The Luton and Dunstable Head and Neck Social Group is an informal gathering of individuals and carers that have been affected by cancer to the head or neck.

Our aim is to share experiences and support  each other. We can help you if you come and you can help us by coming.

News

The group meets the first Wednesday of each Month at 7pm. The Venue is The Luton Rugby Club

Everyone is welcome regardless of where you were treated. Please consider coming you will be made welcome.                     

1st Wednesday of each Month at The Luton Rugby Club. Click here for Details.

Please Note Luton Rugby Club is not in the Park by London Road but in Newlands Road at the rear of the Golf Course Near by the Slip End Turning

End of Summer BBQ

Wednesday September 7th 2016

The End of Summer BBQ is very nearly here we have confirmations from around 30 people including Head and Neck Staff and Members

If you haven't confirmed yet there is still a short window to do so.

We will meet at the same time 7pm. You will be welcome even if its your first visit.

For all those helping out we will be setting up at 6pm

 

Stop Press

Sadly Amanda Naylor is leaving the L&D and we want to give her a good send off. Amanda is coming the the meeting on the 2^nd and it will be our last chance to give her a send off.

We have cake and a present. It would be nice if as many people as possible could come over and wish her well for all the good work she has done for us.

Wednesday 2nd March 2016

Happy New Year

In order to give our generous hosts a break the first meeting in 2016 will be on the 3rd of February.

 There will not be January Meeting.

 

Wednesday 9th December 2015

XMAS PARTY TIME

It’s that time again. The Head and Neck Group’s Xmas Party will be at the Rugby Club Wednesday 9th December 2015 at 7pm.

You are all invited even if you haven't been before.

There is a licensed bar which will also serve tea and coffee if preferred. We have put on a buffet to suit members which will also include soup.

We have a Quiz arranged along with at least one game of Bingo.

As usual we have also arranged a Raffle / Tombola for which there will be a good first prize but we also ask members to bring a small prize with them so we can have more winners.

You are welcome to invite family or friends

All we ask is that you please let us know soonest if you are attending and how many are in your party so we can ensure there is enough food and no waste.

Wednesday 2nd Sept 2015

K-T Martinelli Head and Neck oncology dietician

K-T Martinelli, who most of you will know as the Head and Neck oncology dietician will be stopping by to chat to us.

K-T was also the driving force behind the successful  campaign to have a soft ice cream machine installed on ward 20 at the L&D where many of you were treated.

K-T's visits are always enlightening and her direct and open approach usually gets a great discussion going.

 

Wednesday 3rd June 2015

Suzanne Edgington, Holistic Therapist, Naturopath & Bodyworker.

Suzanne Edgington returns this month to explain how CranioSacral Therapy (CST), a whole body evaluation and therapy, can help cope with loss as well as general well being. 

Loss in its extreme form requires us to deal with Death, and Dying creating a huge spectrum of emotions. Loss in general can cover a huge array of
situations and emotional stresses. Loss of a job, a marriage, a limb, an old lifestyle or life, a pet, a partner, a car, your childhood, your youth, or perhaps a previous way of life.

CST is an alternative approach to safely supporting someone through these emotional stresses when they are beginning to have a negative impact on their life.

It is a helpful alternative to counselling where speaking can be part of the therapy but not necessary to get a beneficial result. Supportive touch is offered but the treatment is completely patient/client lead, a supportive space is held and touch is only applied when the patient/client is ready.

We are happy to open the evening to all Cancer Patients and their carers or indeed anyone who might benefit from the presentation. You will be welcome No Need to Book.
 

Presentation Wed 4th February Dr Thomas Moors

Dr Thomas Moors is a doctor from Belgium with a special interest in voice pathology, or more specifically, voice rehabilitation for laryngectomy patients.

He was a member of a Belgian boys' choir for over 15 years, has had international voice training, and recently passed the Choir Conduction Course at the IOE University London. He combines his passion for singing with his medical background.
Together with a team of Speech and Language Therapists, opera singer LaVerne Williams, and actor Hajaz Akram (principle of the Hampstead Academy of Acting and Drama), he has developed a new method for tracheoesophageal voice rehabilitation. 

