. Sometimes a patient’s treatment can lead to side effects like
sore or dry skin on the feet, so half an hour spent caring for them can bring welcome relief. If a patient doesn’t have any specific foot care needs, an appointment with me can be a nice treat which really breaks up the day and brings a nice distraction from time in the ward. Whenever I see a patient, it’s also a chance to offer support by showing them how to check for ulcerations or damaged skin and being armed with that knowledge can reduce the likelihood of infection which may impact their treatment. What does a typical working day in the ANCHOR Unit look like for you? How many patients do you see on a normal day? I normally see around eight people in a day, and patients are pre-booked by the Friends of ANCHOR wellbeing team. When I arrive in the inpatients department, I find out a little more about each person I’m seeing that day so I can tailor their treatment as best as possible. I fit my visits to the patients around other staff and visitors so it’s at a convenient time for them.
What’s the most rewarding part of your role as the FoA podiatrist? The patients seem to be very appreciative of the footcare they get; the simple things can make a difference. I think it is a chance to have something different done on the ward and it feels nice to have your feet attended to without it being an invasive treatment. What would you say to a patient who has not yet used the FoA podiatry service? Please don’t feel embarrassed about your feet - I think I have seen most things! It’s really important to ensure your feet are well looked after, and that’s what I’m here for.
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PATIENT PERSPECTIVE
JIM’S STORY MEET JIM, WHO UNEXPECTEDLY FOUND HIMSELF REQUIRING THE CARE OF THE ANCHOR UNIT WHILE HE WAS FUNDRAISING FOR FRIENDS OF ANCHOR IN 2021.
Hi Jim, thanks for chatting with us! Can you share a little bit about your diagnosis? I started the day like any other morning but while I was putting on shaving foam, I found a lump on the side of my neck. I thought it might have just been a swollen gland but when it didn’t go away, I knew I needed to get it checked. After a consult with my GP, I was referred to ARI for a scan and biopsy, which revealed I had stage 3 carcinoma on both sides of my neck, so I was referred to the ANCHOR Unit to begin a treatment plan. It was thought that the cancer may have originated in my tonsils, but after having these removed it was revealed that the primary tumour was in my tongue and had spread to my lymph nodes. At the time of your diagnosis, you were fundraising for Friends of ANCHOR - how did it feel to then receive your own diagnosis? I finished my virtual Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge on the Friday, walking 20 miles before going on to start six weeks of radiotherapy on the Monday. I had done a video at the start of my challenge and had mentioned the statistic we all know - that 1-in-2 people will be affected by cancer in their lifetime. I realised that I was one of those 1-in-2, and it made my fundraising and the reason behind supporting the cause all the more impactful. I never once thought ‘why me?’ and with a network of friends and family around me, I dug deep to do what I needed to do.
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Having been a passionate supporter of Friends of ANCHOR already, what support from the charity stood out during your time in the ANCHOR Unit? I joined the virtual mindfulness course the week that I started treatment and found that it really helped. It encouraged me and taught me to take the time to really check in with how I was feeling and coping with what was obviously a worrying time. A big standout for me was the Welcome Team at Radiotherapy, they were incredible. Having a friendly face greet you ahead of treatment, which I was getting every day, Monday to Friday, was so valuable. On my fifth week of treatment, a volunteer noticed a spike in my temperature which revealed that I had aspiration pneumonia from food particles being trapped in my airway. I was admitted to the inpatient ward within the ANCHOR Unit and was taken to radiotherapy every day so I could continue with the treatment. I was struggling with the side effects of treatment but Kay, Friends of ANCHOR’s podiatrist, came to my room one day and gave me my first ever pedicure which really brightened my spirits. What would you say to anyone fundraising for the charity? I think most of us would struggle to think of anyone who has not been touched by cancer. With Friends of ANCHOR, your support will go directly towards patients here in the North-east
Jim posing for a pic before heading out on one of his daily fundraising walks
which really does make a difference. With the ANCHORED Together appeal, which I ringfenced my fundraising towards, there is a chance to help this generation and generations to come. What are the next steps for you now? My wife Ashlyn and I decided to book a holiday to Tenerife, and we committed to going regardless of the outcome of my first scan since starting treatment. I had prepared myself for the potential to receive bad news, but I feel incredibly blessed that on March 18 this year, I was told there was no evidence of residual cancer cells in my body. Now, I attend the ANCHOR Unit every eight weeks for check-ups and I am slowly building up my strength and weight. The trip to Tenerife in April was the perfect way to celebrate such good news.
www.friendsofanchor.org
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VOLUNTEER FOCUS
AT THE HEART OF IT MEET MARGARET AND STUART GROUNDWATER, WHO’VE BEEN VOLUNTEERING AS FRIENDS OF ANCHOR PATIENT TRANSPORT DRIVERS SINCE 2019, HELPING GET PATIENTS TO THEIR VITAL APPOINTMENTS AT ARI AND AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN GLASGOW.
