A young Airdrie dad has told of the vital support he has received from the Macmillan charity since being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Joseph Wright is a regular attender at the Move More class in his home town, and is encouraging other Lanarkshire residents to make use of the variety of help available from the cancer support organisation.
Macmillan has now relaunched its range of in-person services across the county after shifting online for more than a year during the coronavirus restrictions, and is also looking for new volunteers to help with its work.
Joseph was diagnosed in May with a neuroendocrine tumour in his small bowel after having felt unwell for a period of time.
The 25-year-old cyber security engineer was first admitted to hospital last December, where a scan found swollen lymph nodes in his groin and stomach.
He said: “I was sent for a biopsy and that’s when they discovered cancerous tissue. It’s not been an easy journey but I have fantastic support from family and friends.
My wife Sarah, mum Sharon and mother-in-law Trish have just been there for me so much. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without them.”
Joseph added how had had discharged himself five days before Christmas during that first admission to ensure he was a home for son Jensen’s first Christmas, saying: “I really didn’t want to miss that.
“I haven’t been able to work since December; I really miss my job and regularly keep in touch with my employer to keep them up to date with how I’m doing.
“They’ve been so incredibly supportive of everything I am going through, that means a lot. I can’t wait to get back.”
He has benefited from attending regular Move More sessions at Airdrie leisure centre, and is encouraging other people going through a similar journey to get involved with the physical activity sessions and to use the other help available from Macmillan.
Joseph said: “You never think you are going to need help from a cancer charity.
“I told my nurse specialist at Glasgow Royal Infirmary that I could do with some help emotionally and physically, and she took me to the Macmillan Cancer Support hub in the hospital.
“They put me in touch with local support – I was introduced to Craig Tobin, Macmillan’s project manager for Lanarkshire and from day one, he’s been like a friend and given me such unbelievable support.
“He encouraged me to go along to the Move More class and went along with me the first time to make sure I got on OK. I haven’t looked back – it’s just what I needed and I now go regularly; it’s really helped me get moving.
“Everyone is so friendly and when you’re going through treatment and recovery it helps physically and also mentally. I’d suggest if you’re going through similar to me, then come along and give it a try.”
The class resumed at the Airdrie centre in May after being suspended for almost 14 months, with resourceful leaders instead delivering live online classes during the pandemic restrictions.
Macmillan’s information and support services also resumed in person three months ago after moving to online and phone advice for the period since March 2020.
The charity's services include benefits advice to help people with cancer claim government benefits which they are due and supports them with housing issues.
Now the charity has resumed its full support programme across both North and South Lanarkshire with the help of both councils and the health board, supplementing the existing information and support hubs at the area’s libraries and hospitals.
Project manager Craig said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult time as we all know but we’re back in the community and we’re here to do whatever it takes to help people living with cancer.
“We want people to know they’re not alone and our support services are available in person, online or on the end of the phone.
“It’s great to hear how much the Move More classes have helped Joseph. Cancer is very tough and can have a real impact on you both physically and emotionally, and these classes run specifically to deal with that.
“We have so much going on within cancer support services in Lanarkshire – along with developing Macmillan’s physical activity programme, we’re rolling out new volunteering opportunities, so please get in touch if you’d like to join a class or be a volunteer.”
Macmillan’s services across both North and South Lanarkshire can be contacted by emailing macmillan@culturenl.co.uk or calling 01698 332631 during office hours.
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