In 2014 he funded the first alaryngeal voice choir in the U.K.: Another Voice, based in Cambridge. Their motto: The road is still long, so let's just sing along...

Xmas Party Update

We had a good time on Wednesday Night. This year we had guests from the Leighton & Linslade Cancer Support Group as well as our own crowd and Hospital Guests. There were a few people we missed this year who were unable to come on the night hopefully we will see them again shortly. Alan took some pictures and we will hopefully have something to post shortly.

We have to take time to thank Karen for organising the quiz and the bingo which was great fun. Matt for Borrowing a Mini Bus and Chauffeuring the L&L visitors on the night. The Rugby Club for donating the room and a big bottle of Fizz (amongst other stuff). Diane who organised the food for us, Alan for beating people up to buy raffle tickets. Everyone that bought a prize for the raffle and of course Daphne for the Xmas Trifle.

We will be back at the Rugby Club on the 7th of January at 7pm, see you there hopefully. Have a Great Xmas and New Year.

Xmas Party Wednesday 10th December 2014

7pm Rugby Club

Our apologies if you have been on here looking for more details of the party. We had a technical problem that resulted in us being unable to make the changes visible to everyone.

Thanks to the generosity of Luton Rugby Club we will hold the annual party  again at the Club in Newlands Road, Luton which is just off Junction 10 of the M1.

We have a food, a quiz, hopefully a couple of games of Bingo, our raffle (so bring some money) and a full bar till around 10:15.

If you haven't confirmed yet we still have room for a few more people. Please let us know. 

BBQ 13th July 2014

The Social Group BBQ went very well thanks the the efforts of a number of volunteers who spent most of the event providing food for others.

We have some pictures of the day but we would be happy to add any others if you email them in to web@hansg.co.uk.

Click here for the pictures.

BBQ and Soft Food Party 1Pm-2pm Sunday 13th July at Luton Rugby Club in Newlands Road Luton.

The Head and Neck social Group would like to invite Members, New Patients, Carers and Family to an informal BBQ at our usual venue Luton Rugby Club.

The party starts at 1pm on the 13th of July till around 3pm. There will be a mixture of food available to suit most patients. Children are welcome there is plenty of room for them to run around.

The weather won’t stop play as we have plenty of shelter available and the BBQ won’t get wet.

There is no charge its absolutely free but we do need to know in advance who is coming so we can be sure to feed you properly. Please email web@hansg.co.uk.

Oh and the Rugby Club will have a full licensed bar with soft drinks or tea and coffee also available.

Wednesday 2nd July 2014

Marie Browne (Macmillan Specialist Psychotherapist)

Marie has very kindly agreed to speak at our 2nd July meeting, about psychological issues.

Wednesday 4th June 2014

John Pickles Consultant ENT Surgeon

A number of our members have good reason to recall John Pickles as their consultant surgeon at a time when they desperately needed to be in safe hands.

Recently John announced his retirement and a number of members felt it would be fitting to mark the occasion.

To that end we have invited John Pickles to attend the 4^th of June meeting (7pm) as we intend to make a small presentation to him as a mark of appreciation.

Even if you are not a Head and Neck cancer patient, perhaps one of his many ENT successes you are welcome to come and toast John Pickles with us on the 4th.

Wednesday 5th March 2014

Suzanne Edgington, Holistic Therapist, Naturopath & Bodyworker.

Suzanne has been practising since 1996 and will being talking at the next Head & Neck Social Group Meeting Luton on Wednesday 5th March 2014.

Suzanne has recent personal experience of supporting her husband through the processes of a Head & Neck Cancer and is coming to share her story. She will also talk about how some of the therapies she practises, such as Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Acupuncture, EFT, Nutrition and Meditation might benefit those going through treatment for and moving on from cancer. 

Suzanne offers practical advice for both the patient and carer along with techniques and therapies designed to benefit mentally, physically and emotionally.

 

Wednesday 5th of February 7pm

Matt Corder, Health & Wellbeing Officer, Active Luton

 The Macmillan Exercise Programme.

