An innovative volunteering service provided by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the Macmillan Windmill Unit, is aiming to offer support and guidance for those who care for someone with cancer.

There is a wide range of both physical and emotional support for patients directly affected by cancer, however we understand that it is sometimes the carers and loved ones of those patients who carry an equally heavy burden.

The Macmillan Cancer Care Buddy service aims to provide both practical and emotional support from someone who has experienced a similar journey as a loved one or carer.

“Carers can often feel that they shouldn’t ask for support when it comes to cancer, because they are not going through it. Actually loved ones and carers are impacted in a way that sometimes the patient isn’t even able to acknowledge or understand what they are going through.”

Helen Bright, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Manager

The Trust’s volunteering team are now looking to recruit more Macmillan Cancer Care Buddies.

If you feel that you want to share your experiences and help support others with their practical and emotional needs, please contact Nicola Ellis on 01253 955710 or email bfwh.macmillan.info@nhs.net for more information.

Our Care Buddies are part of an innovative new volunteering service provided by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.

In partnership with the Macmillan Windmill Unit, the Care Buddy service aims to offer support and guidance for those who care for someone with cancer.

Meet our care buddies: 

Beverley, Volunteer Macmillan Care Buddy

Beverley's Story: Hello, my name is Beverley and I'm a volunteer Macmillan Care Buddy at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. I have direct personal experience of cancer and my passion is to share my experience and provide support to people affected by cancer.

I have worked for the Trust for 13 years and I am currently a Learning and Development Facilitator. I have been a recipient of Macmillan support so I know how valuable this can be.

David, Volunteer Macmillan Care Buddy

David's Story: Hello, my name is David - I'm 64 and I was diagnosed with rectal cancer five years ago.

I went through radiotherapy and chemotherapy and nothing worked so the last resort was a nine hour operation to remove the tumour. I have a stoma for life and no back passage but I am still here!

I use humour to deal with everything and I'm very upbeat - I'm sure this made a big difference for me. If I can make a difference to one person going through similar to me, I would be happy.

Julie, Volunteer Macmillan Care Buddy

Julie's Story: Hello, my name is Julie and I'm a volunteer Macmillan breast cancer Care Buddy. I started volunteering for Macmillan after going through the breast cancer journey myself in 2020/2021.

My aspiration is to share my experience of cancer to help provide guidance and support from a personal perspective. I am not medically trained, but I can help with coping mechanisms as you are diagnosed, throughout the treatment and after your treatment concludes.

I also work full time in the Civil Service, have four grown up children and four grandchildren (plus a fifth grandchild on the way). I love cycling, reading crime novels and walking my chocolate Labrador.

I look forward to connecting with you.

Sue, Volunteer Macmillan Care Buddy

Sue's Story: Hello, my name is Sue, I'm 56 and I'm a volunteer Macmillan breast cancer Care Buddy. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 51 and I underwent mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy. It was an extremely difficult time and I needed lots of support.

I am now cancer-free and I'm happy to be a Care Buddy for patients who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer to offer support, a listening ear or to meet up for a friendly chat and a cup of tea. I'm able to offer a few handy tips on coping with the side effects of treatment, such as hair loss and skin care etc. It's sometimes just nice to be able to chat to someone who has gone through the cancer journey.

Throughout my time as a Care Buddy, I have met up with lots of ladies and have made some lovely new friends in the process.