Spotlight
FREE – PLEASE TAKE A COPY ISSUE 8 / 2019
FRIENDS OF ANCHOR
WHAT THE CHARITY DOES
Helping to make North-east cancer and haematology care the best it can be.
The clinics and wards of the Aberdeen and North-east Centre for Haematology, Oncology and Radiotherapy (ANCHOR) Unit operate within Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to treat patients with all forms of cancer, leukaemia and benign blood disorders.
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Investing in the latest technology, over and above what NHSG provides, to continually develop and improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.
PATIENT WELLBEING Offering additional care, comfort and support to cancer and haematology patients during their time in hospital.
LEADING CANCER RESEARCH Funding local cancer research to push the boundaries in the fight against cancer.
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Spotlight Issue 8 / 2019
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
JIM MILNE
WELCOME TO EDITION EIGHT OF SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE
With two of the charity’s biggest annual fundraising events on the horizon as we go to print with this edition, it has been a busy time as ever for the Friends of ANCHOR office team. In amongst preparations for Courage on the Catwalk and Brave, we publicly launched our new fundraising campaign, developed a new patient health and fitness initiative and sold out our biennial Masked Ball in record time. The wheels are now well and truly in motion for our ANCHORED Together appeal, with the aim to raise £2m for vital investment in the new ANCHOR Centre. You can read more about the campaign and see pictures from our public launch in Union Square, on pages 8 and 9. There are so many ways you can support the appeal and I hope you will feel encouraged to stand ANCHORED Together with us to help raise a sum of this magnitude. The power of fresh air and exercise has long been heralded in patient recovery, and our new fitness initiative, designed specifically
by patients, for patients, seeks to make the most of that. Organised in partnership with NHS Grampian and renowned personal fitness trainers Rebel PT, we’ve coined the name ‘Red Rebel’. Classes will take place on Sunday afternoons in the city’s iconic Duthie Park and are open to past and present oncology and haematology patients. Check out page 6 for how to get involved. For an update on charity-funded equipment, turn to pages 22 and 23 to read about Friends of ANCHOR’s investment in cuttingedge software, which will improve cancer management for those with breast cancer or suspected tumours. Staff wellbeing and development is another key area Friends of ANCHOR is passionate about supporting in the ANCHOR Unit. On pages 12 and 13, you’ll be introduced to staff nurse Sam Barton who is the first to benefit from our newly-launched clinical scholarship programme for ANCHOR Unit nursing staff. This new initiative has not only boosted Sam’s
personal development, but will also bring a real, measurable benefit to the ANCHOR Unit as a whole. Hear from committee member and ANCHOR Unit consultant Trevor McGoldrick on page 10, where he shares his personal reflection on Friends of ANCHOR funding and the direct impact it makes for patients in the North-east of Scotland. Lastly, there is still plenty of time to get involved with some of our many 2019 fundraising events. The ever-popular ANCHOR Wipeout returns this year with a corporate day, public tournament and Wee Wipeout for children. As well as the Wipeout arena, we’ll have a foodie village featuring fantastic local stallholders and additional fun for all the family – with inflatables, pony rides and face painting to name a few. With a summer packed full of dates for your diary, we hope you’ll be able to join us. In the meantime, wishing you all a wonderful summer.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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15
PAULA BEATTIE
AT THE HEART OF IT
A DAY IN THE LIFE
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17
ANCHORED TOGETHER
SAVE THE DATE
DELIVERING THE DIFFERENCE
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TREVOR MCGOLDRICK
DAVE’S STORY
PATIENT PERSPECTIVE
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21
SAM BARTON
HEARTFELT MESSAGES
INVESTING IN PEOPLE
SHARE THE LOVE
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22
CORPORATE PARTNERS
INVESTING IN BREAST CANCER
WORKING TOGETHER
Spotlight Issue 8 / 2019
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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UP CLOSE
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VOLUNTEER FOCUS
IN FOCUS
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Email redrebel@friendsofanchor.org or visit friendsofanchor.org to reserve your place
A DAY IN THE LIFE
PAULA BEATTIE PAULA IS OUR TIME OUT AND WELLBEING COORDINATOR, OFFERING PATIENTS A WELCOME BREAK WITH ART AND CRAFT PROJECTS, GAMES, SOCIAL VISITS AND SO MUCH MORE.