Luton residents who have had or are currently receiving treatment for cancer can take advantage of a new exercise programme led by Active Luton.

The Cancer and Physical Activity Pilot will be running for a year and offer a variety of exercise activities.

Funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, the pilot will be run predominantly from the new  Lewsey Sports Park, with a variety of wet and dry side activities on offer.

Staff at the centre will be working closely with Macmillan nurses and experts from Luton and Dunstable hospital to deliver specific exercise programmes which will cater to each individual’s needs.

 

Wednesday January 8th 2014 7pm

For the more hardy of our members there will be a meeting at the Rugby Club on the 8th of January not on New Years Day. Should be a good opportunity to have a quite chat round the table.

Xmas Party Pictures

Alan Wells kindly took a number of pictures at the recent Xmas Party which was very well attended. Thanks to everyone who turned up especially the staff. I have been tempted to add captions to some of the pictures but I have managed to resist.

Click on Dave (The Hat's) picture to see all the photos.

Wednesday December 11^th

There will not be a meeting on the first Wednesday in December. Instead the Xmas Party will be on Wednesday the 11^th at 7pm.

We will be holding another of our bring a prize raffles so please bring a prize wrapped or otherwise so we can raise funds to cover the buffet and a donation to the Rugby Club

This year we are also able to go back to our previous format where we also had a hamper for a prize. Premier foods have generously donated a number of hampers that Macmillan are distributing on their behalf.

We have cadged one and we urge you to dig deep for the extra tickets in order to boost the group's funds.

There will be a buffet on offer as usual and  following Karen's successful effort last year she will be hosting the quiz again.

You are very welcome to bring a guest with you. This is an open invitation to patients, carers, your relatives, hospital staff and consultants.

The Rugby Club has a full bar at good prices. Come and enjoy some good company.

Wednesday 4th September 7PM

K-T Martinelli, who most of you will know as the Head and Neck oncology dietician will be stopping by to chat to. K-T was also the driving force behind a campaign to have a soft ice cream machine installed on ward 20 at the L&D where many of you were treated.

K-T's visits are always enlightening and her direct and open approach usually gets a good discussion going. More details to follow.

 Armchair Theatre

Our very own Ian Bridgeman was chosen to take the lead role in an Educational Video aimed at Doctors, Dentists and Pharmacists. The 10 minute video, made and distributed under the direction of the Mount Vernon Trust can be viewed by clicking on the "a star is born" logo.

 

 

 

Wednesday 5th June 7PM

Rob Bunyan leads a discussion on Oral Hygiene and Dental care following treatment for Head and Neck Cancer.

If you have questions about dental care following Surgery or Treatment Rob will be happy to advise.

 

       Wednesday May 1st at 7pm

Now classed as regulars the Complementary Therapists Team based at Luton's Barnfield College are making another visit to the Rugby Club.

Put this in your diary.

The therapists are by far the best supported of all our functions. Get there early. It is always busy.

Keith Foster

31st May 1938 - 2nd March 2013

It is with great sadness that I have to report that Keith Foster passed away on the 2nd of March 2013.

Keith was a tireless worker and succeeded in bringing about many positive changes that improved the  experience for Cancer Patients.

There was a Service of Thanksgiving at Ashley Green on the 15th of March which completely packed St. John Evangelist Church.

We are working to establish a fitting memorial for Keith and we hope to have news of that shortly.

We are happy to announce that the Head and Neck Social Group won a Silver award from the Mouth Cancer Foundation.

The Foundation reviews the progress and commitment of Support Groups and their future plans bi-annually .

Attached to the award is a £1,000 cash donation to assist in further developing the group.

Xmas Party Wednesday December 12^th

There will not be a meeting on the first Wednesday in December. Instead the Xmas Party will be on Wednesday the 12^th at 7pm.

A buffet has been arranged. Thanks to Matt’s partner Karen her daughter is organising and running a Xmas quiz for us on the night. There will be prizes for the winning table.

We will be holding another bring a prize raffle so please bring a prize wrapped or otherwise so we can raise funds to cover the buffet and a donation to the Rugby Club.

