Bladder cancer: Do you know the signs?
During the pandemic we’ve been proudly supporting the NHS with surgical and non-surgical activity – and as a result we were able to meet 55-year-old cancer patient Sidney Parkin.
How has coronavirus affected cancer treatments?
The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on lives, livelihoods and the health of many people not only in the UK but all around the world. In the UK vital treatments, operations and routine appointments have all had to be cancelled, or delayed indefinitely, at some point since the country was first placed into a national lockdown in March 2020.
Sidney, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer two years ago, has attended St Hugh’s on a couple of occasions over the last nine months after being transferred to the hospital via the NHS. While visiting for a check-up, Sidney got talking to one of our nurses about the Three Peaks Challenge he would be embarking on in 2021 in aid of Fight Bladder Cancer.
As an organisation which is owned by the Healthcare Management Trust (HMT), we’re proud that our surplus is used to fund research into dementia care, promote health and wellbeing, and fund community projects and raise awareness of charitable organisations.
So, when Sidney told us more about the reasons why he would be taking on the Three Peaks Challenge, we felt it was important for us to do our bit by raising awareness of bladder cancer and Fight Bladder Cancer – a dedicated charity which supports people and their families affected by the disease.
About bladder cancer
One of the reasons why we wanted to raise awareness of bladder cancer is because there appears to be a lack of awareness and understanding of the disease in comparison to other types of cancer.
Twenty thousand people in England alone are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year and while it is the fifth most common type of cancer, it receives less than 1% of national research funding. Bladder cancer is the most expensive cancer for the NHS to treat as it has the highest chance of reoccurrence – yet there seems to be little knowledge about it in the public domain.
Sidney’s cancer diagnosis came as a complete shock and after being diagnosed he did some internet research on the disease before turning to Fight Bladder Cancer for more information and support.
After personally benefiting from the support and advice which the charity provides, Sidney signed up for The Three Peaks Challenge in 2020 to raise funds for the charity and educate people about the symptoms of bladder cancer.
The (virtual) Three Peaks Challenge
At the time of committing to this charity challenge local restrictions were different, and Sidney was due to embark on this fundraising activity on Thursday 21st January. However, in line with the current national lockdown, this challenge has been postponed and is due to take place on Wednesday 24th March (depending on Government restrictions).
When the challenge can take place, Sidney will participate in the virtual Three Peaks Challenge using a step master which is the equivalent of 1,600 flights of stairs and 50,333 steps. Sidney will be joined by two friends on the challenge – Andy Chambers and Kerim Djerbi – who both work at Bfit Gym in Caistor, where the challenge will take place.
Sidney said: “Each of us is doing the full distance which equates to 117km – and although I’m nervous, I’m really looking forward to doing it. We think it will take six to seven hours for us to complete and we hope to start at 10.30am on the day.
“We’re really grateful to Amy Atkins from Bfit gym who is allowing us to use the gym facilities and equipment to do this challenge. I’d also like to thank Sophie Maggs and Emma Low from Fight Bladder Cancer, not only for setting up the fundraising page, but also for being incredibly supportive.
“We’ve not set a fundraising goal simply because the top priority is to raise awareness of this type of cancer and about the charity which does a fantastic job!
“Coronavirus has had a huge knock-on effect for people who’ve missed check-up appointments and treatments owing to the pandemic and we want to do what we can to get bladder cancer’s name out there so that people are more aware of it and can check themselves for symptoms.”
Everyone at St Hugh’s is pleased to be supporting Sidney with his efforts. We understand that times are difficult for so many right now, but if you can, we urge you to dig deep and donate to Sidney’s fundraising page.
Or to donate £5 via your mobile bill, please text THREEPEAKS to 70085.
If you’re unable to donate, make sure you follow Fight Bladder Cancer on Twitter and Facebook and show some support to the charity via social media.
For further information about Fight Bladder Cancer, visit the website.