Chairman’s Christmas Address 2011
Welcome to the Cancer Care Club Christmas Lunch. This annual event is always a happy gathering and I hope that today will be as successful as those of past years. I apologise for not being able to attend in person, but unfortunately my clinics have become very busy and I need to care for those patients. I’m sure you will all be relieved to hear that my message will be brief.
I’m always a little surprised how quickly time passes and somehow here we are at Christmas again. What has the club achieved over the last year?
The committee has been reinvigorated with new blood, in particular with the appointment of Jane Burgess our new secretary. I’m sure that you, like me, will have noticed the brighter newsletters and other communications but her input to the committee has also been invaluable. The committee have tried to be more proactive and we have sought new areas for fundraising as well as new avenues for providing funding for cancer care. I’m delighted that we are continuing to sponsor a therapist in the alternative therapies bungalow, we have provided televisions to keep those waiting for their appointments in the newly refurbished oncology department entertained and we are considering funding for other projects such as the refurbishment of the conservatory adjacent to the Cathedral Day Unit. With the period of austerity that the NHS is entering, I fear that pressure will be put upon hospital services and there will be an increasing need for organisations such as Cancer Care Club to ensure that patients and their carers have somewhere to turn to for support. I’d like to thank all those who have raised funds for the club over the past year, your efforts are greatly appreciated and do make a difference.
Attendance at events is still a little patchy. The summer barbeque went very well but day trips continue to be difficult to get support for. The committee are keen to hear if you have any ideas events or outings.
I am very grateful to my fellow committee members for all their hard work, not just in organising meetings, but also with fundraising and helping to improve the visibility of the club. Their input involves a considerable amount of time and effort all given for free and I’m sure we all appreciate the work that has gone into organising the lunch today.
Unfortunately, every year changes the membership of the club. I would like you to spend a few moments remembering those club members who have not been able to attend due to ill health and those who have passed away over the last year.
On a happier note, I hope you all have a great time today and I would like to wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.