“My father was a Kent GP and this feels like I’m building on his legacy. I saw how he helped people and that absolutely drives me,” says Chris Pollard, CEO of FAiR, organiser of Rye’s new Cancer Café which launches next week.
Chris’ wife Miriam McGuirk was diagnosed with breast cancer four and a half years ago. It was his experience supporting Miriam through diagnosis and treatment that encouraged him to help people living with cancer.
“I saw at firsthand how once you are in the system there is some help and advice as well as the treatment, but afterward we were on our own and I want to stop that happening to others.”
Through a conversation with Miriam’s oncologist during her treatment she was asked how she was coping and whether she would like to talk to anyone. She was introduced to – ‘Someone Like Me’ a division of Breast Cancer Now.
Miriam was supported for one year by a telephone volunteer who had experienced breast cancer. During their final conversation she was asked how her husband was doing.
Chris had coped well but decided to contact Someone Like Me to see what being a volunteer telephone supporter to men entailed. Following one conversation, he knew ‘he could do it’ and was trained up over one month.
That led to being invited to be the male ‘face’ at a new cancer support group which meets at the Romney Marsh Community Hub in New Romney. “They needed a man! I did a lot of listening not just to people living with cancer but also to their loved ones. Sometimes it was exhausting but it was really rewarding and I knew I had to set something up closer to home in Rye. Once FAiR was established”
“Everyone’s experience of cancer is different. For some, it can be like being hit by an avalanche. In spite of all the help and support that’s available, the reality is nobody really has an idea what to expect until it happens to the individual. Which is why Rye and the surrounding communities need a Cancer Cafe to receive advice and peer support.”
The Cancer Café launches on Monday, January 13 at the Hub on Rye Hill from 4pm – 6pm. It’ll then meet on the second Monday of each month at the same time. “I want it to be a comfortable, social and safe space where people can talk. So, if anyone is waiting for a diagnosis, living with cancer, or supporting someone with cancer please do come along. It’s free and there’s tea, coffee and cake too!”
The café builds on the success of one of Chris Pollard’s other projects – FAiR – Friends Altogether in Rother which organises the monthly “Tilling Tea and Cake” meetings at the Tilling Green Community Centre and has recently started providing Befriending ‘companionship calls’
“We’ll also be offering practical help at the Cancer Café as well as emotional support. I’m planning sessions with a wellness coach, a benefits advisor and ‘A Touch of Gentleness’ will provide hand massages. We’re laying on transport from the town too but please contact FAiR to discuss.
You can get in touch with Chris Pollard by emailing chris@fair.org.uk or by calling 01797 458832.
Image Credits: Chris Pollard .
What an amazing thing to do Chris – I wish you well with this new venture.
Thank you very much Lisa.
Sounds perfect Chris such a good project to be involved in. Both Ian and I wish you every success with it (you won’t need it though). Hope the opening went well xx
Congratulations to FAiR, Cancer Cafe, your vision, your special team, and the volunteers.