Charity & Community news

Nosebleeds, twinning, teacher award, hospice funding

Nosebleed

Revealed More Serious Problem

Findon Valley resident Ross Lowndes was diagnosed with incurable blood cancer myeloma after going to the doctor for a nosebleed.

Myeloma kills 3,000 people in the UK each year. Ross had been experiencing worsening hip pain but it wasn't until he mentioned the nosebleed that the GP ordered blood tests revealing severe anemia.

Myeloma is frequently missed as its symptoms like back pain and broken bones seem minor. Myeloma UK estimates 851 people are living with undiagnosed myeloma in the UK. Ross is urging people to learn the symptoms and get tested to catch cases earlier when treatment can control the disease and extend life. For more information www.myeloma.org.uk/Find-The-851 or call the Myeloma UK Infoline 0800 980 3332.

Visit from Worthing’s Twin

The Worthing Twinning Association (WTA) recently hosted a return visit from members of its French partner town

Les Sables d'Olonne. The group enjoyed tours to Lancing College chapel, lunch at Perch on the Pier, and a cream tea at the town hall with the mayor. More fun activities included playing shuffleboard and visits to Bosham, Chichester, Arundel and Brighton using the 700 bus. The successful trip concluded with a meal at Highdown restaurant. Their chairman extended an invitation for a return visit next year. The WTA offers social events and welcomes new members interested in joining - contact secretary Pam Bennett on 01903 232196 or pambennett8@btinternet.com.

Application for new bathing zones

Worthing Borough Council is applying to add two new designated bathing water zones at Beach House Grounds and Sea Lane, Goring. This allows water testing to identify pollution sources.

Last year's Beach House application was rejected for insufficient bather data. The council is now preparing new applications with user numbers and facility details before October, plus a public consultation, to improve coastal water quality checks.

National award for Head Teacher

Phillip Potter, Head Teacher of Oak Grove College in Worthing, has won a Silver Teaching Award from the Teaching Awards Trust in recognition of his outstanding work at the special needs school. He was one of just 5 national winners in the Special Educational Needs category. Phillip will now be considered for a Gold Award in November.

Children’s hospice grant funding slashed

Earlier this year, NHS England wrote to children’s hospices in England to let them know that the vital £25 million Children’s Hospice Grant will come to an end after this year (2023/24). New research from Together for Short Lives shows that without the continuation of the grant, 38% of children’s hospices in England would need to cut the end-of-life care they provide and 79% would be forced reduce respite breaks.

Anna Jones, Director of Children’s Services at Chestnut Tree House, joined representatives from children’s hospices across the country at Westminster to meet with MPs to discuss the Children’s Hospice Grant. Led by national charity Together for Short Lives, children’s hospices like Chestnut Tree House are calling on the Government and NHS England to ensure sustainable funding for the thousands of children and families who rely on them.

Anna is pictured with Andy Fletcher, Chief Executive of the charity Together for Short Lives.