Hi, Thanks for taking the time to visit and read my JustGiving page .

My name is Bob Barr and I am fundraising for Friends of Anchor by taking part in Brave 2024. The reason I am doing this is because I have now had cancer three times and the support I have received from Friends of Anchor during my last and current fight has been incredible . My first fight was prostate cancer where I after recovery I fund raised for UCAN. That said the treatment I received and support from UCAN was also incredible.

My fight with cancer started in 2013 where I had my prostate removed after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Then in 2019 I was diagnosed with High grade Non Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer and after 10 rounds of chemotherapy and 30 radiotherapy sessions I was given the all clear in 2020 ( it is in remission) only to be told that I had MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome)which is a form of bone marrow cancer which after various trials and treatments I now get a blood transfusion every two weeks to keep my haemoglobin blood count up at a reasonable level. This all happens at the ANCHOR unit in ARI (Aberdeen and North Centre for Haemotology Oncology and Radiotherapy) where the nurses and doctors are true angels. These angels coupled with the support from the Friends of ANCHOR team make this department truly unique and amazing.

Having had cancer 3 times you begin to think life is against you, when in 2015 I received a diagnosis that I had Parkinson’s Disease. This condition now coupled with my current cancer means I get tired and exhausted easily, which meant all my retirement plans went right out of the window. (This is a story for another time).

I’m happy to tell this part of my life story to emphasise that we (cancer/haemotology sufferers) don’t need your sympathy or platitudes, we need your support to help us raise funds for Friends of ANCHOR.

You just don’t realise how much they do for you until you are being treated in the ANCHOR unit where there is no discrimination, it doesn’t matter about your nationality, colour or creed, we are all treated the same.

Remember cancer knows no social barriers and the current odds are hat 1 in 2 people will get cancer in their lifetime and with all your support, all of these wonderful people will be there to help you in your hour of need.

As I said earlier in my story, I did not realise how much FoA do for cancer/ Haemotology patients and their families. And as a current user of their services I would like to show my appreciation for everything they have done and continue to do for me. I can only thank the organisation team for giving me the chance to take part in BRAVE 2024 so I can actively fund raise for them.

Remember You never know what is round the corner, hence I would ask you for your support by making a donation for this amazing organisation.

The following story of how Friends of Anchor came to support the cancer unit at ARI, hopefully gives an insight to this wonderful organisation and also the services they provide:

Formed in 1997, Friends of ANCHOR is a charity which directly supports cancer and haematology care in the north of Scotland.

The charity’s committee includes representation from senior nurses and consultants, ensuring a direct correlation between the needs of the ANCHOR Unit and the targeted allocation of Friends of ANCHOR funding. Money is also invested into ground-breaking, local cancer research projects to continue to develop improved treatments, diagnosis and better understanding of the disease which hopefully one day will ultimately lead to a cure.

The Aberdeen and North Centre for Haematology, Oncology and Radiotherapy (ANCHOR) unit is a fully-funded NHS department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary which treats patients will all forms of cancer and both malignant and benign blood disorders.

Non-NHS funded equipment

Investing in the latest technology to continually develop and improve cancer diagnosis and treatment

Vital cancer research

Funding leading clinicians’ research in Aberdeen to continue pushing the boundaries in the fight against cancer

Patient wellbeing

Offering additional care, comfort and support to patients during their time at the ANCHOR Unit.

Friends of ANCHOR is unique in that every penny donated makes a difference as all the charity’s running costs are fully covered by support from Balmoral Group.

Wellbeing support

The Friends of ANCHOR team is on hand to provide non-clinical support in whatever way they can, including:

- A listening ear to support you emotionally

- Practical support while you are an inpatient or receiving treatment

- Advice on support from the wealth of third-sector and community organisations available

Complementary therapies

The charity's chair and bedside therapies include massage, reflexology and nail treatments. They are free for all ANCHOR patients.

Podiatry

Friends of ANCHOR also has a podiatrist on hand to ease discomfort for patients experiencing problems with their feet or lower limbs.

Volunteer-led services

The volunteer team extends a warm welcome and way finding support to day patients and visitors, with a daily treat trolley and juice rounds too.

Volunteer drivers are on hand for patients requiring transport to Glasgow for stem cell transplant treatment and for urgent NHS-referral transport requests.

The charity's Listening Service is an independent, confidential offering to support people through the challenges and emotions faced as a patient.

Ward assistant support

Funded by Friends of ANCHOR, the ward assistants are on hand to ease clinical pressure and support staff, patients and loved ones, always with a friendly smile.

PRACTICAL SUPPORT

Care packs

Friends of ANCHOR offers care packs, which include carefully selected provisions to bring additional comfort and practical support for various stages of your treatment, including:

- Packs for starting chemotherapy

- Inpatient care packs

- Post-surgery care packs

- End of radiotherapy packs

- Wig care packs

Provisions

Complimentary provisions to help combat the side-effects of treatment are available within the ANCHOR Unit and can be posted to you at home, and we offer daily newspapers and magazines.

iPads and connectivity

Free WiFi is available throughout the ANCHOR Unit and iPads are on offer within the inpatient wards, for keeping in touch with loved ones.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Mindfulness course

Friends of ANCHOR offers an eight-week course to provide tools and practices to alleviate feelings of stress or anxiety. Advanced sessions for course graduates are also on offer quarterly.

Wellbeing Retreat Days

A chance to meet fellow ANCHOR patients, past and present, sample our wellbeing programme and enjoy a complimentary lunch.

Treat tickets

The charity runs regular draws for sporting and social events, which are completely free to enter.

Making Memories

The wellbeing team can organise lovingly crafted experiences for people who may be receiving end of life care. Applications are reviewed by a clinical panel and once approved, we facilitate all elements to make possible a memory that can be treasured.