Patients, healthcare staff and friends of the Outreach Chemotherapy Service who came together on Wednesday 25 January 2012 to celebrate the service’s first anniversary have hailed the day a massive success.

The day was jam-packed with events, including balloon launches, the presence of a Town Crier and Lord Mayor, speeches, refreshments and many other things.

Talking about the special day, Triangle staff member, Debbie Clift, told us:

“Yesterday there were great celebrations in three communities, Liskeard, Tavistock and Kingsbridge to mark the first anniversary of the Outreach Chemotherapy Service, to raise the profile of this important service and the Triangle Cancer Support Drop-in Centres.

“A shiny new van, donated by businesses in Salcombe, started the day being led to Liskeard by a brightly decorated tractor. The van ,carrying nurses Liza  and Michelle and Derriford Oncology Directorate Manager, Lee Johns arrived at Reception to be greeted by patients, families, carers, hospital staff including manager Jo Beer, members of the Hospitals League of Friends, Triangle staff and many interested people from the local community. Balloons were set off outside to mark the occasion and then everyone moved into the warm where a huge cake, donated by Ginsters, was cut and shared. This was followed by some brief speeches, including a moving one from Debs Ward who had used both services herself. 

“The team then moved onto Tavistock where a large crowd were waiting outside St Eustachius Church. The Town Crier announced the arrival of the van and more balloons were set off. Everyone was  then escorted by the Town Crier to the church hall where again patients, families, Triangle staff, hospital staff, including manager Sue Wilkins, members of the League of Friends, The Mayor and many members of Tavistock organisations were treated to some lovely food. Another amazing cake was cut and the profile and importance of both services raised. Lesley Gibson, member of Tavistock League of Friends and supporter of the Triangle Drop in Cancer Support Centre who organised the event said: “We really have raised awareness of these services and want to continue to keep them going.”

“The team then hot footed it to Salcombe to collect Tristan Stone and Bernice Johnston who were, along with Jan Britten, the movers behind fundraising to enable the setting up of chemotherapy in the three community hospitals. They arrived just in time at Kingsbridge to be greeted by a great crowd outside the hospital, where again the van was admired and balloons set off. Once in the warm another enormous cake, baked by Kingsbridge Community College, was cut and all those present were thanked and their input acknowledged.

Again lots of patients who had used the Triangle Cancer Support Centre were present along with their families. They joined hospital staff, members of the League of Friends, the Mayor of Kingsbridge, David Radford Chairman of NHS Devon, fundraisers, members of the local community and also representatives from the businesses who sponsored the van.

“In all three areas the overwhelming message was how important these services are for cancer patients and their families and we are keen to continue to raise awareness.”

Lee Johns, Directorate Manager for Oncology and Blood for Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “What a fantastic achievement, what a fantastic day. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of the local communities. These services really do bring cancer care and support closer to the patients’ homes.

“A massive thank you to everyone involved in fundraising at every centre for your hard work and generosity.”