Cardiff Support Group Visit Research Labs.

[HAIRBEAR_UK]

Hi friends.

It is with great personal pleasure, I report (second hand) on yesterdays visit to the University Hospital of Wales research labs in Cardiff. During 2016 this support group was established by Professor Chris Fegan, CLLSA and Leukaemia CARE,, to support those living in South Wales who are affected by a diagnosis of a chronic blood cancer.

Having recently moved i miss this frequent opportunity to meet up with friends from here on HU and the local community to share experiences, However it is fantastic to learn how the group is developing with the full support of the clinical community.

The group were given a tour of the the labs from 1.45pm – 4.30pm. everyone was able to speak to various technicians about what they do, An opportunity to learn just how passionate they are within their roles and gain an insight into what happens behind the scenes.

Research leader, Professor Chris Pepper joined the group for a while, Chris has been instrumental in developing improvements for us and establishing the Cardiff CLL Research Group as a world leader, he is now is based in Brighton. .

An introduction to Professor Chris Pepper and the Cardiff CLL Research Group youtube.com/watch?v=FWGHUQ3...(Not working as expected?)

Much cutting edge research is underway to improve all our lives, learning about the people undertaking this for us, gives immense hope for the future..

The next South Wales group meeting is on the 15th November, 3.30pm – 5.00pm at:

Cardiff Central Library.

The Local charity branch of Tenovus will be coming along to talk about what they do.

I can personally share, they helped me during my own treatment.

If you would like to attend contact Nickey Bate by email at [e-mail].

Well done everyone

Nick

'Spot Leukaemia' campaign leukaemiacare.org.uk/spot-l...

Cardiff CLL research group Chronic Lymphatic Leukaemia (CLL) research group blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/cardiff...

[scarletnoir]

Good to hear about this work. Cardiff is too far for me, but I'm sure those in the area appreciate this sort of event, and support.

[annmcgowan]

Good to hear about this group I wish there were similar groups in the Newcastle upon Tyne area. Anyone out there who knows of any please let me know. I love this site and could not have coped without it. But I would love a face to face contact group.I tried to discuss setting up a group at my centre for excellence but it came to nothing. I am told by the local Maggies centre they have tried but they are not well attended so no attempts have survived. I have a lot of experience of developing and facilitating groups myself which I would like to use but seem to be getting nowhere. Unfortunately I am about to go into treatment myself now and the good health I have had and still do on my CLL journey may be about to restrict me albeit I hope on a temporary basis. Does anyone out there who have knowledge of chronic cancer groups in my area?

Good luck to you all on your journeys long may you stay healthy.

Ann

[PaulaS Volunteer in reply to annmcgowan]

Hi Ann, I'm sorry you haven't found any groups in the Newcastle area. If you were nearer Sheffield, I'd say let's get together and try and start one ourselves. But two and half hours drive up the M1 is a bit much for me!

When I went to the Leicester CLLSA group, pkguk2 was trying to co-ordinate and encourage more local groups. He might have some ideas for you,

Wishing you all the best as you face treatment soon,

Paula (in Sheffield)

[Angie4now in reply to annmcgowan]

Hi Ann,

I felt the same until I found this wonderful group. It has been terrific. I was diagnosed last month and I was a basket case. Having been a care giver to my beautiful sister, who was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. watching my once vibrant, energetic, beautiful sister slipping away from us wasn't easy. I decided to join an online group this time.

I wish you luck with your treatment.

Best regards,

Angie

[annmcgowan in reply to Angie4now]

Thanks Angie so sorry to hear about your sister. I have had family members die of cancer too. It was many years ago in my childhood but it stays with you and exaggerates the natural fear attached to any cancer diagnosis

Take care

Ann

[annmcgowan]

Thank you PaulaS that would have been nice but you a right it is too far to travel. Just nice to get the reply and know you care. I will try to contact pkgu2.

Best wishes Ann

[Angie4now]

That's really nice! Thanks to Professor Chris Fegan, for establishing the group. I live in NY and searched online Groups and didn't come across much, until I found this one.

Best regards,

Angie