You are very welcome to bring a guest with you. This is an open invitation to patients, carers, your relatives, hospital staff and consultants.

The Rugby Club has a full bar at good prices. Come and enjoy some good company.

(If you don’t have transport let us know we will try to help) Contact Derek web@hansg.co.uk.

Pam Blackburn

Many of you will know that in lieu of flowers at Pam’s recent funeral relatives requested that a donation be made to Cancer Research UK.

The collection we made at the Rugby Club raised £80.00 which Hugh passed on to Cancer Research.

Thanks to you all for contributing.

 

Pampered Chef Fundraiser Update

The Pampered Chef fundraiser that Amanda Organised for us went well last Wednesday.  We made £54 from the sale of the lovely cupcakes donated by Carolyn and the raffle.  Keith won a £20 voucher.  We also will be receiving around £26 commission from sales on the night and I have agreed to have a home party in the new Year. 

So about £80 made in total, a welcome addition to our funds.

The Recipes for both the Broccoli Dip and the Chocolate Molten Lava Cake are her on the website for those who requested them. Recipes Click Here

www.pamperedchef.com

Draft Constitution

As the group has been getting bigger and its operations are becoming more complex Hugh and Derek have been working to prepare a draft  constitution for the group. The officers, representatives from the L&D and other committee members also need to be protected from events outside of their control and some basic operational rules need to be laid down.

There is a draft document now available Click Here for Word Document. Everybody is encouraged to comment on the draft and make suggestions or objections as they see fit.

The timescale is for the first round of submissions to be made by Friday the 23rd of November. At that point depending on the depth of the changes the constitution will be adopted with minor changes or it will be re-submitted for further comment or pea vote if required.

It is envisaged that Hugh, as Chairman, will will consider all submissions and take any decisions required for the benefit of the group in total.

Hints and Tips for Swallowing

Following on from Jenny Hunt’s September talk on swallowing problems a number of personal recommendations were made by the members all of which have experienced varying degrees of Swallowing or Taste problems.

These have been collected together here for the benefit of everyone  

Click Here for Details

Forthcoming Meetings

November 7th – Pampered Chef – Cookery and product demo fundraiser – 10% of sales will be returned as funds for the group. There will also be a raffle. (which, based on history,  Amanda will no doubt win). There will be a limited supply of some lovely cupcakes on sale on the night, all monies to the Head and Neck Social Group

 

October 3rd – Complementary therapists from Barnfield College. Put this in your diary. The therapists are by far the most popular attraction we have ever had.

 

Canal Trip 27^th May 2012

For Pictures Click Here

We all had a great day out on the Canal at Pitstone on Sunday. Twenty one of us, including some relatives and friends, enjoyed some of the best weather we've had this year.

The Cruise company were more than fair, they found a few extra public trippers and just charged us for the Twenty One that we had booked.

One of the public trippers kindly took the group picture above.

I will have some more pictures put up shortly, I have some to process and I know that Jim has. Anyone else that has a good shot please mail it to me.

Hopefully this will be the first of a number of affordable social events. Suggestions are welcome, if you have a trip that you want to organise let me know.

April Meeting

Marisa Richards (Commissioning Manager NHS Beds and Luton) will be addressing the Group at the 4^th of April Meeting.

Marisa is interested in the group’s views about Radiotherapy. Marisa would like to get the views of those who agreed to Radiotherapy and also those of who chose not to.

She is also interested in topics such as the options you might have been given by your consultant and how the journey time might have affected you decision to attend.  

Please turn up and participate in the discussion. Your views can affect the  policy and the outcome for future patients in this region.

Day Room Ward 20

As we reported before the Day Room alongside Ward 20 is being used for Head and Neck Members to meet with current patients.

Whilst it was a nice quiet space it was a typical Hospital Room with poor furnishings. The room has now had a great makeover with input from the Head and Neck Cancer Nurses.

Amanda Naylor has sent over the latest picture. I'm sure anyone who has used the room in the past will immediately notice the difference. 

March Meeting

Fiona Ritchie will be answering questions, offering hints and tips relating to dry mouth and oral care.