How did you become involved with Friends of ANCHOR? I volunteered as one of the backstage make-up artists for Courage on the Catwalk in 2018 and from then on, I was very aware of Friends of ANCHOR through social media. When I saw the wellbeing role advertised a month later, I knew I wanted to go for it. I was delighted to be selected to be part of the team! How would you describe the support offered by Friends of ANCHOR to patients within the Unit? I feel the support we offer is like no other. Every member of the Friends of ANCHOR wellbeing team invests so much care and passion into what they do and I really think it shows in how the patients react to us. The wellbeing service encompasses many things, from hair and wig styling, massage and hydrotherm, manicures and podiatry to time out – which is where my focus lies. Can you tell us more about the time out service? Friends of ANCHOR’s time out offering is a complimentary service available to all patients within the ANCHOR inpatient wards. It gives those who are being treated in the wards an opportunity to break up their day with a range of activities including board games, puzzles and crafting to name a few. In addition to these activities, an important part of the service is the time we’re able to spend with patients on a one-to-one basis. Sometimes it’s a case of simply stopping
by a patient’s room for a friendly chat, or sometimes we’ll accompany patients for a walk to get some fresh air, or just a short stroll around the ward. Everyone is welcome in our Friends of ANCHOR time out room, which is a nonclinical space located within Ward 112. We’ve newly renovated the space and patients enjoy the opportunity to get out of their room and spend some time there. It’s always such a pleasure to see patients, family members and friends using the space. What does a typical day at Friends of Anchor look like for you ? The joy of working with Friends of ANCHOR is that every day is completely different thanks to the variety of people I get to meet. My days are dedicated to spending time with patients, and I take my cue from them and what their needs are – from having a chat and bringing a hot drink to organising a craft activity. I like to ensure all patients are aware of the other complimentary wellbeing services on offer to them throughout their stay in the inpatient wards. I end each shift by loading up the Friends of ANCHOR ‘treat trolley’ and doing the rounds to offer fresh fruit and biscuits - as well as cooling ice lollies or ice cream, which are popular with patients who are feeling the side effects of their treatment.
What are some of the things you have found most rewarding in your job? It’s lovely being able to surprise patients with the vast array of wellbeing services we make available to them while they are in the ANCHOR Unit. It’s through these services that we can make a difference to their time spent in the hospital, and there is nothing more rewarding than knowing you have been able to help someone who may have been having a tough day. Even something as basic as offering them a cooling ice lolly or putting their favourite film on one of the Friends of ANCHOR-funded DVD players to pass the time while they’re in their room can give them a real boost. What would you say to patients who have not yet used the time out service? Get involved! We really have something for everyone; whether it’s getting crafty and making something for a loved one or sitting down with a puzzle or game to pass the time. Even if a patient would just like a chat over a cup of tea, we would love to see them – that’s what we’re here for.
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DELIVERING THE DIFFERENCE
THE WHEELS ARE IN MOTION FOR OUR LATEST FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN, THE ANCHORED TOGETHER APPEAL.
