cancer

AN AWARD scheme recognising the courage of children and young people diagnosed with cancer is being launched today in the South West.

Around 120 children are diagnosed with cancer in the South West every year. Nominations for the Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Awards, in partnership with TK Maxx, are now open and families across the South West are being called on to nominate young cancer patients and survivors in the run up to Christmas.

The Star Awards are open to under-18s who have been diagnosed with and treated for cancer in the last five...

The FORCE Christmas tree in Princesshay will be trimmed with especially eco-friendly decorations this year.

A group of patients who have been supported by FORCE came together at the charity’s Support and Information Centre to create a wonderful array of decorations from recycled materials.

They are ready in time for the big switch-on of Christmas trees representing a host of local charities this Thursday (November 18).

The project was co-ordinated by Rachel Stewart, who makes bespoke jewellery from upcycled materials.

She used the same skills to create the...

People in Devon have been thanked for contributing towards the £1million raised for three life-saving charities as part of Tesco’s ‘Helping you to live healthier’ initiative.

Tesco customers reached the landmark total for Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK from 13-26 September by rounding up their shop in store to the nearest £1.

The funds raised will now help the three charities continue their vital work to save and improve lives.

In addition to the £1 million donated, the campaign raised awareness in Devon about the importance of...

The FORCE Cancer Charity Santa Cycle is back on Saturday November 27.

The festive ride is described as a must for your family calendar.

Starting at The Topsham School, the six-mile route follows the stunning Exe Estuary cycle path to Exmouth.

Riders then join a Stuart Line Cruises boat for an enjoyable trip back up the River Exe to Topsham Quay.

Mince pies, mulled wine and soft drinks are served on board as families celebrate a fun and festive ride.

Spaces are limited to around 130 cyclists so early booking is advised.

It’s £15 for...

DETERMINED fundraisers across the south west are set to  Race for Life at Home and carry on the fight against cancer as the nation looks beyond  lockdown.  

Organisers  Cancer Research UK  have postponed events for the spring and  early  summer to  protect  people’s health as the country  emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic - and this includes the  Race for Life  3K  and  5K.

COVID-19  has caused  a devastating loss of research funding. Cancer Research UK is predicting a staggering £300 million drop in income over the next three years which could put future medical...

The University of Exeter has signed up as an associate partner to DATA-CAN: The Health Data Research Hub for Cancer.

DATA-CAN is a UK-wide partnership which aims to improve care and outcomes for people with cancer by making high quality health data more accessible for cancer researchers and health professionals.

Through its College of Medicine and Health, the University of Exeter brings a wealth of cancer research expertise, as well as data science knowledge and experience to the DATA-CAN partnership. Work from the Exeter team, which uses information from GP records to...

A new service launched this week will offer bereaved families in Exeter and Mid Devon additional support from Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity, when a loved one dies at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E).

Families of patients who die either at the RD&E or who have had support and care in the community from the RD&E will receive a phone call from a specially trained, locally recruited, Marie Curie Companion who will offer a series of weekly telephone bereavement support calls.

Julia Bearne, Community Engagement and...

The uncertainty of living through a global pandemic has taken its toll on all of us.

It has impacted the mental wellbeing of countless people and added an extra layer of uncertainty for cancer patients and their families.

That’s why FORCE, the area’s leading cancer support charity, is reaching out this Christmas to communities in Devon.

“We want to remind everyone affected by cancer that we are here to help,” said FORCE Chief Executive Meriel Fishwick.

“A significant part of our work involves caring for the mental wellbeing of people dealing with a cancer...

Cancer services in East Devon will receive a major boost this month.

Ottery St Mary Hospital will become a new cancer hub for patients and their families.

Specialists from the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital’s oncology department and FORCE, the area’s leading cancer support charity, will be working together within a dedicated unit at the Keegan Road site.

Access to potentially life-saving treatments will be among the new services available in Ottery with chemotherapy sessions held there for the first time.

Consultants and nurse specialists will also hold...

Devon digital advertising agency, Launch Online, is supporting the FORCE Cancer Charity Autumn Bike Ride initiative this November, but rather than being out on the road, its staff will be pedalling their little socks off from underneath their desks.

With the help of a fleet of mini pedal exercisers, which fit underneath the desk, the team will pedal as far as they can over the four weeks of lockdown while they work.

Every week the leading cyclist will wear a yellow jersey, a nod to the tradition that exists in the Tour de France where the best rider is recognised by...