Fiona works for RIS Products Ltd www.risproducts.co.uk promoting a oral healthcare products which are particularly relevant to Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

Fiona Ritchie doubles as project manager for Christine Piff Letsfacit support network for people with facial disfigurement www.lets-face-it.org.uk.

Fiona previously accompanied Christine on her visit to the Head and Neck Support Group’s meeting in November.

New Year New Outlook

 

Louise Bolton who is a Macmillan Primary Care Oncology CNS will be along to tell us about “The Cancer and Exercise pilot which is starting this month.

 

Active Luton and Macmillan are working together to look at exercise that can be offered to cancer patients during treatment as it is shown to improve or prevent the decline of physical function without increasing fatigue.

Louise would like to take the opportunity to explain the pilot scheme and hear what exercise patients might like to take part in either individually or as a group.  Louis will also explain how to obtain an assessment to join the pilot or how attend drop in centre for further information.

You can find out more about the scheme by downloading the PDF file :- Physical Activity

It's that time again and the Head and Neck Social Group would like you to be our guest and join us for a drink and a buffet at our Xmas Party Wednesday December 14th.

This year we have splashed out on a floor show and we have booked Russ Styler who will tour the tables and perform magic close up.

You are very welcome to bring a guest with you. This is an open invitation to patients, carers, relatives, hospital staff and consultants.

 There will also be a Raffle on the night to raise funds please would you bring a prize. The Rugby Club has a full bar at good prices. Come and enjoy some Good Company.

(If you don’t have transport let us know we might be able to help.) Contact Derek web@hansg.co.uk.

Pioneering Hospital Buddies

Being diagnosed and treated for Head or Neck Cancers is a difficult time for anyone. Members of the L&D Head and Neck Cancer Social Group have pioneered a new service that makes two members available each week to advise and support recently treated patients.

The system works with the assistance of the Head and Neck Specialist Nurse Carole Glover and Jenny Hunt Speech and Language Therapist.

The Group is organised into teams of two who make themselves available on a rota system. Visits are not required every week but when they do take place they are received well.

The team have all been vetted with the assistance of the hospitals volunteer service and report to the ward management on arrival. We are fortunate to have a good size day room where the group can base themselves.

The system has been operational since the beginning of Summer and we will be looking at the results of their efforts in the new year. If you wish to start a similar scheme or have questions regarding its operation please mail web@hansg.co.uk.

Lets Face It

Thanks to Lets Face It founder Christine Piff and Fiona Ritchie we had a very good meeting in November Christine proved to be a very positive role model for victims of Head or Neck Cancer.

www.lets-face-it.org.uk

It was a great presentation and we have asked Fiona to come and talk to the group about dry mouth sometime in the future.

Lets Face it November 2nd 2011

On Wednesday 2nd of November Christine Piff Founder/Chief Executive and Project Manager Fiona Ritchie both of Lets Face It have been invited to talk about their work.

Christine Piff is the founder of Let's Face It;
in the loss of half her face, including the left eye.
Christine founded the network in 1984
having experienced the loneliness and
despair that living with a 'changed' face brings.

Fiona Ritchie will be on hand to offer advice on managing the symptoms of dry mouth.

 October 2011 Barnfield Complementary Therapist Team

As ever the Barnfield team put in a real effort to make the evening another great one.

Taking Pictures in the Bar is difficult because of the lighting but here are a few to give a flavour of the night. We hope to have them back again in 2011.www.barnfield.ac.uk

2011 Relay for Life

Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th saw the 2011 Relay for Life weekend of entertainment and fundraising for Cancer Research UK take place at Stockwood Park Luton.

If you have never been to Relay you are missing a great party in the park and a chance to support sponsored teams of walkers making a 24hour assault on the athletics track to raise funds for Cancer Research.

Both the organisers and the teams put on sideshows and all kinds of entertainment. Best of all its a party atmosphere.

There is always a very professional stage and this year was no exception with some excellent music, singing, excerpts from musicals and even a choir. The more energetic joined in for a long Zumba workout on the grass to some good music.

See all our pictures Click Here.