Our biggest campaign to date, we publicly launched the appeal in January – with the goal of raising £2m for The ANCHOR Centre. Due to open in late 2021, this brand new, purpose-built facility will be the first of its kind in Scotland; bringing together all oncology and haematology day and out patient services under one roof. As the nominated charity for The ANCHOR Centre, Friends of ANCHOR’s essential fundraising will deliver the difference, to bring over and above what the NHS alone can provide. Within our fundraising remit are plans for the public areas including the arrival atrium, coffee lounge area, information lounge, the outdoor terraces and courtyards. In addition, our long-term commitment to the Centre will be ongoing,
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Spotlight Issue 8 / 2019
with the charity continuing to fund its three core areas – patient wellbeing, research and medical equipment. This year, funds raised through our annual events will all go towards the ANCHORED Together appeal. We hope you will join us to support the campaign in any way you can – by donating to the cause, fundraising to help us reach our goal, volunteering to help bolster our efforts, or simply using your voice to raise awareness of the campaign. Start a conversation today by emailing info@friendsofanchor.org
“It is so important to have a friendly face as you walk through the door. Patients can feel very anxious when they enter the ANCHOR wards and clinics so if we can do anything to help alleviate that, it’s a great thing. You build up a relationship with each patient and it’s the personable and relational approach that really makes the difference. I’m delighted that Friends of ANCHOR will be increasing the wellbeing team to include a hospitality team leader with friendly and informed volunteers to support the NHSG team on reception with that level of care and compassion.” Karen Mackie Radiotherapy Receptionist
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UP CLOSE
TREVOR MCGOLDRICK AS A CONSULTANT MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST, FRIENDS OF ANCHOR COMMITTEE MEMBER TREVOR HAS GREAT INSIGHT INTO THE HELP THE CHARITY PROVIDES.
What’s your personal take on the impact of Friends of ANCHOR funding? Even before I was on the committee, Friends of ANCHOR’s support was very obvious to me around the ANCHOR Unit. My job is mostly in the outpatient clinics and between that and doing ward rounds in the inpatient oncology ward I could see the charity’s presence and the difference it made to patients. I noticed equipment funded by the charity was visible throughout the clinical areas, marked by branded stickers. The wellbeing team were always bringing a smile and light relief round the Unit, whether they were offering a relaxing pamper treat and time out for the inpatients in their rooms or planning a movie day in the chemotherapy ward. It brings a really welcome lift to the patients, and the staff too. When I joined the committee in 2016 and heard first-hand about the projects we were financially supporting, it struck me that there couldn’t be many departments within Aberdeen Royal Infirmary that have a connection to diagnostics and treatments in cancer that hadn’t, at some point, received funding from Friends of ANCHOR. I really had no idea of the significant scale of Friends of ANCHOR’s financial support until I joined the committee. Is there any particular funding project that stands out to you in your time on the Friends of ANCHOR committee? The stand
out for me is most definitely our Dream Big fundraising campaign in 2017, to recruit a dedicated oncology research team to Aberdeen. It really was a visionary proposal to support and a brave one at that, given the large amount of money committed. Sitting in the room that day, it felt historic. We made the £1m fundraising target in just one year – with a lot of hard work and generous support - which was phenomenal. To have a strong academic oncology research department in Aberdeen will have a direct impact in improving oncology patient care in the North-east. It will certainly attract and retain high calibre clinicians to the region. Already members of the oncology team have been appointed and we’re seeing an increased research presence because of that on the wards. The fundraising for The ANCHOR Centre is in full swing. What are you most excited about? There are so many things to be excited about with The ANCHOR Centre on the horizon. From a selfish point of view, it will be fantastic to have a true centre. One purpose-built centre we can all work in, see all our patients in and do much of our diagnosis in. There will be the chance to work more closely with our haematology colleagues as well as the teams delivering chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which is great as we currently all work in different areas within the hospital.
It will further encourage teamwork and collaboration as well as having a direct impact on staff recruitment and retention I’m sure. The facilities are going to be excellent and with Friends of ANCHOR funding the over and above, it’s going to really improve the quality of the equipment, the look of the centre and the patient experience. What is your message for those out there fundraising? With my direct experience of Friends of ANCHOR as a consultant I can confidently assure all those supporting the cause that every penny donated is used for improving cancer and haematology patient care. Sadly, the reality is that all of us are affected by cancer in some way or another. The incidence and prevalence of cancer is on the increase and we’re continually striving at Friends of ANCHOR to fight it as best we can. Thanks to the new ANCHOR Centre academic research oncology department, these significant investments supported by Friends of ANCHOR will make a massive difference. People astound me in the North-east and beyond, with their generosity. Given that we have gone through some tough economic times, it’s amazing the support has continued and no one holds back in giving what they can.
