KIDDERMINSTER & WORCESTERSHIRE

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

SUPPORTERMarch 2019, Issue 71

Mayor and Mayoress of Bewdley, Councillors Roger and Anna Coleman and Paul Brothwell, Chairman of the Kidderminster and Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support

Group, with the Rory the Robot Mascot

website: www.kwpcsg.co.ukRegistered charity Number: 1100718

Mail: 13 Coningsby Drive, Kidderminster, DY11 5LU

Telephone: 07851835025

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Finished with your supporter?Please pass it on to a friend or colleague

FROM THE CHAIRMAN.I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported our work in 2018, whether through donations, time, money, or by enjoying the many varied events, and the excellent speakers that we have listened to.It was heartening to your committee, to see so many members

and friends, who turned up for the Annual General Meeting in January, even because of the wintery weather.Your committee has worked very hard during the past year, and are ready to face this coming year with enthusiasm, and a determination to see that the aims of the Support Group are always to the fore of their thinking. They always ready to hear, and take on board any thoughts you may have for the future work, and the development of the Support Group.I look forward to seeing you all at our next meeting in the Town Hall at Kidderminster, on Tuesday 16th April at 7.30.p.m. for another Education Evening. (Further details in the Supporter Magazine).Members of your committee attended a meeting in Malvern last year regarding Transforming Cancer Services in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The findings of that meeting will be discussed in the next month or so. We will keep you in touch with any further details at the Education Evening in April. Documents are being published by the N.H.S. on the importance of, preventative medicine, and the Role of the Third Sector, of which the Support Group is part of. If you are interested in all this, please take the time to look and explore on the computer what is going on, in health and community care. As a Support Group we have so much to offer, so let us use it in an informed and educated manner. It would be good to have members who are informed on all new information on health care keeping the Support Group well informed.On behalf of the Committee, may I wish all our members, supporters, and friends, a very Happy and Healthy New Year.Paul Brothwell.Chairman.

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IMPORTANT SECURITY NOTICEI have been informed by our bank (Lloyds) that they are tightening security and anyone now wishing to donate or pay a subscription by cheque in future must use the precise wording of our account details which are as follows:PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP KIDDERMINSTER & DISTRICTI am aware that the above details do not necessarily reflect the coverage for the whole of Worcestershire, but this has not been a problem in the past as cheques have been accepted by the bank with a variation of references to prostate cancer. This will not be acceptable in the future! I will attempt to get the wording

Steve Allen is a retired Consultant Anaesthetist who worked at the Royal Berks Hospital for 30 years working as one of their main anaesthetists with the Urology Dept. Steve had major surgery for PCa 10 years ago with very good result as far as the cancer is concerned

SOUTH PERSHORE MEETINGPershore Civic Centre12th March 2019Doors open 6.30p.m. for 7.00p.m.“Patient thoughts after 11 years”

but had 'functional' plumbing problems that men can get afterwards. Some further surgery made a lot of difference.He is a past Chairman of the Reading Prostate Cancer Support Group, and also involved with the Reading Lions Club who organise Prostate Cancer Screening evenings, He has given many groups talks on Prostate Cancer for Prostate Cancer UK. Steve also represents Tackle as a patient representative at NICE.

changed to encompass our new logo (KWPCSG) but in the meantime the wording must be as detailed in red to avoid cheques being returned by the bank.Paul Markall (Group Treasurer)07.02.2019

PSAHelpline

0845 601 0766HELP FOR CARERS OF MEN

LIVING WITH PROSTATE CANCER

(10am -7pm at local call rate)www.prostatecancersupport.co.uk

Registered Charity Number 1067 253

Have you seen our new websitewww.kwpcsg.co.uk

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Mary’s Corner

Hello to everyone and hope you are enjoying our winter months, some of which have been awful, but here in north Worcestershire we did not get any snow a couple of weeks ago when all the rest of the country got it. I am glad, as we have to

grit the road ourselves on our hill, from a bunker where they supply us with the salt/sand mixture. Guess what, it is predominantly our age group who do that job, the youngsters, who are normally at home because the schools close, do not appear, and are probably still in bed.

Today is glorious following a frosty night and fog first thing it is now glorious and crisp, I love days like this.

In the last Newsletter I discussed the fact that the Peer Support Officer from Prostate Cancer UK had left and they were waiting to replace him. I am glad to report that they have now done so, and her name is Susan Drew and she has agreed to attend our meeting on Tuesday 15th October to discuss what Prostate Cancer are doing to help support groups, in the world of research and their stance on PSA testing. I will let you know more about the event in the September Newsletter.

