<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">My team and I are fortunate enough to be in good health, or at least we certainly will be after undergoing some serious training and completing the 26.2 mile journey in April.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sadly, the simple fact is that some people are not so fortunate.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whilst enjoying what too many take for granted, have you ever thought who spends their time, efforts, dedication and indeed much of their lives caring for those who can&rsquo;t ?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">The Beacon is an entire community of people who do just that &ndash; and more.</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Beacon Service helps local people at home cope with the effects of cancer or a life-changing progressive illness. The team of experts provide specialist clinical care using both traditional health care and complementary approaches to assist the physical and emotional well-being of their patients and to enhance their quality of life. <br><br>The level of support is remarkable and extends far beyond mere treatments &ndash; The Beacon supports and helps both the patient and their family: </span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0cm;"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Following diagnosis. </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">During and after treatment. </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you return to work or other commitments. </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">In later stage illness. </span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Beacon&nbsp;also offers practical support to people who wish to be cared for at home towards the end of life.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Centre is also the base of the Beacon Specialist team, who provide: </span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0cm;"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Multidisciplinary specialist assessment, clinical care and support from the physiotherapist, counsellor, clinical psychologist, dietician, nursing team. </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Expert clinical services to help with complex care needs, such as breathlessness and pain management. </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Counselling and cognitive behaviour therapy. </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Emotional well-being group discussions. </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Relaxation and visualisation sessions. </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Centre is also the base of the Lymphoedema service, which provides specialist management for women who have developed arm swelling resulting from breast cancer and its treatment. </span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">All funds raised will be spent against clinical and other patient-related priorities, and will help improve and impress the impact the Beacon already has on its patients, their families and the wider community.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">We hope to raise a sum of money that can really make a difference and be put to use by the Beacon Service in providing essential services that are not traditionally funded by the NHS, supporting the development of services already provided, raising awareness in and develop relationships with the local community in order to further their aims. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you would like any more information please do not hesitate to contact myself, Sam Batchelor, or the Beacon Service itself.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;; mso-bidi-font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><em><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;; mso-bidi-font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">With our most sincere thanks for your generosity.</span></em></p>