Welcome to Marion’s Blog
We are delighted that our favourite exercise guru has offered to share her blog with us.
Those of you who use our Get Active programme to help you return to exercise safely will already know Marion very well.
But for those of you who haven’t taken the plunge yet we though this might be a good way to be introduced. Marion has many talents, as we will no doubt understand better, as we share her blogs.
So please read and enjoy (scroll down to see the blog articles) and don’t hesitate to get in touch with Marion via the ‘Contact Marion’ link below.
What Marion says about herself
Hi, I am a passionate writer, so thank you for reading this – it’s good to write knowing that my words will be read.
I am also an exercise professional and a nurse. I spend my day working with clients in our gyms, running exercise classes in care homes and helping people on their cancer journey to remain as active as possible.
I fall into the ‘older person’ category and am very interested in society’s perception of ageing and set out to challenge this whenever I can.
My husband has stage 4 Multiple Metastatic Melanoma (MMM), so we know what ‘living with cancer’ means. I also have lots of first-hand experience of what it means to live someone with a life limiting illness.
I also sit on the Patient Advisory Board (PAB) for our area’s Cancer Alliance. (The Cancer Alliances are designed to implement improvements to patient pathways for those with a cancer diagnosis. They cover from early discovery right through to living with and beyond). I try to put forward the patients’ perspective and their thoughts on what really matters to them, to you, to us. I hear many, many stories, but I am always keen to chat and hear more about what matters to you. If you have a story to tell – maybe something went really well – please let me know; phone, text, email, when you next see me! But if something niggles – please tell me that too – you know the ‘I really wish they would / wouldn’t xxxxxx.’ And if you really need to sound off – let me know – together we can bring about change as well as recognising great care.
My blogs are a mix of information from research, advice and tips on keeping fit and healthy and personal experience. If you enjoy them – let me know – if you have something to say – tell me!
Remember – we really only have today – so have courage and be kind
Marion 07860 128032 marion@alltogetherbetter.co.uk
Contact Marion
The views expressed in this blog are Marion’s own and not HCCN’s.
Being Happy
March blog I have been thinking about ‘being happy’ and what that means. So I was wondering what helps me to be happy. I thought at first that it might be money, but as anyone touched in some way by an illness such as cancer knows, money isn’t a lot of good – it... read moreSome Weeks Are Hard
We have exercise circuits twice a week for people on their cancer journey, (contact us for more details). We have lots of fun and its as hard or as easy as we want it to be. We have one rule that is specific to the exercise group – it’s a tough one – but we have... read moreChristmas can be tough
Nearly Christmas – how are you feeling? That usual mix of excitement bordering on panic? Or maybe you feel a bit flat, like its all too much and who cares anyway? Do you oscillate between being glad to be alive and petrified that you might not be here next Christmas?... read moreHow does cancer affect your belief?
Its not at all unusual to utter a prayer at times of great stress. Who amongst us has not offered up a quick one when push comes to shove? Facing a life limiting illness is often a time when we pause and reflect on what really matters in life, on what helps and on... read moreBeing Special
Being special Having cancer puts you in a separate category. Not one you want to be in – but one none the less. I’ve just read ‘The Island’ by Victoria Hislop, it’s about a leper colony and initially the horror of the isolation and the separateness of living with... read moreCould you just get a grip?
Now, this might seem a little harsh. Bear with me and I will explain. Throughout life, things happen. Sometimes good things happen and sometimes shit happens. We learn how to deal with the good and the bad as we go through life. First of all our parents show us... read more
Cancer and being cross
And I get cross with him; I get cross when he puts his gym bag on the work surface – again. (‘Don’t you know how many germs there are on the bottom of that bag and I am going to cook food there soon’ I shout) . I get cross when I drag myself out of bed at some obscene hour and he mumbles ‘do you want any help’ and promptly goes back to sleep. And I get cross when he gets up from the table and leaves me to clear up…
read more
Are you happy?
What makes you happy? I went to a talk recently all about happiness. It was about the research that is being done about why some countries are happier places than others. The speaker’s research looks at groups of people over a long period of time. And using lots of... read more
10,000 steps and that 10 minute challenge !
Its great to be recommending 10,000 steps a day and suggesting that at least 10 minutes of these should be done at a brisk pace – good ideas and they will undoubtedly make a difference. But what if you really can’t do that much – if the very thought just reduces you... read moreLatest From Facebook
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Did you know, you can help Hunts Community Cancer Network generate additional funds to help support our vital work just by shopping online?
By signing up to Give as you Live Online, we'll receive a donation every time you shop at any of their 4,500+ registered retailers, including John Lewis & Partners, eBay, Currys PC World, Booking.com, Marks & Spencer and Just Eat. The best bit? It's completely free!
As well as generous donations for Hunts Community Cancer Network, when you shop via Give as you Live Online you'll also have access to top offers so you can save as well as raise!
www.giveasyoulive.com/join/hunts-community-cancer-network/ec72876?utm_source=toolkitEmail&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=72876&utm_campaign=2021-introduction
Plus if 10 people sign up via this link we will have 10 entries in a prize draw to receive a donation of £250 from GAYL 💙
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Keep your eyes peeled. Date for your diary! More info to follow!
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Today's May 2021 100 Club Draw filmed live
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Add this date to your diary. More information can be found in your EnAble newsletter coming soon. Can't wait until then, contact gill@hccnthecharity.org
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Have you had or are due to have a mastectomy?
Free Heart-shaped ❤ pillows for women (and men) with breast cancer. Designed to provide comfort and protection after a mastectomy operation.
How to order the pillows
Click the link it will take you to a Facebook page called Jen's Friends - Free Mastectomy Pillows. There are full details on a pinned post. In a nutshell, send them a message via Fb messenger, telling them how many pillows you would like. (1 for single or 2 for a double mastectomy). Make sure you include your delivery address again this MUST be sent via Fb messenger. There is a small cost, the pillows are FREE, but they do require a small donation to cover postage and packaging costs. Donate a minimum of £4 for 1 pillow and an extra £1.50 for 2 pillows. They can’t promise to send a matching pair for a double mastectomy as they only have what the sewing fairies make them. They are run purely by volunteers, with no external funding. www.facebook.com/Jensfriendsmastectomypillow
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Forthcoming event supporting us;
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Just got a new Co-op near me. Supporting HCCN every time I pop in! Even for just one thing or doing a big shop each time I am supporting a cause I care passionately about.
Who do you support with your Co-op shop?
Co-op Local Community Fund - Hunts Community Cancer Network
The Co-op Local Community Fund is supporting Hunts Community Cancer Network. Become a member or sign in to choose a local cause to support.
Hunts Community Cancer Network
💙 Please nominate us! It will take literally 2 minutes of your time. Search for Hunts Community Cancer Network (1163051)
💙 If you have 1 minute more, please share this post with your friends and family too.
💙 Thank you!
movementforgood.com/
Movement for good - Nominate a charity to receive £1000 from Ecclesiastical
Movement for Good will provide vital support to organisations right across the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands and the Isle of Mann
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Our rescheduled firewalk is now on September 4th at Grafham Water and we have 2 places left for anybody who wishes to take part, walking across those coals. It is £25 registration fee and we just ask for a minimum £100 sponsorship. Anyone who is interested in finding out more details, please drop us a message or comment below!
