9 minute read

Cancer Survivor “Stomps”

Next Article
Hospitality heroes

Hospitality heroes

Cancer Survivor "Stomps" Snowdon in Support oflocsl charity

A Keynsham man in rehab from a very rare form of cancer is taking on Snowdon as part of his recovery and urging others to adopt their own fundraising ‘Stomp’ in support of cancer charity Penny Brohn UK. James Lovell, 40, father of two and head of water recycling with Wessex Water, was diagnosed in June 2020 with Primary Mediastinal Lymphoma, a form of cancer which usually only affects women aged 35 or more, but for which – caught early enough – there is a good prognosis. James has now been given the all-clear after a successful course of treatment at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, and as part of his physical recovery is taking on Snowdon with a small group of friends and family and using the opportunity to raise money for Penny Brohn UK, as part of STOMP - the charity’s annual sponsored walk – which takes place this year on Saturday October 2 along any route the participants choose. Walkers in Bristol may join the Covid-safe eight-mile group walk, starting from Penny Brohn UK’s picturesque national centre in Pill, or they may participate anywhere they choose, even from home, by completing the distance wherever suits them on the same day. Registration can be done online at www.pennybrohn.org.uk/event/stomp or further details are available from emma.gilmore@pennybrohn.org.uk . James Lovell said: “I would carve up the impact of cancer on you as a person as 30% impact on your body and 70% impact on your mind. It’s just something you cannot block out, you carry the ‘what-ifs, buts and maybes’ with you during treatment and beyond which can be a real challenge. “That's where Penny Brohn UK came in, because it’s thanks to them that I know how to look after myself now, so I’m tackling Snowdon as part of their annual STOMP, and I’m really keen to spread the word about the great work they do.” Chemotherapy was “tough but manageable” for James. When he felt unwell it made him think the treatment was working, but he found the mental challenge far greater.

Advertisement

James said: “It was just after my second round of chemo that I got in touch with Penny Brohn UK.

“From then on, I met with Janey twice a week for relaxation and mindfulness sessions. I also met with nutritionist Nicky, who helped overhaul my diet, and physical therapist Alisa, who helped me maintain my physical fitness during treatment. “This brilliant charity is an incredible line of support; an amazing group of people who dedicate their lives to people with cancer.

“I feel like my relationship with Penny Brohn UK has only just begun. I want to thank them for everything they have done and continue to do for me. I’m determined to give back to the charity, to help ensure other people like me can access their services and get the support they vitally need.” James has shared his full story on Penny Brohn UK’s website and is hoping it will inspire more people to get involved with STOMP, the charity’s annual sponsored walk this October. Emma Gilmore, head of events and community for Penny Brohn UK, said, “Last year, STOMP went virtual but this year we’ve created a hybrid event with a physical event in Bristol and Stomp My Way – and we’d love as many people as possible to join us, walking at their own pace in their own space. “Coronavirus has changed the world as we know it. Yet cancer isn’t stopping. Many more people are seeking help and support and the charity urgently needs to raise money to continue to support them. “By taking part in Stomp you can improve someone’s wellbeing by enabling us to provide support where it is really needed - helping someone with cancer to feel less alone and more connected. “With appointments and treatments postponed and the ongoing threat of the virus, many people with cancer are frightened and, for many months to come, will remain scared.

“Some feel very lonely and isolated from family and friends as they continue to shield to stay safe - it’s essential they have the right care and support. “As part of our holistic approach to cancer Penny Brohn UK is providing physical activity sessions, advice to build resilience and self-care resources as a programme of cancer support services that can be found online.

“Everyone taking part in this sponsored walk will be looking after their own wellbeing and at the same time helping people with cancer to live well too.

“All the money raised from Stomp will make sure more people affected by cancer get the help they need to look after their mental and physical wellbeing at one of the most devastating times in their lives.” Get in touch by emailing emma.gilmore@ pennybrohn.org.uk or sign up online www. pennybrohn.org.uk/event/stomp . TSA ACCOUNTANTS BRISTOL LTD

CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS AND ADVISORS

ACCA

www.tsabusinessadvisors.co.uk TEL 0117 923 5394 enquiries@tsabusinessadvisors.co.uk Are you in the trades?

Does your accountant charge less than £500 per annum for your self assessment? Then read no further. However, if your accountant holds on to your CIS refund, or if they charge more than £500 per annum then give the friendly team at TSA a call or drop us an e-mail to arrange a free initial consultation by phone, zoom or in person. Our tradesmen and women typically pay £400 plus VAT and often less.

