The second edition of The Swallows patient book is out now

view here

It provides useful information and patient stories to help along the head and neck cancer journey.

We held 10 afternoon meetings and a Christmas Lunch.

There were 11 evening social meetings, including a summer meal.

We continue to meet requests from Chesterfield Royal Hospital to assist patients facing a laryngectomy.

Stall at Chesterfield Royal Hospital for fund-raising and raising awareness of early head and neck cancer signs.

Coffee Morning – European Head and Neck Awareness Week – to raise funds and awareness.

Trip to National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas

Trip to Victorian Christmas Market Weekend, Matlock

Our meetings have had visiting speakers from East Midlands Cancer Alliance and Severn Healthcare

We have provided a PPI contribution to the revision of the East Midlands Cancer Alliance head and neck cancer care pathway.

We have attended meetings and events of the Derbyshire Voluntary Action Cancer Group, including Be Cancer Safe meetings.

We participated in the international head and neck conference in Nottingham, in November.

We have collaborated with Heads2Gether support group,  at the Maggies Centre, Nottingham City Hospital.

Membership has continued to grow, as has the area from which we attract members.

We mourn the loss of Stuart Dawson. Our group helped him along his cancer journey but he , and his wife Mary,  gave far more back to others.