Can you describe the patient transport service - Driving the Distance - in a sentence? The service, which is run by volunteers, allows patients to travel to their appointments with less anxiety, knowing they don’t have to worry about the usual issues of parking or using public transport, and that the driver is able to offer support where they can. The service is so important to patients, especially those who can’t drive or who get tired easily. How did you get involved volunteering with Friends of ANCHOR? Margaret: I had treatment for breast cancer a few years ago and Stuart and I were very grateful for the excellent care and support we both received. We saw the service being introduced on the Friends of ANCHOR website and thought it would an ideal way for us to give something back. We both drove a lot for work but now that we’re retired, volunteering for the Driving the Distance service suits us perfectly. What is a typical shift like for you? We receive all the information we need in advance, then whichever one of us is on shift will head off to collect the Friends of ANCHOR vehicle from where it’s kept at ARI. Some patients live nearby, and
some are as far afield as Peterhead, which means each shift is different. When we pick up the patient, first up are the introductions, and we make sure they’re comfortable and offer them some bottled water before heading off to their appointment. Some people prefer to sit quietly while others chat the whole journey, so no two shifts are ever the same. Once our passenger is safely dropped off, they are given a card with a dedicated phone number to call when they’re ready to be picked up. When the transport is to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, we may only have to drop the patient off or we might have to wait all day to collect them. Some shifts are short, some shifts are long, but it’s always a rewarding experience. You continued volunteering throughout the pandemic and ensuing lockdown. How did the service change in that time? It was brilliant that the service was able to continue for the benefit of patients. All the volunteer drivers carried out the extra precautions for the wellbeing of patients, such as wearing masks and thoroughly sanitising the car. People who would have preferred to sit in the passenger seat were asked to sit
in the back instead to allow for social distancing, so with all these precautions in place, journeys felt very different to what we were used to previously, but we were pleased to be able to continue helping. The service really was invaluable during this time, especially for patients who only left isolation for their appointments. What difference do you think the role makes to patients? The people we drive are always very appreciative, especially on the longer journeys. They don’t have to worry about anything – the car is comfortable and well equipped for their needs, with everything from blankets to anti-sickness aids. What is your favourite part of the role? We both really enjoy meeting new people, and it means so much to know you’re making a difference to patients during such a stressful time. What would you say to anyone who is thinking of volunteering with the charity? Just do it! It helps support the patients and you feel good knowing you’ve helped someone going through a very difficult time. It costs nothing to give your time to a worthwhile cause and what you get back is priceless.
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IN FOCUS
CREATING A CALMING ENVIRONMENT THANKS TO DONOR SUPPORT, THE CHARITY HAS FUNDED A DIGITAL INSTALLATION THAT GIVES PATIENTS A VISUALISATION POINT DURING PROCEDURES.
Funding from Friends of ANCHOR has brought the outdoors in for people being treated with brachytherapy in a new treatment suite at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The charity funded £10,000 for a state-of-the-art, non-clinical piece of kit that is creating a calming environment for patients. The ‘virtual skylight’ is affixed to the ceiling in the brachytherapy suite and can switch between a relaxing blue sky and pink cherry blossoms waving in the wind, all shown in stunning highresolution. Additional funding of almost £1,000 has seen the waiting area and recovery room adorned with art to provide welcome distraction and a sense of peace in the clinical setting. Brachytherapy advanced practitioner Caroline Pacitti, who applied for the funding, said: “The addition of the virtual skylight produces a relaxing, soothing environment and patients really feel the benefit in reducing stress and anxiety. It provides a calming visualisation point on which to focus during treatment sessions, which positively impacts on their overall experience of the treatment.” Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiotherapy that is fundamental in the management of many cancers. Within 20
Spotlight Issue 13 / 2022
the radiotherapy department at ARI, treatment for cervical, endometrial and skin cancers has been undertaken in the brand-new brachytherapy and theatre suite, which opened in June 2021. The cutting-edge NHS facilities and equipment are available for patients from NHS Grampian, Highland and Tayside, and the suite will soon become a cohesive part of The ANCHOR Centre when that facility opens next year. People with cervical cancer who require brachytherapy are currently seen as inpatients, but thanks to the innovative design and construction of the new suite, they will soon be able to have this treatment as outpatients, significantly enhancing their treatment experience and efficiently improving the treatment pathway. A highly skilled team that looks after their patients with such care and compassion, the brachytherapy practitioners treat up to 80 people a year. Caroline said: “We work hard to minimise stress and anxiety for the patients at all their treatment appointments. It was vital that this new space provided a calming and relaxing environment where patients felt less anxious, vulnerable and apprehensive about treatment.