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INVESTING IN PEOPLE
SAM BARTON
STAFF NURSE AND CLINICAL SCHOLAR AS WELL AS PROVIDING SUPPORT TO PATIENTS, FRIENDS OF ANCHOR IS COMMITTED TO INVESTING IN STAFF WITHIN THE ANCHOR UNIT. WE SAT DOWN WITH SAM BARTON, WHO WAS AWARDED A CHARITY-FUNDED SCHOLARSHIP, TO FIND OUT MORE.
In addition to staff wellbeing initiatives such as our quarterly Cuppa, Cake and Chat on the wards, wellbeing support and a weekly morning yoga class, the charity also funds staff development programmes. These include clinical research fellowships and our newly-launched Registered Nurse Clinical Scholarship, which staff nurse Sam Barton was the recipient of.
It’s given me such a valuable insight into the patient journey and a strong understanding of the various areas within the Unit.
How long have you worked in the ANCHOR Unit? After I qualified in 2017, I started a year-long contract as a nurse in the inpatient haematology department – ward 112. I absolutely loved working there and when the year was almost up, I became aware of a new opportunity that was being funded by Friends of ANCHOR – the Clinical Scholarship.
What other insights has the Clinical Scholarship given you? The scholarship has really allowed me to broaden my knowledge of all areas within the Unit. Working alongside specialists has given me a well-rounded view of how different disciplines work, and the important part they play in the patient journey.
Can you tell us more about the Clinical Scholarship programme? It’s a one-year, fully funded role that gives a unique opportunity to work in all areas related to caring for oncology and haematology patients. By the time the scholarship is complete, I will have spent three months working in four of the wards within the ANCHOR Unit. During this time, I have regular meetings with the senior charge nurses, nurse manager and Practice Education Team to see how the scholarships is progressing and if there is any support they can offer me.
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Part of the scholarship is to continue with furthering your education, so alongside work in the Unit, I have been studying for my European certificate in Palliative Care.
I certainly feel I have a better understanding of the patient journey and the various experiences a patient may have been through in the hospital before they reach the point of treatment. Throughout my career I’ve had a passionate interest in palliative care and I believe that good quality, respectful and compassionate palliative care is so important. It means a lot to the patient and their family and it’s a privilege to be able to look after someone really well when they are in need of it most. Whatever I choose to pursue in my future career, this scholarship has been a huge boost to my training. The ANCHOR Unit is a very rewarding place to work, and it’s a great team to be a part of. The fact that Friends of ANCHOR can offer this scholarship really cements the Unit
as an attractive department for graduate nurses – which can only be a good thing for the future of oncology and haematology care here in the North-east of Scotland. As well as working throughout the ANCHOR Unit, you’ve worked with the Friends of ANCHOR team in the fundraising office. Has that given you a better understanding of the work of the charity? Once a month I spend a day in the fundraising office and it’s been so interesting seeing everything that goes on behind the scenes, from planning annual fundraising events to the hours that go into a new patient wellbeing initiative. I’ve loved hearing the reasons why people decide to support the charity – whether they’re a patient themselves or want to give something back in recognition of the care and support a loved one received. I’ve worked on everything from helping structure new patient initiatives to sourcing and ordering new charity merchandise to help raise funds at events. Do you have a message for those who choose to support the charity? Thank you – every single contribution helps patients in some way, whether it’s big or small. From equipment upgrades to patient wellbeing, to the work that goes on in the research labs. As a nurse I’m also appreciative for the support the charity offers staff – from wellbeing initiatives to funding placements like the one I’m lucky enough to be doing now. Everything is appreciated, and everything makes a positive difference.
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WORKING TOGETHER
CORPORATE PARTNERS
HERE’S WHAT SOME OF OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS HAVE BEEN UP TO RECENTLY…
Stronachs
Achilles
This February we celebrated two years of fundraising and support from the dedicated team at Stronachs, concluding with a cheque presentation for an incredible £25,000.
