Seeing a friend battle with cancer has left receptionist Niamh Hogan at Beaufort Road Surgery in Southbourne wanting to help in any way that she can.
Niamh will be taking on this challenge to Brave the Shave and shave off her hair this Saturday 8 July 2023 in support of her friend, as a way to raise awareness about cancer and funds for charity Macmillan Cancer Support.
“Her story is not mine to tell, her struggles are not mine to share but what I can tell you is what it’s like from my perspective,” explains Niamh. “It aches deep in the pit of your stomach knowing there’s nothing you can do, nothing you can say to make it better.
“You watch the other people who love them ache too and of course, that person. There’s nothing positive about cancer but the people who fight it: they’re a different story.
They’re formidable, unwavering and emit the brightest of glows. She takes fear and turns it into strength. She takes uncertainty and turns it into acceptance, ensuring everyone around her feels reassured.”
Dr Debbie Hartley at Beaufort Road Surgery said, “We want to encourage people to be aware of the signs of cancer. If you have any concerns, do not delay in making an appointment at your GP practice. Make sure you attend routine screenings you are invited to, such as cervical screening. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome is for the person. Everyone at the practice is behind Niamh and we also want to help her raise awareness about symptoms of cancer.”
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, which is a term to describe uncommon cancers that can affect any part of the body, often starting with a lump that gets bigger quickly. It is classed as a rare form of cancer, making up less than 2% of all cancers, according to the Sarcoma charity.
More information about the signs and symptoms of cancer can be found at Cancer – NHS (www.nhs.uk).
Niamh adds, “My friend is not just one of the many people fighting this disease, she’s our person. She’s a mother, a wife, a friend, a colleague, so much more and to me, my second mom, my mamá. While it’s still unclear whether she will lose her hair, I told her a long time ago that if she does, so do I. None of us can fight this for her but maybe we make her feel that she’s not alone in this and that we’re right here with her.”
You can follow Niamh’s journey through Brave the Shave by following Beaufort Road Surgery on social media and on their website Beaufort Road Surgery
Niamh’s fundraising page can be found here: Profile | Brave the Shave 2022 | Brave The Shave | Macmillan Cancer Support
