Volunteering at FORCE
Terry, who helps out at FORCE on Thursday afternoons explains his reasons for volunteering here:
In 2010 my wife (Mary) was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. She had seen our GP several times during the summer with IBS symptoms. However in early September her stomach was really swollen and she visited the doctor yet again. This time she saw a lady doctor who made an urgent appointment for her to have an ultra-sound scan at Exmouth Hospital. When we went back to the doctor the following day she ushered us into her surgery and we could tell that she didn’t have good news. She told us that the fluid could be caused by her having Ovarian Cancer. She had to go straight into the RD&E to have the fluid removed from her stomach and have more tests. Over the next few days tests established that the fluid was in fact ascites caused due to her having stage 4 ovarian cancer, which meant that the cancer had spread to settle on other internal organs such as her lungs, liver and spleen. A plan for 6-8 doses of chemotherapy and a full hysterectomy were put into practice. This was when we were first introduced to FORCE. We visited the centre on numerous occasions and found everyone there to be really friendly and helpful. We’ve both had counselling and enjoyed the therapies plus countless cups of tea, biscuits and always been greeted by friendly faces!
Mary’s treatment worked really well and I decided I wanted to give something back so I decided to become a FORCE volunteer. I joined the meet and greet’ team 3 years ago and work with a great team. I understand fully how important it is to help cancer sufferers and their carers feel comfortable when they come into FORCE’.
If you are interested in volunteering for FORCE, further details are available here:
https://forcecancercharity.co.uk/supporting-us/volunteering/support-centre-hospital-and-snack-bar/
or please contact Heather Taylor on 01392 406 154, or via: heather.taylor@forcecancercharity.co.uk