Achilles has once again chosen Friends of ANCHOR as their nominated charity for the year, having already supported us in 2014 and 2015. The team has been holding bake sales and selling charity merchandise at their in-house stalls, and this Christmas they added our bespoke Christmas cards to their collection, raising a further £55.
Fundraising took many forms for Stronachs, with participation in ANCHOR Wipeout, Ride the North, numerous 10k and half marathon races, a ‘Tea in the Park’ event, festive fundraising and a sell-out quiz night. We are grateful to all those at the firm who helped fly the flag for Friends of ANCHOR – raising vital funds and awareness for the charity. We’re thrilled that Stronachs has chosen to contribute their incredible total to the ANCHORED Together appeal, which seeks to raise £2m for essential investment in the new NHSG ANCHOR Centre, set to open in late 2021. Thank you! Total raised: £25,000
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This January some of the team caught the fitness bug and embarked on a 12-week weight loss challenge, losing a collective 108.8lbs and raising a donation of £250 from their head office – with winner Hazel Anderson donating her prize of £30 too. Always creative with their ideas, we can’t wait to see what Achilles come up with next! Raised since October: £857.61
Castleton Farm Shop and Castleton Fruit Farm When considering a charity to support this year, a number of employees at Castleton suggested Friends of ANCHOR – and we are delighted to have the backing of this local, family-run firm. Holding a Grand National party to kick off proceedings, the Mitchell family, who run the business, have already raised £1,505 and are bolstering donations by stocking collection cans in each of their public areas within the farm and shop. In June, the farm will throw open its doors to welcome visitors for LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday, with bucket collections, information stalls and a number of volunteers and committee members attending to raise as much awareness as possible. Signed up: March 2019 + raised £1,505 to date
VOLUNTEER FOCUS
AT THE HEART OF IT AT FRIENDS OF ANCHOR, VOLUNTEERS ARE AN ESSENTIAL PIECE OF THE PUZZLE AND WE CONSIDER THEM OUR EXTENDED CHARITY FAMILY. WE CAUGHT UP WITH GILLIAN INNES, WHO IS ONE OF THE MASTERMINDS BEHIND OUR ANNUAL ANCHOR WIPEOUT EVENT.
It’s almost ten years since you started supporting Friends of ANCHOR. What was your first involvement? We lost a family friend, Sandy Napier, to cancer back in 2009 and as a family we wanted to do something for a cause that was so close to him and his wife, Molly. Sandy was a proud Scot so we decided to do a Burn’s Supper but renamed it ‘Sandy’s Supper’ in honour of the man we all loved. We raised £8,000 – that was almost ten years ago now and from that event I caught the bug to keep on supporting the charity in any way I could! You’ve helped at many Friends of ANCHOR events over the years. What’s your favourite? For me, it’s Brave and Courage on the Catwalk. I’ve been at every one of the shows since both events started and only missed one back in 2016 when I was heavily pregnant. Of all the charity’s annual events, for me these two bring real meaning to what the charity does and the people it impacts. For years I was in the backstage crew with the models and production team but last year Friends of ANCHOR asked me to take the role of stage manager. I remember being so nervous before the first show, but I absolutely loved it. By the fifth show on the Sunday I was feeling like a seasoned pro! I can’t wait to do it all over again this year.
What keeps you supporting the cause so passionately year after year? The fact the charity makes such an impact locally. Friends of ANCHOR has directly supported my family and friends over the years and I have friends just now going through treatment in the Unit. Cancer impacts everybody in some way and it’s so important to each play our part in giving something back or helping in some way. For me, knowing every penny goes to the charity really drives me too. However little or however much somebody gives, it genuinely makes a direct difference which is just amazing.
How has the volunteer network changed over the years? It’s fantastic to see how the Red Army volunteer network has grown for Friends of ANCHOR over the years. You meet so many amazing people, and a number of those who I’ve been volunteering with for years have become real friends, family even.
You and your husband Brian are the masterminds behind one of the charity’s annual fundraising events. Tell us more! At a Friends of ANCHOR donor event, we got talking to ANCHOR Unit staff about the impact fundraising brings to the Unit. On the drive home, my husband and I were feeling so fired up to think of our next fundraiser and Brian suggested an “it’s a knock-out” style event.