Saving Faces Family Bike Ride

Jim Lucas and Derek Tidman had a great day out with the Maxillofacial team at the Redbridge Cycle Centre in East London on Saturday the 3rd.

We relaxed whilst the team pounded around a particularly steep track in order to raise money for the Charity Changing Faces. www.savingfaces.co.uk

Click the team picture for a page of photos of the day. It's not to late to donate just follow the link on the page.

Raising Money Saving Faces

Chi-Hwa Chan Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Luton and Dunstable Hospital has co-opted a team of clinicians from the L&D, Bedford and family to raise money for Saving Faces.

The team will have their fitness tested on Saturday 3^rd September at the Redbridge cycle centre in Ilford.

The team also aims to raise at least £500 to pay for a statistical analysis of the outcome of the treatment of every mouth cancer patient treated in their unit over the past 9 years.

The statistician who will conduct the review works at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and she has offered to donate the money she receives to the Mount Vernon Research Fund!

This vital information is not currently available. The outcome of treatment is of paramount importance in order to modify and improve service to patients.

The team would be happy to receive any donations however small. Their online Team Sponsorship Page Click Here

Free Travel Pass

Mouth Cancer 10 km Walk Hyde Park London Saturday 17th September 2011

There are a limited of grants available for members of Head and Neck Cancer and Laryngectomy support groups to attend the annual Mouth Cancer Walk in Hyde Park London.

www.mouthcancerwalk.org

Strawberries and Cream at the Rugby Club

Wednesday 6th July

Summer is here and to celebrate we are throwing a welcome party to encourage new and existing members to attend. There is no charge just bring yourself and a friend if you wish.

June Meeting is the Second Wednesday due to a prior commitment at the Rugby Club.

Wednesday 8th June 7pm

Raising money (the hard way).

All the pledges have been called in and the moneys now been collected  Aran, Connor, Sam and Seb raised an amazing total of £5,094 which is a great result.

John Pickles (the L&D's Medical Director) took time out to accept the cheque on behalf of Ward 20 at our June Meeting at the Luton Rugby Club.

Well done Lads.

(Ironman & 70.3 are recognised as registered trademarks of WTC and are used to link to the WTC website for information)

Raising "Loads of money (the hard way)"

Due to the varying commitments of the team members the Ironman Half-Triathlon took place at short notice on the 10th of April.

James Lucas was on hand to see them finish.

"Everyone seemed to enjoy it, surprisingly nobody looked exhausted, estimated timings for each stage were pretty close except for 2 punctures on the cycling stage.

We shook a bucket at the swimming pool which ended up with a few pence under £100 and another was shaken at the pub that looked fuller but hadn't been counted.

A quick peek at the just giving page has a tally over £2800 @ 56% of target and the text and puns have been amended to announce that the boys completed their challenge with the page being kept open for another month." 

The Ironman Half Triathlon consists of a:

1.2 Mile Swim

56 Mile Bike Ride

13.1 Mile Run

This severe test of stamina and determination was in order to raise funds for the Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Head and Neck Cancer Unit.

"Getting back to work" Have your Say

Anil Garcia will be attending our April meeting to get your views and to pass on what's been learnt to date.

Vocational Rehabilitation in Cancer

Vocational rehabilitation has been described as a process whereby those disadvantaged by illness or disability can be enabled to access, maintain or return to employment, or other useful occupation (British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2003).

The Cancer Reform Strategy, recognised the needs of, and lack of services for, people living with the side effects and long-term consequences of cancer treatment. As a result of this, the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative (NCSI) was established, led by the Department of Health and Macmillan Cancer Support.

A project group was set up to review the provision of vocational rehabilitation and develop a vocational rehabilitation service model that could be piloted.

Mount Vernon Cancer Network is a pilot site for the development of a Vocational Rehabilitation Model and work is now underway to discover the availability of employment support for people after a cancer diagnosis, the information available to staff to enable them to answer queries and concerns, and to employers to enable them to support their work force effectively.

Feedback is being sought from Patients and Carers on their experiences of getting back to work to enable the production and availability of effective and supportive  help.

