LETTERS: 'Thank you' for readers who helped Macmillan campaign for free cancer patient prescriptions

Dear Editor - After three years of campaigning we are delighted the Government has listened to us and abolished prescription charges for cancer patients from April 2009.
This was absolutely the right thing to do as cancer not only threatens your life, but can also make you poor.
Free prescriptions will transform the lives of thousands of people living with cancer who were struggling to pay for drugs.
All cancer patients are now entitled to apply for a five-year exemption certificate, which will entitle them to all their NHS prescriptions free of charge, not just those relating to cancer.
These certificates can be used from April 1.
This covers those who need prescriptions for the treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment.
The certificate can be renewed as many times as necessary.
To get your application form please visit your GP or oncology clinic.
And if you have already paid for an annual pre-payment certificate, you can get a refund for the months after April.
We simply could not have achieved this without your help, so thank you again to all those who helped Macmillan campaign effectively and make a huge difference to the lives of those living with cancer and those people it may affect in the future.

Gillian Lord
General manager
Macmillan Cancer Support

Supermarket staff and customers help raise £2 million for cancer care

STAFF and customers of the Somerfield store in Minehead have helped the supermarket firm to raise more than £2 million to improve the lives of people living with cancer.
The total has been raised since Macmillan was voted as Somerfield’s charity partner in March of last year.
The Minehead store, in The Avenue, contributed £1,131, which will be put toward the cost to the charity of employing a head and neck cancer nurse specialist in Somerset.
Somerfield head of press and charity Pete Williams said: “We are very excited to have raised £2 million for Macmillan.
“We set ourselves an ambitious target at the start of the partnership and I am very proud to see us exceed it.”
Macmillan provides practical, emotional, and financial support to people affected by cancer.
The money raised by Somerfield stores will help to fund a range of cancer services throughout the country, providing valuable support in local communities.
It has been collected through fund-raising in-store, sales promotions and gift items such as the Little Book of Treats, and a collection of recipes from supporters and celebrities across the UK.
Somerfield involved all of its 42,000 employees in its fund-raising efforts across its 850-plus network of stores nationwide and hoped also to raise awareness among its 10 million customers of the work and services provided by Macmillan.
Mr Williams said: “From big picnics to sponsored head shaves and cycling challenges, the support we have had for Macmillan has been incredible.
“It has been fantastic to know that every penny raised will help support people living with cancer in local areas.”
Macmillan Cancer Support chief executive Ciarán Devane said: “This is a phenomenal achievement and is a testament to the commitment of Somerfield staff and customers to improving lives in the local community.
“We are grateful to everybody involved.”
With more than two million people living with cancer in the UK, the money raised by Somerfield will help Macmillan with its commitment to reach everybody affected by cancer by 2010.

Launch of bowel cancer charity support group

A PATIENT support group for those affected by bowel cancer has been formally launched at Musgrove Park Hospital.
The Somerset Colorectal Cancer Support Group (SCCSG) has been in existence for just over a year, but the formal launch event celebrated:

• The opening of a new consulting room in the endoscopy suite at Musgrove which has been furnished with more than £2,000 raised by SCCSG
• The presentation by SCCSG of a £20,000 diathermy machine for use in gastrointestinal surgery at the hospital

The group exists for anybody in the county who suffers from bowel cancer, their family, friends, and carers, and for anybody receiving treatment for colorectal cancer at Musgrove Park or any hospital in Somerset.
As well as raising money, the group runs a range of support and information groups, both on an individual or group basis.
The next drop in session will take place on April 8 from 6.30 pm to 8 pm at St James’ Church, in Taunton.
A social event to Ilminster Theatre is planned for April 30.
Consultant colorectal surgeon at Musgrove, Chris Vickery, said: “I am grateful to everybody who has worked hard over the last year or so to set up the SCCSG.
“I am also extremely grateful to all those who have contributed to the charity.
“The equipment and furniture purchased so far is much needed and greatly appreciated by medical staff and patients.
“I hope and believe that the SCCSG will continue going from strength to strength, supporting the care of patients in Somerset with colorectal cancer.”
The charity’s chairman, Annie Lanigan, said: “This was a successful event with the Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff, and the MP being joined by representatives from Macmillan Cancer Care, the Ileostomy Association, members of our group, donors and supporters, as well as representatives from Musgrove Park staff and management.
“An exciting finale was the totally unexpected boost to our funds of a cheque from the High Sheriff, David Medlock, who generously gave me an envelope as he was leaving.”

• Our photograph shows former bowel cancer patient Maurice Day, of Wells, a founder trustee of SCCSG, cuts a ribbon to launch the charity. Also pictured are (left to right) chairman Annie Lanigan, Josie Day, and Derek and June Cooper, from Wells. Photo submitted.

Church artists produce Christmas cards to help cancer charity

A SET of colourful Christmas cards has been produced to support a charity push by a West Somerset church - thanks to the artistic talents of parishioners, one aged just nine years.
Matthew Legg was the youngest member of Minehead’s Sacred Heart Church whose drawing of a shepherd was chosen to feature on one of the church’s cards.
Matthew, who is an altar server at the Catholic church, said: “I drew the shepherd because Jesus is a shepherd to everybody. And I drew the sheep because a shepherd needs a sheep!”
Manger paintings by Judy Hollier and Jackie Moore feature on the other two cards in the series.
Judy said: “I enjoy painting for fun. I am really pleased that my manger scene has been made into a Christmas card. I hope people will enjoy sending it to friends and family.”
Sacred Heart parish priest, Father Michael Thomas said: “The cards were chosen from a large number of entries submitted by parishioners as part of a little competition.
“Local artists Alex Courage and Glyn Stringer joined me in selecting the designs. It was a tough choice, but it was lovely to see so many fantastic paintings and pictures.
“We were bowled over by the wide range of talent we have in Minehead.”
The parish community was asked to vote on the good cause they would support with the proceeds of the card sales, and they decided on Macmillan Cancer Support.
Father Michael said: “Several parishioners have fought cancer this year and I think this was on our minds when we thought about how we could help people.
“If we sell all our cards, we could raise about £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
“We are praying each week for the valuable work of the Macmillan nurses. Leading up to Christmas, we will be giving support to patients in our local hospices.”
The cards are on sale at the Sacred Heart Church, in Townsend Road, at £4 for a set of 10. Minehead Tourist Information Centre, in Friday Street, is also stocking the cards.
Father Michael said: “If people from further afield would like to buy some cards they can give me a call on 01634 702201 or drop me an email at minehead@cliftondiocese.com.”
The cards have been printed by Friday Print, in Mart Road, Minehead.

• Our photographs show (top) Father Michael Thomas with artists (left to right) Judy Hollier, Matthew Legg, Jackie Moore; (below) Matthew Legg’s drawing of a shepherd. Photos submitted.