You get involved in so many different things – one minute you’re shaking a bucket or packing a bag, the next you’re on the sidelines of a race cheering runners on, marshalling at events or managing a professional show with a packed out audience of 3,000 over a weekend.
I approached Sarah-Jane at Friends of ANCHOR with the idea and before we knew it, ANCHOR Wipeout was going full steam ahead. Seven years on it’s stronger than ever and will be taking place this year on August 17. If you haven’t signed up for a team space already, get involved!
It’s great to see the kids getting involved too; the next generation of the Red Army flying the flag for Friends of ANCHOR. I’ve had my little girl Lucy along with me at so many events; her red tee debut being when she was just seven weeks old and I pushed her in the pram down Union Street for Celebrate Aberdeen. I would do almost anything to help raise funds and awareness for Friends of ANCHOR but you’ll never get me jumping out a plane!
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BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR AT FRIENDS OF ANCHOR, WE RELY ON THE GENEROSITY OF OUR SUPPORTERS, AND WE ARE GRATEFUL TO HAVE A SMALL NUMBER OF MONTHLY DONORS WHO HAVE PLEDGED TO REGULARLY SUPPORT THE CHARITY EACH MONTH. WE’D LOVE TO SEE OUR MONTHLY DONOR NETWORK GROW IN 2019. PEASE GET IN TOUCH BY EMAILING INFO@FRIENDSOFANCHOR.ORG.
Monthly Impact Jean Mackenzie is one of the charity’s most recently signed-up monthly donors. For our new Monthly Impact feature, we caught up with Jean to find out her reasons for donating.
Jean in the Friends of ANCHOR time out room during an inpatient stay
A monthly donation of £100 would play a huge contribution towards the costs of one of our pilot research projects.
A monthly donation of £20 would equip six patients each month with their own digital thermometer.
At £15,000 each, these grants give early seed funding to new and exciting research areas looking into all different cancer tumours and underpinning new treatments and prevention.
Patients are sent home with these thermometers to closely monitor their temperature, as a spike in the reading can often indicate an infection.
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A monthly donation of £10 Within a year, your valued donations would amount to covering the cost of our anti-nausea offering for 15 patients.
“Recently I decided I wanted to support a local charity which has real meaning to me. I have been in and out of the Haematology unit for over 30 years and over that time I have seen the Friends of ANCHOR team in action throughout the wards. They are all so cheerful and positive, and always have a smile on their faces. When I was thinking about who to support on a monthly basis, it was an obvious choice.
These include sea bands and ginger chewing gum which are gifted to patients who are experiencing the nausearelated side-effects of treatment.
Whenever I’m at the Unit, I see the wellbeing team doing their rounds. I know all their faces and they never fail to brighten my day when I’m not feeling my best. It’s wonderful to know that the full amount of my monthly donation will go directly towards those in the ANCHOR Unit who need it.”
SAVE THE DATE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE IN 2019! HERE’S A GLIMPSE OF SOME OF EVENTS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED WITH OVER THE COMING FEW MONTHS.
JUNE
JULY
SEPTEMBER
02
21
15
Edinburgh Kiltwalk
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Friends of ANCHOR Masked Ball
Aberdeen Kiltwalk
Furry Friends of ANCHOR dog walk, Haddo House
AUGUST
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Friends of ANCHOR Gala Golf Event 2019
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Intellicore Red Run, 5k, 10k and kids run
22&23
Portsoy Boat Festival
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ANCHOR Wipeout Corporate Cup
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ANCHOR Wipeout (adults aged 15+) & Wee ANCHOR Wipeout (children aged
18
Dundee Kiltwalk
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Celebrate Aberdeen
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Great Aberdeen Run
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PATIENT PERSPECTIVE
DAVE’S STORY DIAGNOSED WITH LYMPHOMA IN 2017, DAVE KIDD HAS THANKFULLY NOT REQUIRED TREATMENT, BUT ATTENDS THE ANCHOR UNIT REGULARLY FOR TESTS. DURING HIS VISITS TO THE UNIT, DAVE BECAME AWARE OF FRIENDS OF ANCHOR AND THE CHARITY’S NEW ANCHORED TOGETHER APPEAL.
