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
HCCN Conference 20th April 2021. Here's another Breakout Group speaker.
Lynn Reader, is qualified as a Reflexologist for almost 6 years ago, offering Reflexology to clients in Huntingdon and surrounding areas, and as a Volunteer with HCCN at the Ellington Drop-in.
She is presenting Reflexology and spreading the word that Reflexology is recognised as a beneficial therapy working alongside standard healthcare, supporting clients at all stages of their cancer diagnosis.
During the presentation, she will introduce the theory behind the therapy, the many benefits which include stress relief, improved sleep and an enhanced sense of well-being. She'll let you know what to expect during a Reflexology Session and we'll do some Self Help Hand Reflexology Techniques focusing on calming, breathing and relaxation.
Register here mailchi.mp/2d8ba62785c2/conference
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Join us at our conference on Tuesday, 20th April 2021 - This is one of our Breakout Group Speakers
Kate Beed is Head of Training at Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire Mind. Her team delivers mental health training to businesses and community groups with the aim of reducing the stigma that still exists around mental health and increasing understanding about the positive steps we can all take to look after our mental health. In this session, Kate will focus on the importance of self-care, particularly at the moment, and will give tips about how to find the things that will work for you.
Register here mailchi.mp/2d8ba62785c2/conference
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Make sure you register for our great conference this month held via Zoom featuring our patron Professor Thomas mailchi.mp/2d8ba62785c2/conference
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Online Tai Chi Class with Dmitry Sokolik
"I had never been before, perhaps I wasn't the most elegant but I felt marvellous afterwards - Sallie Crawley"
When: Monday's from 5.45–6.45pm
Where: In the comfort of your own home via Zoom. Please make sure you have enough clear space to move as necessary.
Ability: Standing and Seated, Beginner or Been Before. Please do ensure you have your doctor’s approval before taking part in this activity.
How: You will need Wi-Fi and Zoom. Comfortable clothes, which do not limit movement and a bottle of water.
Contact: Click here to register: mailchi.mp/c8dd7c11e580/activity-registration-form
This is a free activity for anyone living with a cancer diagnosis within Huntingdonshire.
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Recently, Hunts Forum dedicated a Lifetime Achievement Award to our founding Trustee Susan for all the work she had done setting up our charity.
Sadly she had passed away before the awards took place so here we have her lovely husband, Graham, receiving her certificate along with our chair Jan (who is equally as lovely!).
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Would you like another way to raise money for us by not costing you anything? Please use www.amazonsmile.co.uk (which is exactly the same as amazon.co.uk main site) and nominate us as your charity! Then whenever you place orders, you generate some income for us. This is a screenshot of one of our supporter's page where you can see they have raised over £20 for us and it hasn't cost them anything! Please register and bookmark amazon smile today - thanks.
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Would you like to raise money for us and it not cost you a penny? There are several ways you can do this and another one is with Give As You Live!
You can access lots of online High Street shops through Give As You Live and they donate money to us as a result. Ideal if you are currently purchasing Gift Cards, for the person that's hard to buy for!
Click: instore.giveasyoulive.com/charity/hunts-community-cancer-network/ec72876/gifts?utm_source=charitytoolkit&utm_content=72876&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=CTInstoreGiftCardsCampaign
And make sure you nominate us as your charity!
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Would you like to raise money for us and it not cost you a penny? There are several ways you can do this and one is with the Co-op!
The Co-op is doubling what goes to community organisations and local causes when you buy selected Co-op products and services, and 2p for every £1 spent goes back to you.
Co-op Members can choose our cause and project in our own dedicated page on the Coop membership website. The link to our cause profile page is membership.coop.co.uk/causes/48876
The Co-op we have been linked to is the one in Brampton High Street Huntingdon PE28 4TQ. However, money raised through Co-op Membership can be generated anywhere in the UK. Therefore, our mission is to encourage our users and supporters to become Co-op Members so they can select HCCN as their cause anytime they shop in Coop. If not already a member, you can join online at www.coop.co.uk/membership or by downloading the Co-op app.
Co-op Membership - Membership that makes a difference - Co-op
Find out more about Co-op Membership. Join Co-op for £1 and earn rewards for you and your community.
Hunts Community Cancer Network
Online Tai Chi Class with Dmitry Sokolik
In the class you are invited to a deeper relaxation, than you are used to. In this state, the body has a chance to recognise that there is no immediate danger, stopping saving energy for the survival and switching off the sympathetic nervous system. This is when the parasympathetic nervous system naturally has a chance. This is when the body can start using the energy for regeneration and healing. The same energy it previously kept for survival. This also facilitates natural immune system strengthening, which is so precious now. And, finally, the sense of wellbeing and inner strength appears naturally as the result of the practice.
Where: In the comfort of your own home via Zoom. Please make sure you have enough clear space to move as necessary.
When: Monday, 22nd March 2020 at 5.45pm – 1 hour
Ability: Standing and Seated, Beginner or Been Before. Please do ensure you have your doctor’s approval before taking part in this activity.
How: You will need Wi-Fi and Zoom with microphone and camera. Comfortable clothes, which do not limit movement and a bottle of water.
Contact: Click here to register: mailchi.mp/c8dd7c11e580/activity-registration-form
This is a free activity for anyone living with a cancer diagnosis within Huntingdonshire.