Sports Stars Support our Cancer Champions
We’re delighted that Shropshire sports stars have given their support to our potentially life-saving initiative to raise awareness about cancer in the community.
Shrewsbury Town footballers Matthew Pennington and Elliott Bennett have recorded a video highlighting the importance of the Cancer Champions project and encouraging people to take part – particularly in those areas less likely to engage with health screening initiatives.
The Cancer Champions project is being rolled out throughout Shropshire and Mid Wales – with plans underway to launch it into Mid-Wales too. Lingen Davies Cancer Fund is leading the work locally in partnership with Oswestry-based Qube community group, NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin ICB, Shropshire Council, and Telford & Wrekin Council.
Two Cancer Champions Coordinators are working throughout the county to recruit volunteers and train them to engage in conversations with peers about spotting the signs and symptoms of cancer and understand the importance of cancer screening to drive early diagnosis and prevention.
Miranda Ashwell, LiveLife Cancer Awareness Lead for Lingen Davies, said the project will focus on those areas of the community who are least likely to take up cancer screening opportunities or report possible signs or symptoms.
“Shropshire is a diverse community, and our aim is to empower people to help others to recognise what they can do to reduce the possible impact of cancer of their lives, and to help save lives. We have up to 40 people from across Shropshire and Telford who are supporting our work and will be undergoing training with us. It’s all about people having conversations with peers and helping encourage others to accept cancer screening invitations.
“We are very grateful to Matthew and Elliott for giving us their time to promote this initiative and we would welcome conversations with those keen to find out more,” she added.
The role of a Champion is flexible so anyone can commit as much or as little time as they wish. For more information about becoming a Cancer Champion and what the role involves contact Michelle Moore [email protected] for the Telford area or Holly Corrigan [email protected] for Shropshire queries.
Lingen Davies Cancer Fund is the area’s primary cancer charity working to enhance the lives of those impacted by cancer throughout Shropshire, Telford, and Mid Wales. Qube is a community action group based in Oswestry that enhances the quality of life for those living primarily in North Shropshire and Powys.
