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Once again our thanks to the ‘Oddballs Golfing Society’.
For a number of years now this particular golfing society has been very generous with its donations to ‘Brainwaves N.I.’.
In April 2006 we received a donation of £500 from the ‘Oddballs’. We have received a similar donation this time.
The ‘Oddballs’ have supported us on other occasions and we are extremely grateful to have such a reliable benefactor.
As we have said ad infinitum our sole source of income is the general public. To have someone or some group consistently supporting us is a big boost to both the committee and our members.
To Mr Adrian Eastwood and his friends our sincere thanks. |
JULIA MCCULLA ADDRESSES MAY MEETING:
Janis McCulla , ‘Patient & Public Involvement Coordinator’ of NICaN, spoke at our meeting on the 14th of this month.
Also present at our meeting were two visitors from Scotland, Alan Gow, ‘Development Coordinator for Macmillan Cancer Support’ and Trisha Thombon, ‘User Support & Involvement Grants Officer’
NICaN refers to ‘Northern Ireland Cancer Network’, the managed clinical network for cancer services. It works towards the continuous improvement in cancer care and cancer survival for the people of Northern Ireland.
The chairperson of the network is Ms Norma Evans. It comprises two groups:
Theme group: primary care; chemotherapy; nursing; etc.
Tumour groups: These were tumour specific. I.e. breast cancer, bowel cancer; etc
These groups get together to discuss and work for what is needed to advance cancer care.
The idea is that this can be achieved by actively supporting groups of health professionals, patients and voluntary sector representatives to work together in a coordinated way across geographical, organizational and professional boundaries.
Janis said that improvement in the quality and equity of services for patients, regionally, was what was being sought. In this respect there was a need for everyone who had a vested interest in ensuring this equality of service to work together . Access to treatment at the right time was important therefore the targeting of services was needed. Patients and public working together. This was of fundamental importance.
Patients needed the reassurance that they would receive the correct treatment at the correct time on their cancer journey. Gaps needed to be filled. Patients needed to be pointed towards the appropriate services at the right times. For Janis and NICaN the idea of ‘signposting’ was such an attempt to fill these gaps .
Perhaps the simplest explanation of ‘signposting’ is that it is an attempt to indicate where patients are on their cancer journey and the type of treatment they should expect at each of these stages.
Janis explained that NICaN has links to various cancer groups, including ‘Brainwaves N.I.’. Partnerships were an essential ingredient. Ideas were needed. These ideas needed to be shared. For Janis support groups such as ‘Brainwaves N.I.’ were a primary source for these ideas. She asked that our group not be shy in putting forward any ideas which might help enhance the treatment which patients receive on their cancer journey. What was required at different stages of this journey? What areas needed addressing?
NICaN talks of cancer-centred frameworks. Linking groups was very important. Language was important. Patients needed to understand what they read.
Janis also made the point, which is very relevant to our own members, that carers are important. Clinicians are often too busy to become involved too much. Carers therefore become an indispensable part of the equation.
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Marathon Fundraising on May 1st.
In the photograph from left to right going along the back are Paula Beetson, Lorna Coyles, Edith McAdam, Jane Cherry, Sharon Gourley and Ciara Donnelly and Yvonne Davis at the front.
There will be 12 girls actually taking part in the walk. Unfortunately they do not all work in the same office hence the difficulty getting all twelve together for a photograph. The names of the other two girls taking part are Catherine Vincent and Ingrid Gough. They are also being sponsored by McLaughlin & Harvey.
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The girls from ‘McLaughlin & Harvey’ complete their 13 mile marathon walk for ‘Brainwaves N.I.’. We would like to thank them sincerely for nominating us as the charity of their choice.
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Committee members present a cheque for £5,000 to Dr Philip Weir.
Back row: l-r Evelyn Mc Niece, Kate Ferguson (secretary), Maggi Whyte
Front: Billy Ferguson and Dr Philip Weir
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On Thursday 9th March 2006 ‘Brainwaves N.I.’ presented a cheque to the value of £5,000 to Dr Philip Weir to assist his research entitled ‘Investigation into factors that influence the expression of Cathepsin S in human Astrocytomas’. Dr Weir spoke at our February meeting and we felt that this was a worthy cause to invest some of the money raised by our members and others. This project is close to home and it seems right that we support someone from the local neurology team attached to the Royal Victoria Hospital where many, probably most, of our members received their treatment.
We will endeavour, as best we can, to keep in touch with Dr Weir to establish how well his research is progressing. We sincerely hope that the work being carried out will eventually benefit either present brain tumour sufferers or future brain tumour patients. Needless to say brain tumour illness isn’t exactly top of the cancer hierarchical list so, where possible, we will try to support those working in this field of neurology.
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A BIG THANK YOU TO THE BOYS & GIRLS OF BELFAST ROYAL ACADEMY 2007
On Wednesday 27th June ‘Brainwaves N.I.’ received a donation from Belfast Royal Academy which was one of the largest presented to our group since its inception in 1994. A cheque was handed over to chairperson Tommy Brannigan by Victoria Sefton, a student at BRA.
The boys and girls took part in a sponsored walk on Thursday, April 19th. The course, on the Cave Hill, was five miles long. This was the 34th annual sponsored walk. Thankfully the weather on the day was great and the longer route was followed.
Pupils, charity representatives and Mr W.S.F. Young
Each year four charities benefit from the hard graft put in by those taking part. This is a one-off event each year but numerous charities are also supported on a more regular basis by the Academy throughout the year. Belfast Royal Academy has a great tradition when it comes to charity work and this is evidenced by the impressive list of charities given this support.
It is to the credit of the staff and pupils, and a reflection on the effort and dedication shown by them, that this year four charities were each presented with a cheque for £3,051; Brainwaves N.I., Christian Aid, Wheelchair Foundation and Tearfund. It goes without saying that this donation will allow our charity to do a tremendous amount of good for the brain tumour community of Northern Ireland.
Pupils from Belfast Royal Academy on their sponsored walk across Cave Hill
To Mr McCoy from BRA our own personal thanks. He kept us informed as to what was happening as well as playing a significant part in organising the walk and the presentation.
To the Principal, Mr W.S.F. Young, our thanks also for making us feel so very welcome.
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MANOR HOUSE ENJOYED BY ALL
Once again another weekend break, which took place from 11th-13th May, organised by ‘Brainwaves N.I.’, has proved a great success. Many of our members enjoyed the luxuries of the Manor House Hotel in Co. Fermanagh. Outside of the hotel the beautiful lakes where those who availed of the trip could relax and admire the magnificent scenery.
Members enjoy Manor House outing
The group could also visit Belleek Pottery , the Marble Arch Caves and the stately homes of Castle Coole or Florencecourt, something a number did.
Gemma Madden and Eric Moore enjoy breakfast
We find that these outings are extremely popular with our members. There is also little doubt that those who go along benefit for the interaction with others whom they know are experiencing similar difficulties and stress. Usually meeting in a social environment allows people, for at least a short period of time, to relax and recharge the batteries.
Younger people at Manor House
Our thanks to those who give of their time to organise such trips, something which is often taken for granted despite the fact that such organisation requires a great deal of time and effort.
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