Barra Cancer Support Group: Cancer Information Day

Barra Cancer EventThe Barra Cancer Support Group, in partnership with the NHS Western Isles Health Promotion Department, organised a Cancer Information Day on September 26, 2013.  The group was pleased to have Gillian Hailstones, Centre Manager for Gartnavel Maggie’s Centre, and Alan Gow, National MacMillan Cancer Coordinator, in attendance.

Both Gillian and Alan gave very interesting presentations on the work that they are involved in and discussed how Maggie’s Centres and MacMillan Cancer can support people in rural communities. In addition to this, there was a presentation from Barra Cancer Support Group member, Kay MacNeil, who gave an account of her experience of breast cancer and spoke about the benefi cial visits she made to the Maggie’s Centre and how it helped her and her family cope.

Theresa Irving also gave a presentation on the herbal remedy ‘Aloe Vera’, which was followed by a very informative talk from local man, Rob Daly, who is currently undergoing treatment for bowel cancer. Rob was very inspiring and discussed how he has been keeping himself active throughout his treatment. He believes that being fit and active has been fundamental in keeping him well through his treatment and has boosted his recovery.

The final presentation on the day was delivered by Kenna MacInnes, NHS Western Isles Senior Health Promotion Officer, who gave a brief overview of the national ‘Detect Cancer Early’ campaign and emphasised the importance of one of the key messages of the campaign: ‘Don’t get scared. Get checked’.

The Barra Cancer Support Group would like to thank Alan and Gillian for travelling to Barra for the event, NHS Western Isles Health Promotion for assisting with the organisation and funding, John and staff at the Castlebay Hotel, Rob and Kay for their inspiring talks and for sharing their experiences, Theresa for her presentation on Aloe Vera, and everyone who attended the events.