For larger businesses we o er competitive prices plus we can help with CIS and VAT as well as your company accounts

Local charity and house builder host garden party in Yate for lonely people

National Bristol-based charity Marmalade Trust has teamed up with a leading South West housebuilder to host a special get-together to combat loneliness in the garden of the housebuilder's show home at Ladden Garden Village in Yate. Many who attended the event had left their homes for the first time in months and had chance to meet and spend time with other people in similar situations. Guests were treated to music and refreshments at the garden party on Friday 10 September, organised by the housebuilder in support of Marmalade Trust, its charity of the year, which it has adopted for the second year running. Recognising the profound impact of the covid pandemic on lonely and vulnerable people, David Wilson Homes' South West team, which is building new communities in Ladden Garden Village in Yate and across the region, decided to work directly with people supported by the charity, in addition to its fundraising efforts.

One member who had not been out since March 2020 said,

"I have had the BEST time, I haven't laughed this much for ages, and I even got up for a dance!"

Every year Barratt David Wilson Homes' South West division supports a designated charity with fundraising activities, volunteering and wider support, in addition to making monthly donations to local causes in the communities they are building in. 38 Last year, the division raised £20,000 for the Marmalade Trust and hopes to match it with this year's fundraising activities. James Dunne, managing director for Barratt David Wilson Homes South West added:

"We were so inspired by the work of Marmalade Trust last year and this year we decided we wanted to do more to continue to support vulnerable people who may still struggle with loneliness, particularly given the impact of the pandemic, so felt this was a practical way to bring people together so they can connect and socialise."

Amy Perrin, founder and CEO of Marmalade Trust added:

"We are thrilled that Barratt David Wilson Homes are getting so actively involved with our charity, volunteering and hosting this party. The pandemic has made things even more difficult for people living alone, so events like these are important in demonstrating to the people we support that they are not forgotten." Grown from a Christmas day event for a handful of people in 2013, Marmalade Trust now runs companion schemes for over 200 people, Christmas Day events and hamper deliveries and hosts the annual Loneliness Awareness Week in June which last year captured global attention due to the covid pandemic.

BRISTOL’S 15 MINUTE NEIGHBOURHOOD

A Bristol neighbourhood, which grew up around a chocolate factory 100 years ago, is now being hailed as a perfect example of the latest 21st Century concept being used worldwide to design places to live. In San Francisco and New York the “15 Minute neighbourhood” concept is being used by urban planners to design places to live where everything you need is within 15 minutes walk or cycle. Greenbank, Bristol, meets all the criteria. Originally the chocolate factory provided work alongside a railway line. Now the former factory is being transformed into modern homes alongside the Bristol to Bath Railway Path that provides a convenient and efficient cycling, walking and gentle exercise route. In New York “15 Minute Neighbourhoods” have been defined as places where all residents live within a short walk of a good school, rapid transit, a place to buy fresh food and a park. Sustainability and an urban lifestyle have been flagged up in other parts of the world.

First residents have started moving into The Chocolate Factory, a redevelopment of the former Elizabeth Shaw factory in Greenbank. The factory lay derelict for 16 years at the heart of the community and work has continued throughout lockdowns to ensure new homes are available.

Jason Schofield, Development Director of Generator South West, said: “What everyone has learned over the last few years is that it is possible for many people to work from home and that has put greater emphasis on what you have nearby. 40 “To be able to work at home and walk to some great shops and a park has become more important. To be able to cycle into the city centre or to Temple Meads to catch a train and have everything you need in close proximity is the way that people now want to live.

“While others are planning where they might put their 15 Minute Neighbourhoods, as usual Bristol is ahead of the game with Greenbank. The regeneration of the former factory is well under way and people are starting to move in and enjoy the area. “At the moment we already have three and four bedroom family homes completed with others nearing completion at The Chocolate Factory, along with shared-ownership homes. Unsurprisingly, given the growing popularity of Greenbank, we are already getting a lot of interest in apartments some of which are expected to be released for sale this winter. “Urban living in this century is all about being connected so we concentrated on things like broadband, good links to the cycle network and electric vehicle charging in the planning stage. “Of course the wonderful shops, cafes, bars and pubs were already in the area and they make it a great place to live. We intend to build on this by creating a commercial hub at The Chocolate Factory centred around a public square where community and convenience are at the very heart of our thinking.” For more information on Greenbank and The Chocolate Factory visit: www.chocolatefactorybristol.com

C J Computing (Systems) Ltd.

WE HELP FIX ALL PROBLEMS! CALL TODAY ON 0117 962 4553

Virus & Spyware Removal Operating System Install Broken laptop Screen Hard Disk Recovery Home & O ce Networking Gaming PC’s

57 Westbury Hill Westbury on Trym Bristol BS9 3AD

This article is from: