A haematology nurse specialist at the Royal United Hospital in Bath and the husband of one of her patients have been recognised as ‘Beacons of Hope’ by the Lymphoma Association.
The recognition comes because of their dedication to supporting people affected by lymphoma, the UK’s fifth most common cancer.
Theresa Peters, who was nominated by a patient, launched a support group for lymphoma patients and their families/carers, running the group herself after work hours.
Michael Burge was nominated by his wife Sharon, who has follicular lymphoma, a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, for his ‘tremendous support and strength’ over the years.
Theresa and Michael received their Beacons of Hope Awards from the national cancer charity at a ceremony that took place in Birmingham earlier this month.
BBC Radio 4 presenter Susan Rae hosted the awards ceremony and read out an extract of both winners’ nominations, which included:
“Until nearly two years ago, Theresa was the only nurse specialist for haematology at the hospital, and I know she had wanted to start a support group for lymphoma but just didn’t have the time as she had such a heavy workload.
“Approximately 18 months later, another specialist nurse was appointed, giving Theresa time to dedicate to starting a group.
“We have now had several meetings and the patient group is growing steadily. Theresa not only organises the group, she makes sure there is always an appropriate speaker on each occasion.
“This is all on top of her day job. She is my nurse specialist and always makes time for her patients with care and consideration – I believe she deserves this award.”
Sharon, a Lymphoma Association buddy, wrote of her husband: “Mike completely supported me through all of my treatment for lymphoma, even though he lost his father just as my treatment was starting. Over the years, he has still been that tremendous support and strength for me.
“He has driven me all over the area so that I can talk to different groups about lymphoma and the Lymphoma Association…I wouldn’t be able to do half of the volunteering for the Lymphoma Association if it wasn’t for Mike. I’m not sure which of us is the most passionate about helping others with lymphoma!”
Jonathan Pearce, chief executive of the Lymphoma Association, said: “We were delighted to be able to present Theresa and Michael with a Beacons of Hope Award.
“We provide specialist medical information and support to anyone affected by lymphoma, and the Beacons of Hope Awards are a chance for us to say thank you and to celebrate the achievements of people like Theresa and Michael who are making a real difference to people living with a lymphoma or blood cancer diagnosis.”
Around 125,000 people are currently living with lymphoma. It is also the UK’s fifth most common cancer and the most common cancer in under 30s.
To find out more about lymphoma or to support people affected by the disease, visit www.lymphomas.org.uk/Christmas.