In the meantime I hope you are all looking forward to the event on Tuesday 16th April when we have talks from Mr. Makar (President of the Group & Consultant Urologist), Penny Templey (Clinical Nurse Specialist) and Kerry Holden (Survivorship programme Specialist Nurse). It is a chance for us to find out about any potential changes to Urology services within the Worcestershire Hospitals.

I still have to arrange a Speaker for the July meeting but should have that in place by the next Newsletter. As suggested by a member I did try to get a broadcaster from Hereford and Worcester to attend one of our meetings, but he could not make any of our dates, so I offered dates for 2020 and had no response. It is not easy to get these high profile speakers, and I generally find that they respond better man to man, so if any of you personally know anybody in the media who would be interesting to our members, please approach them for me and say that we have Tuesday 16th July free.

The buddying & Befriending course is being held at Sixways Conference centre just off junction 6 of the M5 on Thursday 21st March from 9.30 a.m. until

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NEED HELP OR ADVICE? - PLEASE CONTACT US The Committee 2017

Chairman Paul Brothwell Secretary Mary Symons 01299 823495 01299 823166 Treasurer Paul Marka1l Facilitator/Co-ordinator 01562 751355 Derek Scully 01886 833236 derekscully@btinternet.comFed Rep David Underhill Minute Secretary 07817 518201 Val Markall Trustees Dick Herbert 01562 751355 Derek Wood South Worcs Rep 01299 823619 Gordon KingstonPublicity/ Richard Langley 01386 462253Website 07861 233930 Co-opted Mag. Editor Fund Brian Wilkes John MillsRaising 01905 773353 editor.pcsg@gmail.com

4.00 p.m. The Speaker from Macmillan is Elizabeth Martindale. Lunch and refreshments will be supplied. Please attend this course if you are willing to be a Buddy or a Support Contact for the group, or feel you need to do a refresher course. Call me on 01299 823166 to book you on the course, it is integral to offer these courses to help you cope with these roles, and the course is generally enjoyable.

On Friday 29th March we have another fun evening at Areley Kings Village Hall with a Fashion Show by ‘Next One’. Tom who runs these events for us and provides models, who show us how good the clothes can look, makes the evening amusing for all. So it is a good social evening for the ladies (and men if they wish to come along) with all profits going to our group. Donations for the raffle are welcome. I have included a poster in the Newsletter and would be grateful if you could advertise this event at any of your local shops, village halls, churches etc. Please let myself, Hilary, Val or Margaret know if you want tickets for this evening.

I hope to meet up with you all at one event or another, kind regards,

Mary

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This event is organised by Macmillan Cancer and will be held at Amphlett House, Droitwich Methodist Church, Worcester Road, Droitwich Spa, on Tuesday, 2nd April 2019. The event is to promote the role that Support Groups across Worcestershire play in helping people living with and affected by cancer, to encourage cancer patients, those affected by cancer and also health professionals to come together and find out what Support Groups do.The event has been organised for those already running, or members of, Cancer Support Groups, those thinking about starting a Group in their area or for a specific cancer. Also patients and those affected by cancer who want to find out more about what support groups can offer.Kidderminster & Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group has been asked to give a short talk on our Buddying system within a support group ie. matching patients who are undergoing treatment with those that have experienced it. There will be a number of other workshops covering basic financial management, setting up and using a website and social media, fundraising and the benefits of having a working group/committee.

MEN’S SHEDOur Men’s Shed is still up and running and by the time you read this item, we will be heading for our fourth meeting. The venue is at the Methodist Church Hall, off the Kidderminster Ringway, and we are still meeting on a monthly basis. We have so far been tackling health issues like CPR resuscitation, we have received financial advice from a local independent financial advisor, and had a session on the retrieval of old photographs by restoring them using computer software.The meetings are free of charge to any of our members and they are all welcome to come along even if it’s only for a cup of coffee or tea and a chat.We hope to introduce other items of interest in the future that the members wish to pursue.For details on the times of the meetings please contact: Paul Markall - Tel: 01562 751355 or Martin Harrington - Tel: 01562 636235

