Celebrating the fantastic work of our local community cancer champions

Staff from the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Gemma Peters, Macmillian Cancer Support Chief Executive, and the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Glenn Dennis came together recently at a special event to recognise the amazing work our volunteer cancer champions do to support their local community.

The Berkshire Cancer Centre, based out of the Royal Berkshire Hospital were the first in the country to pilot the idea of champions, and it’s been such a success that working with Macmillan Cancer Support the role is now in place in dozens of locations across the country. 

Mark Foulkes, Nurse Consultant said, “We have more than 30 members of the public who volunteer their time to provide very human support to members of their community who have been diagnosed with cancer. Rojina, Shaheen, Joyce, Annalisa, DJ and all of our volunteers are remarkable people, and they make such a difference.”

The local cancer champions support communities, especially where language may be a barrier, or where awareness of symptoms and the help available to them may be in need of a boost. 

Joyce Hernandez, who was a nurse at the Royal Berkshire Hospital for 18 years, said, “I get such a lot out of being a cancer champion, it’s something I do alongside my work, and it’s a great feeling to know that I am doing my bit for my community, and that they know I am here if they need me. 

"Going through cancer diagnosis and treatment is scary. I hope we help to make sure no one feels like they are going through it on their own.”

The champions receive training and on-going support from the Macmillan team at the Berkshire Cancer Centre, and run sessions in their community to raise awareness of certain cancers, symptoms, and screening programmes. They also provide one-to-one support for example buddying-up and attending GP or hospital appointments if they are asked to, or just being a listening ear, or shoulder to lean on.

The Berkshire Cancer Centre, part of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust provides cancer services including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and palliative care to patients across Berkshire and areas of South Oxfordshire. It is further supplemented by chemotherapy and radiotherapy services at the Royal Berkshire Bracknell Clinic, and Chemotherapy Unit at West Berkshire Community Hospital.