Eastern Education Group and West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust team up to host Bury St Edmunds Cancer Patient Forum

More than 100 people were given the chance to share their stories and get support at a Cancer Patient Forum on Saturday.

The event, held at the University Professional Development Centre on Western Way in Bury St Edmunds, was hosted by the Eastern Education Group (EEG) and West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT).

Liz Creasy, EEG’s head of commercial training, was keen to get the college involved after recently supporting family members through cancer treatments.

“We came together to support people who have gone, or are going through, treatments in the past year,” said Liz.

Organisations that attended included Boots, Bury Physio and Macmillan Cancer Support, as well as the My WISH charity, which part-funded the forum.

Liz said: “The event was not just for the people who are going through cancer, but also a chance for their carers and loved ones to feel supported.

“I think everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer.”

Ann Taylor, 79, of Great Barton, said she visited the forum to get information, help and support.

She said: “It is useful to listen to what people have to say.

“It can be a shock when you find out about a cancer diagnosis but there is hope and it is nice to have these support networks.”

Madeline Friday, oncology survivorship lead at WSFT, said: “We are there from the moment a patient is diagnosed and we are right by their side throughout their journey.

“We come together at this event to introduce everyone to all the support that is available to them.

“It also gives patients and their families the opportunity of highlighting areas that might need improving.”