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
3 days 22 hours ago
Thank you for the Chocolate which has been donated from various people - one of our lovely volunteers made up a chocolate hamper ready for our firewalk. Sadly we can’t use it for that purpose so we have given it to our pharmacy team who are working so hard at the moment!
6 days 22 hours ago
Hunts Community Cancer Network was live.
1 week 20 hours ago
We are bursting with pride at our wonderful nursing team who are heading into unchartered waters at the moment. They are now wearing uniform to reduce the risk of Covid 19 contamination.
Karen’s message is: “We are working harder than ever to stop patients coming to hospital & only visiting patients for a clinical need to avoid contact to protect them and us. Also we are ringing patients before we visit to check if any symptoms. However if they do have any please contact us before we visit.”
1 week 5 days ago
Very good advice for people with cancer at this time....well worth a read:
myemail.constantcontact.com/Corona-virus---What-people-with-cancer-need-to-know---Updated.html?soid=1103815906350&aid=Q7_6dX33ou8
Corona virus - What people with cancer need to know - Updated
Although there is no direct evidence that the lifestyle measures will protect against corona, they can be linked to improved immune efficiency and better gut health so are a sensible precaution, which you have control over:
2 weeks 18 hours ago
Here is Alison doing the Cha Cha plank challenge with Sawtry Colt Development Centre on Sunday 😊
2 weeks 1 day ago
We have had a lovely message come in from our Tai Chi teacher:
Hello my Tai Chi friends,
Due to the current situation, HCCN charity has recommended to stop the classes for the next month. This obviously applies fully to the first class, which runs 6-7 pm.
To encourage you to practice, Susan from HCCN gave me a great idea, to film the session, so, people will be able to practice from home. So, today, I have put my Heart Into this, and really hope you will be able to benefit from this. Here is the playlist on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjaGRAiYvUxiZBPynOUMpNqkEgwimaZ6k
Having said the above, I will be in the hall, waiting for the next session at 7:10 pm after teaching in Huntingdon & Peterborough Federation of Women’s Institutes. So, feel free to come and talk to me, if you have any questions.
As about the second class, HCCN has asked me to tell all HCCN people, that they strongly recommend to avoid attendance for the next month. But knowing that there are also attendees outside of HCCN, the class will be running. You are all big children now 🙂. So, can make your decisions and be responsible for them.
Enjoy Tai Chi and keep safe.
Dmitry
2 weeks 2 days ago
Coronavirus Situation - Updated 15 March
Further to our statement of 12 March, the HCCN Trustees have reached the difficult decision with immediate effect:
- Conference scheduled for April 28th will be postponed to November 3rd
- Firewalk scheduled for March 28th will be postponed to September (date to be confirmed)
- All classes and groups are suspended for a period of 4 weeks – i.e. to week ending April 10th
Our class leaders are committed to finding different ways to continue to support you - if you are a regular user, please contact your class leader in the first instance to understand what we can offer. Alternatively, contact Susan Moore at mobile 07738 208831 email susan@hccnthecharity.org
We continue to keep our future plans under review.
The safety of everyone who benefits from and contributes to the HCCN family - our users, volunteers, nurses, contractors and suppliers – remains our priority.
The advice we are following is from PHE:
" www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
There is more information about coronavirus on the NHS website
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
• Wash your hands often with soap (or soap substitutes) and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work environment.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
The key thing is, as always, to look after yourself. As Government advice changes, this advice will be updated as more information becomes available.
Sallie Crawley | Jan Davis | Karen Moseley | Susan Moore | Amanda Orchard
Trustees
Dated: 15 March 2020
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Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK
Find out the number of cases and risk level in the UK, what to do if you have symptoms, and what the government is doing about the virus.
2 weeks 3 days ago
Coronavirus Situation Update:
The HCCN Trustees wish to reassure you that we are closely monitoring Government guidance relating to COVID-19 and will keep you updated. The following information is intended to help you decide what steps you may need to take.
COVID-19 is now circulating around the UK. Although relatively small numbers of people in the UK have been affected, the number is growing and is likely to rise
further. The Government rates the risk of acquiring this condition as moderate. And while anxiety is understandable the vast majority of people affected will experience
only mild symptoms and can recover at home.
The advice we are following is from PHE:
www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
There is more information about coronavirus on the NHS website:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
Wash your hands often with soap (or soap substitutes) and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap
and water are not available.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work environment.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
At this time HCCN activities will run as normal. We are taking all appropriate steps to keep our future plans under review.
While the charity’s activities depend on the goodwill of our volunteers, contractors and suppliers, we recognise that you may prefer to stay away, particularly if you feel
unwell. You must come to your own decision on whether to attend or not – but remember you will be welcomed back at any time.
The key thing is, as always, to look after yourself. As Government advice changes, this advice will be updated when more information becomes available.
Sallie Crawley | Jan Davis | Karen Moseley | Susan Moore | Amanda Orchard
Trustees
Dated: 12 March 2020
Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK
Find out the number of cases and risk level in the UK, what to do if you have symptoms, and what the government is doing about the virus.
3 weeks 1 day ago
It’s International Women’s Day.....& you don’t get better than our women we think!
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3 days 19 hours ago
1 - 3 days 18 hours ago
1 - 3 days 18 hours ago