It was when Dave Kidd was out walking with friends in 2017 that he first began to feel something wasn’t quite right. For Dave, who was taking immunosuppressing medication for his arthritis at the time, it had been a busy and stressful period, with his father’s health deteriorating badly. With the stresses of life running high, Dave’s immune system was at breaking point and he was admitted to hospital in October 2017, where he spent 18 nights. “At first, we weren’t able to figure out what the symptoms were pointing to, and there were multiple departments trying to get to the bottom of it. As the days passed, possible conditions were ruled out, until consultation with Dr Al Lawrie confirmed it was lymphoma.“ While all this was going on, Dave’s wife Val was called back for further tests following abnormal results from a routine mammogram. “While we were waiting for the results, we both felt as though there was a very real possibility that we would both be having chemotherapy at the same time,” said Dave. “It didn’t bear thinking about and I had already decided that if that was the case, I would look after Val while she had treatment, and then she would be able to do the same for me while I had treatment.” Thankfully, Val didn’t require chemotherapy – but she did need to have a lumpectomy. The date for the surgery fell on December 1, 2017. With Dave in Aberdeen to support her through surgery, he wasn’t able to travel to Strathcarron Hospice where his father’s health had deteriorated further, and he passed away on December 3, just two days after Val’s surgery. “It was a difficult period to go through, but my younger brother Colin and sister-in-law Janet were very supportive through everything,” said Dave. By the time the diagnosis was made, Dave’s immune system had settled, and for the time being, he has not required chemotherapy – but specialists keep a close eye on him and he returns to the ward every three months for blood
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Spotlight Issue 8 / 2019
tests - recently being told he will only need to attend twice a year for the tests. Between visits to the Unit, Dave became increasingly aware of the support the charity provides and about the ANCHORED Together appeal. “The treatment space in the haematology day clinic is tight and the new ANCHOR Centre will be a vast improvement to not only patients, but the staff too,” he said. While he hopes the need for treatment won’t materialise, Dave knows there is a chance he may require the services of The ANCHOR Centre in the future. For the estimated 65,000 patients who will use the Centre each year, he feels passionately that it should be a welcoming and comfortable environment. “I’m hoping that I personally won’t need it, but I know there is a chance that day might come. Treatment can be an ordeal and giving patients the most comfortable and relaxing environment possible is really important. “Knowing about the extras Friends of ANCHOR has committed to funding is so reassuring and I think it’s important to make people aware of the level of support the charity is funding – not only with additions to the Centre but also the services on offer. Wellbeing appointments can make such a difference to a patient’s time spent in hospital – it’s amazing how something like a massage or even just a chat with one of the wellbeing team can relax you or lift your spirits.” Outwith fundraising for The ANCHOR Centre, Dave would encourage anyone to support the charity in any way they can. “One of the big things the charity does is funding research. We won’t get anywhere without research, and the ability of Friends of ANCHOR to fund research here locally, is wonderful. I’m sure it comes as a boost to the medical teams here, having that dedicated charity support aiding their work to drive forward treatments and therapies and further our understanding of oncology and haematology diseases.”
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A great day out for family and friends Saturday 17th August, 12noon–5pm, Highland Games Field, Hazlehead Park Fun and dynamic challenge tournament | 6-10 people per team, ages 15+ | Team fee: £250 For all bookings, please contact 01224 859170 or email info@friendsofanchor.org
Join in the
CORPORATE CUP Businesses battle it out to help knockout cancer Friday 16th August, 12noon–6pm Team fee: £500, 6-10 people per team, ages 18+ Fun and dynamic challenge tournament Full hospitality throughout the day with podium presentation to the winning teams
Join us for The Wee ANCHOR Wipeout Saturday 17th August, 10am–12noon Children’s fun: 6 sporting challenge games 6-10 children per team. For ages 6+ Entry fee: £10pp
In aid of
Principal sponsor
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SHARE THE LOVE
HEARTFELT MESSAGES FROM THOSE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXCELLENT CARE WITHIN THE ANCHOR UNIT AS A PATIENT, FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND.