 WE WOULD WELCOME YOUR EXPERIENCES

If you would like to take part in this project and have experiences that you feel could help plan for the future please contact the project lead on the details below.  Feedback can be given either by Phone, email or Face to Face.

 For further information please contact Project Lead – Anil Garcia on 07889205064 or via email: anil.garcia@nhs.net 

It's that time again and the Head and Neck Social Group would like you to be our guest and join us for a drink and a buffet at our Xmas Party Wednesday December 15th.

You are very welcome to bring a guest with you. This is an open invitation to patients, carers, relatives, hospital staff and consultants.

Liza Pheazey will be running a Prize Quiz. The Rugby Club caterers are supplying the Buffet. There will also be a Raffle on the night to raise funds. The Rugby Club has a full bar at good prices. Come and enjoy some Good Company.

(If you don’t have transport let us know we might be able to help.) Contact Derek web@hansg.co.uk.

Raising money "the hard way"

NB. Due to the severe weather in late November and December the team have been unable to train for the bike ride and have taken the reluctant decision to postpone the Half Triathlon until the Spring. More News Later

On the 22nd of December Sam Hunt and three friends will attempt to complete an unofficial Ironman Half-Triathlon in the Luton Harpenden Area.

The Ironman Half Triathlon consists of a:

1.2 Mile Swim

56 Mile Bike Ride

13.1 Mile Run

This severe test of stamina and determination is in order to raise funds for the Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Head and Neck Cancer Unit.

Sam will be along to the Head and Neck Social Group Meeting on the 3rd of November to tell us all about the challenge and what it takes to prepare for it. Connor, Sam, Aran, and Seb have set up a just Giving Page http://www.justgiving.com/halfironmen.

For those of you who don't know Just Giving is safe secure way of giving that also credits the charity with a tax rebate on all donations given by UK Taxpayers. (Just Giving do not sell, use your details or send unwanted emails.

(Ironman & 70.3 are recognised as registered trademarks of WTC and are used to link to the WTC website for information)

Raising money "its a Walk in the park"

To mark the countdown to Mouth Cancer Awareness Week between 14th and the 20th November 2010 the annual Mouth Cancer 10KM Awareness Walk took place in Kensington Gardens London on the 18th of September.

This year Three Members of the Head and Neck Team at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital completed the 10k walk. The sponsored walk attempts to raise awareness of mouth cancer.

“I scream, you scream, we all scream — for ice cream!”

Those of you who have been treated at the L&D will already know the hospital’s head and neck oncology dietician Katrina (K-T) Martinelli. K-T has been the driving force behind a campaign to have a soft ice cream machine installed as part of the specialist cancer unit.

The machine has now been installed on the ward and is providing high calorie, high protein food to patients. As many readers will already know head and neck cancer sufferers often have difficulty eating especially just after treatment.

K-T explained the benefits. “Ice cream is an acceptable food for most people so our patients will have available at all times a food which will not only help them achieve their nutritional requirements but that is easy to eat and will not cause embarrassment in the process. Confidence in eating and swallowing safely will be restored much quicker.”

Mr John Pickles, Divisional Director of Surgery and consultant Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon at the L&D said,

“Head and neck cancer patients are often admitted to Luton & Dunstable hospital with pre existing, nutritional problems since the site of this disease makes people more vulnerable to malnutrition even before diagnosis.  Nutrition plays a key role in successful treatment of cancer of the head and neck and the ice cream machine brings many benefits for our patients who can face a slow and arduous recovery after very complex surgery.” 

The money to purchase the ice-cream machine was donated by head and neck cancer patients and the hospital will underwrite the future maintenance costs.  Patients from the Cancer Service users and the Head and Neck Cancer Support Groups are backing the introduction of the ice-cream machine and will be promoting its use in the hospital.

Although its a simple idea the beneficial impact on patients cannot be underestimated. We hope this initiative will be rolled out elsewhere as it deserves to succeed.

The media also liked the idea with a TV crew turning up to talk with K-T and Ronnie Barbour inviting K-T on to the Nine on BBC 3 Counties. K-T turned in a great performance, which if you didn't catch, can be played in Windows Media Player from this site by clicking here. K-T and Ronnie. It will take a little time to load.