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Boxing Day Tractor RunHundreds of people lined the streets of Bewdley on Boxing Day for the annual charity fundraising Tractor Run. The weather was very kind to us, in fact the conditions were absolutely perfect!Almost 100 tractor drivers and their supporters gathered at Far Forest Sports Pavilion to enjoy early morning bacon and sausage sandwiches before the Mayor of Bewdley, Councillor Roger Coleman sounded the horn to start the event. The funds raised are donated to the Kidderminster and Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group which supports the Rory the Robot Appeal – an appeal for funding towards the cost of a surgical robot for prostate cancer patients in Worcestershire.Much appreciation goes to Ray Attwood (of Bridgnorth Vintage Tractor Machinery Club), Tony Pain (Tractor and Engine club – Alveley), to all the tractor drivers from both clubs and the team at Witley Jones furniture for sponsoring the event. Members of the support group and the tractor clubs were also involved in helping with arrangements for the event, with many members of the group also attending to help on the day with a variety of tasks including bucket collections and organising the breakfast.The impeccable planning meant all the tractors were guided smoothly into Severnside South whilst also keeping the traffic flowing and causing minimal disruption. The tractors were greeted by the Mayor along with his wife and Mayoress of Bewdley, Mrs Anna Coleman. It was fantastic to see so many people out to support the event. Severnside South was inundated with spectators and the children enjoyed having their photo with the Rory the Robot mascot. The total raised was £2287.74! The organisers were delighted

with this amount and wish to thank everyone who participated and all those who turned out to support the event.

Tractors ready for the start

Ray Attwood, mentioned above, leading the procession

Participants L to R – Megan Holloway, Rachel Parkinson, Molly Holloway

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FASHION SHOWARELEY KINGS VILLAGE HALL,

ARELEY COMMON, STOURPORT ON SEVERN,

DY13 0NB

FRIDAY 29th MARCH 20197.00 FOR 7.30 P.M. START

Fashion Show by ‘Next One’Followed by the chance to try on and buy the top quality, branded items you have seen at greatly

reduced prices.

A chance for a fun night out with your friends.

TICKETS. £5.00 including a glass of wine or soft drinks.

Tickets available from: Mary Symons - 01299 823166 Hilary Brothwell - 01299 823495 Val Markall - 01562 751355 Margaret Shakespeare - 01562 66593

All proceeds to:- Kidderminster & Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group

Registered Charity No. 1100718

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RECENT REPORTI think it is important that we keep on top of information regarding prostate cancer, and for those of you that may have missed the article below I feel that we should all know about this audit. There are still men being talked out of a PSA blood test because it is not perfect, but there is nothing to replace it with. Please show to any friends or family that it is important to fight for men’s health care.Mary

Published in the Daily Mail Thursday 14th February by Peter Lloyd.GROWING NUMBER OF MEN ARE NOT DIAGNOSED WITH PROSTATE CANCER UNTIL AFTER IT HAS SPREAD AND CHANCES OF SURVIVAL ARE SLIM, AS CHARITY WARNS THE NHS IS FAILING TO CATCH THE DISEASE EARLY.“The NHS must do more to stop men from dying of prostate cancer.That’s according to the fifth annual National Prostate Cancer Audit, which found that too many are still being diagnosed after it has already spread.Published today, it revealed a total of 42,975 men were told they had the disease in England and Wales between April 2016 and March 2017In England alone, the proportion whose cancer was metastatic – meaning it had reached other organs or tissue was 16 per cent. Disappointingly, this statistic remains unchanged from 2015/16.The report also showed that more men in England are being diagnosed with locally advanced prostate cancer, when the disease is present in nearby lymph nodes.

Almost two in five men (39 per cent) were diagnosed with locally advanced prostate cancer 2016/17, up from 35 per cent the previous year.However, Prostate Cancer UK said it was ‘good to see’ a reduction in the number of men with low-risk from the disease who were potentially ‘over-treated’ last year. Only 4 per cent of men with low-risk localised prostate cancer underwent surgery or radiotherapy compared to 8 per cent in 2015/16, with more opting to keep an eye on the cancer instead, the report said.Heather Blake, director of support and influencing at Prostate Cancer UK, said: ‘Unfortunately, there are still too many men being diagnosed with prostate cancer that has already spread meaning their survival chances are greatly reduced. In line with NHS ambitions to diagnose more cancer early, we want to see a significant reduction in the proportion of men diagnosed at late stage.’Currently, prostate cancer kills more men than breast cancer kills women, yet the latter received far more funding and focus.The latest report comes just weeks after it was claimed men who are diagnosed with early prostate cancer live longer than those without the disease.Figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that those diagnosed at stage one had survival rates that were 0.5 per cent higher than those of the general population.Experts suggest that early diagnoses – which are easiest to treat – can also prompt people to adopt healthier lifestyles.”