“Friends of ANCHOR played a big part in my journey. Spending almost six months in hospital, without the resources and support of Friends of ANCHOR, I would never be where I am today.” “The support from Friends of ANCHOR made my cancer treatment so much easier than it could have been. We are so lucky to have this charity in the North-east.” “All through my treatment Friends of ANCHOR were angels. They picked me up when I was down, gave me some beauty treatments to make me feel better and brought me many cups of coffee. I also used the time out service to do some crafting, which was a welcome break from the clinical environment.” “My late husband was treated in the ANCHOR Unit for a year and had nothing but the highest praise for all the staff. The last six months of his life, he sadly spent mostly in the Unit. However, we also had peace of mind, knowing he was being so well cared for. It became his second home in many ways. I will never forget the kindness shown by every member of staff, including domestic staff.” “I honestly can’t tell enough people about the ANCHOR Unit and its staff! When you are actually on the receiving end of treatment from the Unit, it really is staggering the amount of thought that goes into everything on the ward for the patients.”
To share a message of gratitude with the staff of the wards and clinics in the ANCHOR Unit please email foa@balmoral.co.uk www.friendsofanchor.org
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IN FOCUS
INVESTING IN BREAST CANCER SOFTWARE UPGRADE FUNDED BY FRIENDS OF ANCHOR IMPROVES CANCER MANAGEMENT FOR THOSE WITH BREAST CANCER OR SUSPECTED TUMOURS.
Patients with breast cancer or suspected breast tumours are benefitting from a stateof-the-art diagnostic upgrade thanks to Friends of ANCHOR. The charity funded a cutting-edge software upgrade which will improve cancer management for those patients. The charity paid £19,000 for a software licence which allows a new type of advanced 3D scanning to be carried out. The cutting-edge technology is in place within the breast symptomatic department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and will benefit around 250 patients a year. The upgrade allows the existing mammography machine within the radiology department to carry out tomosynthesisguided biopsy; a relatively new, advanced type of mammography, which makes biopsies more accurate and helps to improve cancer detection. Dr Gerald Lip, Consultant Radiologist and Clinical Director for the North East Scotland Breast Screening Programme, applied to
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Spotlight Issue 8 / 2019
“ Some lesions are only seen using this method, so the benefits are significant.” Friends of ANCHOR for the funding. He said the benefits to the department have been substantial since the upgrade was put in place in late 2018. Dr Lip said: “The 3D breast biopsy software upgrade we received thanks to Friends of ANCHOR has already started to benefit patient management. Some lesions are only seen using this method, so the benefits are significant. The new software means X-rays show lesions and calcifications in the breast more clearly than with traditional methods, resulting in reduced repeat biopsies and increased certainty of sampling. The upgrade also allows for more accurate placement of surgical wires which are used to remove cancerous areas of tissue.
Dr Lip added: “Using up-to-date and cuttingedge technology is also a draw in bringing staff to NHS Grampian, who want to work with new systems. Thanks to the funding, Aberdeen is the third site in Scotland now using this particular method, ensuring ARI continues to be in the forefront to the benefit of patients and staff alike.” Former NHS breast consultant, retired oncologist Andy Hutcheon, is Friends of ANCHOR’s Vice Chairman and Trustee. He said: “As a charity, we are delighted to be able to support the breast symptomatic services at ARI, with the latest software now in use thanks to funding from Friends of ANCHOR.”
www.friendsofanchor.org
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Friends of ANCHOR, c/o Balmoral Group Holdings Ltd, Balmoral Park, Loirston, Aberdeen AB12 3GY t. 01224 859170 e. foa@balmoral.co.uk w. friendsofanchor.org
Registered Charity No: SC025332