“The addition of the virtual skylight and the artwork in the suite has softened the clinical area and provided a less intimidating, calming space. “Without the generous funding from Friends of ANCHOR, we would not have been able to create such a space and we are all incredibly proud of the brachytherapy suite and ambience felt when you enter through the door. This really is a massive leap forward in terms of patient experience and we can already see the positive results in terms of patient experience of brachytherapy.” Friends of ANCHOR is pleased to continue its support of the brachytherapy service, having contributed £9,000 of funding in 2018, towards a £15,400 portable ultrasound scanner that greatly streamlined the treatment process for patients.
www.friendsofanchor.org
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WORKING TOGETHER
CORPORATE PARTNERS
FINDING CREATIVE WAYS TO SUPPORT THE CAUSE THROUGH THE WORKFORCE. THANK YOU TO ALL THE LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT FRIENDS OF ANCHOR.
Academy Street Dance Studio
Total raised since 2019: £3,205.11 Co-owners Gillian and Jo have supported the charity now for three years, continuing the legacy of the studio’s founder Jemma McRae, who sadly passed away in 2019 following a second breast cancer diagnosis. The cause is one that’s close to the hearts of the staff and pupils of the dance school, and their passionate support shines through at every opportunity, including with celebrations of Jemma’s birthday, which have raised over £2,000 in her loving memory. In our anniversary year, Academy Street Dance Studio continued their backing with the Jemma McRae Legacy Showcase at The Chester Hotel in February, featuring an evening of diverse dancing styles the pupils had worked hard to master. Guests showed such generosity in their support, with over £1,000 raised. This is a studio with a huge heart and a real feeling of community. That much is evident in the support that comes year after year, in loving memory of Jemma and in recognition of the support and treatment given to so many others in the ANCHOR Unit. To the staff, pupils and parents of this wonderful school, we’d like to give our thanks.
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Spotlight Issue 13 / 2022
Entier
Total raised since 2015: £69,682.65 – with additional support in event sponsorship too! Entier is a business with global reach, and with its roots in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, it’s a firm that has a truly local heart. The company has achieved so much in its support of Friends of ANCHOR over the past seven years, rallying to take part in our own in-house events, as well as organising their own fundraisers and pop-up shops. Pledges of sponsorship are generous and frequent, and there’s always a kind commitment to gift support – like the delicious meals they donated for ANCHOR staff at the height of the pandemic, and beautifully-prepared meal deliveries to thoughtfully mark special occasions, such as Mother’s Day, for ANCHOR patients. In our milestone 25th year, Entier has taken their support one step further, literally flying the flag for Friends of ANCHOR with our anniversary logo flying high on the flagpole from Entier at Westhill – keep an eye out for it next time you’re passing through the area! We’re very grateful for the generous backing of the team at Entier, who are always thinking outside the box in how they can support the cause.
PD & MS Group
Total donated: £1,500 Having launched their charity nomination scheme last year, PD & MS Group gave their employees the chance to nominate a charity to receive a gift of £1,500. The firm’s head of business development for renewables, Thomas Barter, put forward Friends of ANCHOR and was delighted to find out his bid was successful. Being a seasoned fundraiser for the cause personally, Thomas put great thought into how the company’s donation could directly support people right here in our corner of the world. After careful consideration, he and his employer selected our Making Memories scheme; a fund we have created which is for use by the family or clinical team of a patient who is receiving end of life care, to create a special experience for that person and their loved ones. For the support from this firm, we are very grateful.
Scan here to read more about our Making Memories scheme
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HEARTFELT MESSAGES FROM THOSE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXCELLENT CARE AND TREATMENT WITHIN THE ANCHOR UNIT, AND THE SUPPORT FROM FRIENDS OF ANCHOR, FIRST-HAND OR AS A FAMILY MEMBER.
“From surgery, through chemotherapy and radiotherapy, my treatment has been exceptional. Many thanks for all the gifts I received, including creams, my wig and hair products to care for it, and not forgetting my Christmas gift from Santa when I was unexpectedly in hospital over Christmas Day. My sincere thanks to everyone involved.” “Friends of ANCHOR helped me tremendously during my treatment and on my journey with this disease. I’m about to have radiotherapy and it was so lovely to see a welcome face from FoA at the entrance.” “Thank you so much [to the volunteers] for giving your time in the radiotherapy department. Your help made a difficult situation a lot less stressful.” “I cannot thank the consultants, doctors and nursing staff enough for the help and support they gave to me and my family during a very difficult time.”
www.friendsofanchor.org
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Friends of ANCHOR, c/o Balmoral Group Holdings Ltd, Balmoral Park, Loirston, Aberdeen AB12 3GY Wellbeing Team t. 01224 859222
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wellbeing@friendsofanchor.org
Fundraising Team t. 01224 859170
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friendsofanchor.org/index.php/patient-area
info@friendsofanchor.org
Registered Charity No: SC025332
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friendsofanchor.org