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INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS PARSONSIt was a surprise to discover that Chris Parsons, a Pershore town councillor for 32 years and now well into his ninth stint as Mayor of Pershore, was not born in the town but in Worcester. Now 72 but very active in carrying out his mayoral duties Chris selected the South Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group as his charity of choice in May 2018 and has already organised events ranging from a Christmas concert in Pershore Abbey to a quiz and even ferret racing. (81)

Even before he was 16 Chris was allowed to join the fire service in the city and went on to complete 44 years of service (the first two unofficially when he was underage!) before finally calling it a day. For his exemplary service both as a dedicated fire fighter and as a leading light in the community of Pershore he was presented with the MBE by the Queen in 2004. (69)Chris told me of his desire as a child to become a fire fighter, following fire engines around Worcester on his pushbike to find out where they were heading. By the time he left the service he had become the country’s longest-serving fire officer. (45)Having moved to Pershore in 1975 Chris soon felt he had arrived in the perfect town for him, his wife, Jan, and their two young children. He still lives in the same house and his family now includes 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Paying great tribute to his wife Chris said, ‘Without Jan I would not have done half of what have gone on to do.’ (65)Jan contracted cancer back in 1989 and, following surgery, underwent radiotherapy in Birmingham. The attention she received on her way to a full recovery persuaded Chris that cancer research should be the focus of his fundraising activities. One exception, however, was after the devastating floods of 2007 when Chris designated the RNLI as his chosen charity in recognition of their sterling work in the badly-affected town that summer. (68) (328)Chris has been very impressed by the support for his events from the local prostate group and looks forward to seeing more of them on Saturday, March 30th. (19.30) when the Alcester Victoria Silver Band appear in Pershore Abbey and on Saturday, April 6th. (19.30) when the acclaimed Daleians Singers from Stoke-on-Trent return to Pershore Abbey. (61) (389)A late addition to this list is a Rock Choir concert, also in the Abbey on the evening of 23rd February. Tickets are £8 with a choir of nearly 100 it should be a fun evening!Peter Corbishley (Secretary, SWPCSG)

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INCOME DONATIONS St Mary’s Church - Carol Service £77.69Worcester Male Voice Choir £180.70Trust Lewis £1,400.00Badge Sales £65.00Crystal Sales £67.00B Charley £75.00D Wale £100.00F Ince £95.00J Halford £15.00J Harrop £20.00R Hill £100.00Bridgnorth Machine Club £100.00Stourport Rotary £500.00Romsley Panto £25.00Areley Kings Village Hall £260.00P Wakefield - Ukelele Srummers £300.00Stourport Inner Wheel £500.00Chunky Monkeys £760.00Arley Friends Group £40.00C Howes - Dance Group £50.00K Balmer £100.00J Enderbury - Wharton Golf £300.00Tractor Group £40.00Far Forest (Car Park) £300.00Areley Kings Village Hall £155.00J Enderbury - Wharton Golf £2,065.00M Beasley - Dance Group £216.00Far Forest Church £318.67Rotary Club Bewdley £100.00Mary’s Do! £236.00Sundry £30.25Hagley/Kidderminster Farmers £500.00G Higgins - Painting Sales £312.00Paypal £90.69Lloyds Bank £500.00Tracey Aldren £500.00 £10,494.00

Vernon Print & Design 01905 795901

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SOUTH PERSHORE MEETINGPershore Civic Centre,

Tuesday 12th MarchDoors open 6.30 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. start

Speaker: Mr. Steve Allen – Consultant Anaethetist“Patient thoughts after 11 years”

BUDDYING & BEFRIENDING COURSESIXWAYS RUGBY GROUND, CONFERENCE CENTRE.

Thursday 21st March 20199.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.Run by Macmillan

Please contact Mary Symons to book on this course01299 823166

FASHION SHOWFriday 29th March 2019.

Doors open at 7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. start£5.00 entrance includes glass of wine or soft drink

All proceeds to Prostate Cancer Support GroupSee poster.

QUARTERLY MEETING IN KIDDERMINSTER TOWN HALLTuesday 16th April 2019

Doors open at 7.00 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. startSpeakers: Mr Adel Makar (Consultant Urologist)

Penny Templey (Clinical Specialist Nurse in Urology)Kerry Holden (Specialist nurse for Survivorship Programme)

Subjects: Services within Worcestershire for Urology.

SOUTH PERSHORE MEETING Pershore Civice Centre,Wednesday 12th June

Doors open 6.30 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. start