Contributions to support the maintenance or towards further machines would be welcome. If you wish to contribute you can email the Treasurer of the Head and Neck Social Group for details.

L&D Foundation Trust AGM

K-T took the Ice Cream Machine to the Foundation Trust's Annual Members Meeting on 20th September.

K-T is joined here by Spencer Colvin Chairman of the L&D and our very own James Lucas representing the Head and Neck Social Group.

Spencer Colvin is an enthusiastic supporter of K-T's CoolAid Project to improve the nutrition of Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

Hansg didn't miss the opportunity to rattle a tin for the CoolAid Project and we raised a few pounds towards maintenance of the machine.

Launch of CoolAid

To confirm the Head and Neck Social Group's support for K.T's Ice Cream project we are pleased to announce the formation of CoolAid.

CoolAid is the collective banner under which we hope everyone will come together to raise funds and awareness for K.T's project.

Luton Rugby Club be the first fundraisers to use the new logo at their Hawaiian Night on Saturday 30th of October.

For more details contact Derek Tidman web@hansg.co.uk

Relay for Life

We had another great day at the Luton Relay for Life event in Stockwood Park. Even though the weather in mid September can be variable the rain mostly held off and the sun shone on the Saturday.

Six or seven of us turned up from Hansg along with a few other faces that we recognised from other support and fund raising groups.

As usual Susan Blee was racing around forcing the whole thing to work. As the picture will attest, its almost impossible to stop her for enough time to take her picture.

As has become a tradition for Dave and I we managed to get another picture of Dave with the Mayor and Kelvin Hopkins the local MP.

Click on any picture and it will take you to the collection where you can click on any thumbnail to see the full size pictures.

Hawaiian Night at the Luton Rugby Club

Luton Rugby Union Football Club have confirmed their commitment to the Head and Neck Social Group and the CoolAid Project which is the clubs chosen Good Cause for the season.

Alongside their own Club development fundraising, Luton Rugby Club will also use its events program to raise money for CoolAid.

The first of these events will be a Hawaiian Night, to celebrate the beginning of the season and the end of summer. Taking place on Saturday 18th of September 2010 the night will commence directly after the 1st XV match versus Hereford at Newlands Road, Luton.

All supporters will gain free entry and parking, bars open at Midday, game kicks off at 3pm.

The Club will be pre-selling wristbands for the Hawaiian Night wristband wearers will benefit from special prices at the bar. Wristbands will be available at £5 this week at the club and at the match on Saturday. With a live band starting at 5pm, food and full bar available throughout the night, a great evening is predicted.

The second event will be held on Saturday 30th of October, with details for this event being confirmed within the coming month.

For further information please contact the Luton Rugby Union Football Club Office on 01582 720355.

A message from our

Chairman Hugh Mc Grath.

All of us have been diagnosed, treated or have cared for someone who has suffered from Head and Neck Cancer.

Some of us still have our sense of humour; some of us have even retained most of our intelligence. Some know how to cook, fix cars, sew, weld, paint and decorate, plumb, garden and possibly how to milk cows.

We can be grumpy sometimes, irritable at others. Sometimes we hate not being able to eat what we want. Other times we hanker after the way things used to taste. Occasionally we can be entertaining and good fun to be with.  

 We all have experience that we are happy to share. We all understand what its like to be launched back into the world with the collateral damage caused by surgery and radiotherapy.  

We don’t really do that much, we meet, we often have a guest who has a relevant skill and we chat for a bit.

Most of the time we just sit around getting to know each other.

What we would like is for you to join us so that we can have a bigger and better group. In order to make the group a little more social we have moved our venue to The Luton Rugby Club which is close by J10 of the M1.

We made the move to somewhere with a bar (coffee is also available) because we know some people just don’t like hospitals.

Our venue is a quiet private bar at the club where we can socialise or have presentations without being disturbed.

We can be a big help to those of you just coming to terms with the speed and savagery of what happened to you and in return you can help us grow into something worthwhile.

If you are a carer you are welcome to come along with or without your charge and see how we can help. If you have been treated elsewhere you are still very welcome.

Hugh