Inspiring talk formembers on cancer

They were treated to a talk which, at first, seemed to be as gloomy as the weather, but instead proved to be an inspiring and optimistic presentation on the subject of cancer, especially as it affects children living with adults who have a significant form of the disease.

Rachel Smyth represents Cancer Focus, which is the name adopted by the former Cancer Foundation some three years ago, and her message was that cancer is more about living than dying.

For children and young people the diagnosis of cancer in the family can be not only a distressing and frightening experience, but often a time of confusion and even guilt, she said.

Rachel explained that the family support service of Cancer Focus offers specialist support to families with cancer coping with the impact and disruption to everyday life. She spoke on the various programmes run by the charity with the aim of taking away the natural negativity and fear that surrounded cancer.

It was obvious from the large number of questions put to the speaker at the close of the talk that the topic had been of great interest to the Fellowship members, particularly in view of the important role that grandparents can play in situations where parents were suffering from cancer.

Thanks to Rachel was extended by the Fellowship president Dr. Michael Gardiner. This Thursday (13 November) the speaker will be Jeremy Sayers and his subject “Two years in Ethiopia”. All retired and semi-retired men are invited to Fellowship meetings which take place in Ballywillan Presbyterian Church hall, Portrush. Tea/coffee and chat gets under way at 10.30 and the talk at 11am.