Friends of ANCHOR

In this final episode of the podcast, Mike signs off by answering rather than asking the questions during the interview slot, Alison and he round off the ‘Finding the Words’ series, and a peek behind the scenes of the podcast is provided by a selection of outtakes.

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Sarah-Jane Hogg, Chief Executive of Friends of ANCHOR, interviews Mike about his connection with Friends of ANCHOR and his experience of running the podcast over the last eighteen months or so. Sarah-Jane also explains the factors that have led to the feeling that now is the right time to bring the podcast to an end. [01:00]
• In their final ‘Finding the Words’ slot, Mike and Alison reflect on recent developments that have encouraged people to speak more openly and naturally about cancer and other serious illnesses. Alison also shares her appreciation of the way in which comedian, Mark Steel, describes cancer as being like having a leopard in your house while Mike talks about what it’s like to feel that you have ‘a number on your head’, following a cancer diagnosis and treatment. [19:26]
• The concluding ‘And Finally’ slot features some outtakes that transport listeners behind the scenes of the podcast and confirm everyone’s suspicions that recordings weren’t always safely ‘in the can’ after a single take! [27:58]

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This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

In this episode, we hear from Friends of ANCHOR Ward Assistants, Lynn Ingram and Heather Allan, about the practical support that they provide for patients, and we also find out about the news that had Erica buzzing this week!

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Erica Banks, Head of Communications at Friends of ANCHOR, expresses her delight in response to this week’s announcement that the charity has been voted by the general public to be one of five charity partners with our local newspaper, ‘The Press and Journal’, for this coming year. She also highlights a new opportunity that is available this year for anyone interested in combining a charity donation with a special, personalised Christmas gift. In addition, Erica draws attention to some of the event highlights that are in the offing for 2024. [01:25]
• Erica interviews Lynn Ingram and Heather Allan about the very significant contribution to patient wellbeing and support that they make as ward assistants. Lynn and Heather also provide an insight into the efforts that are made to spread some festive cheer across the wards at this time of the year while also being sensitive to the ongoing needs and circumstances of patients. [08:13]
• Mike lets listeners know that the podcast is taking a planned break for a few months. [22:13]

Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to [email protected], and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

‘Courage on the Catwalk’ is the theme of this episode, with contributions from Sarah-Jane Hogg, Judy Alexander and Gail Rose.

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Sarah-Jane Hogg explains that November sees the launch of the search for models to take part in the ‘Courage on the Catwalk’ and ‘Brave’ events in May 2024 at P&J Live, prompting a takeover of the podcast to celebrate ten years of ‘Courage on the Catwalk’! [01:06]
• Sarah-Jane introduces her guests, Judy Alexander and Gail Rose. At the tender age of 81, Judy became a ‘Courage on the Catwalk Original’ when she took part in the inaugural event in 2013. Gail was the joint initiator, along with Sarah-Jane, of the fashion show events that have now become the combined highlight of the Friends of the ANCHOR calendar. With her company, Premiere Productions, Gail provides the choreography, support and inspiration that makes each show such a tremendous occasion. [05:37]
• Sarah-Jane rounds off her takeover of the podcast by providing ticketing information for the shows and by paying tribute to the ‘Red Army’ of volunteers who make the events possible. [25:41]

Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to [email protected], and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

Vicki Youngson talks about her role as Head of Wellbeing at Friends of ANCHOR, and we find out about charitable support that came from the North Sea as well as discovering the story behind ‘The One with the Ducks’!

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Erica Banks reports on a record-breaking Gala Golf event in September and shares details of a further batch of varied and impressive fundraising endeavours that are happening this month. [00:52]
• Vicki Youngson, Head of Wellbeing at Friends of ANCHOR, talks about her role and describes some of the ways in which patients currently benefit from the services provided by her team and how that provision is about to expand. [05:34]
• This month’s ‘From the Archives’ instalment notes that support for the charity has not always been exclusively land-based as fundraising donations have included contributions from the crews of North Sea oil platforms and also of a Floating Production Vessel! [17:38]
• In the ‘Finding the Words’ feature, Mike tries to convince Alison that being known on the ward as the ‘the one with the ducks’ was a good thing! He argues that it not only acted as a helpful ice-breaker, it also made him feel more in control of the situation. [18:46]
• For this month’s ‘And Finally’ item, Mike dips into the world of metaphors [22:32], first of all providing an example of ‘cancer’ itself being used as a metaphor:

"Fools" said I, "You do not know

Silence like a cancer grows”

‘The Sound of Silence’ Paul Simon

He then describes and comments on Rochelle L. Colón’s use of ‘fire’ as an extended metaphor in her poem, ‘Scorch’.

Listeners are invited to share similar creative responses that have inspired them by sending relevant details to [email protected]. Other suggestions, feedback or questions can also be sent to that address, and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

Consultant Haematologist, Dr Al Lawrie, talks about research and how Friends of ANCHOR makes a difference. In addition, we find out who put Meikle Wartle on the charity’s fundraising map and why ‘Unsteady’ features on Mike’s cancer playlist!

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Erica Banks previews a busy month for the charity, drawing attention to some very noteworthy fundraising events and challenges that will be taking place over the next few weeks. [00:52]
• Dr Al Lawrie, Consultant Haematologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, talks about research, being on the Friends of ANCHOR Committee and Blood Cancer Awareness Month. He also explains how he didn’t cycle 1800 miles across Aberdeenshire, Orkney and Shetland when supporting the charity’s 20for20 campaign in 2017! [06:43]
• This month’s ‘From the Archives’ instalment celebrates the fundraising contributions of supporters from three iconic North-east locations: Buckie, Footdee (Fittie) and Meikle Wartle. [24:35]
• In the ‘Finding the Words’ feature, Mike surprises Alison with his cancer playlist but not with his musical taste! Mike explains that using ‘Unsteady’ by X Ambassadors as a backing track to a video message sent to colleagues had helped him to express himself in a way that might not have been possible otherwise. [26:28]
• For this month’s ‘And Finally’ item, Mike comments on some of the suggestions included in the list of ‘80 Best Cancer Podcasts’ suggested by the website, ‘Feedspot’. [30:24]

Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to [email protected], and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

Rachel Hall talks about her Clinical Nurse Specialist role, Mike and Alison find words to discuss Mike’s Stem Cell Transplant treatment, and J Robert Oppenheimer makes a surprise appearance!

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Erica Banks updates listeners on the Kilt Walk, the Red Run, fundraising for the Cancer Research Team and reaching the ‘ANCHORED Together’ appeal target. In this ‘milestone sharing’ episode, mention is also made of an upcoming, happy occasion that will take Erica away from Friends of ANCHOR activities for a couple of weeks! [00:45]
• Mike talks to Rachel Hall, whose Clinical Nurse Specialist areas are sarcomas and cancers of an unknown primary origin. As well as drawing attention to Sarcoma Awareness Month, Rachel highlighted sarcoma symptoms of which we need to be aware and spoke enthusiastically about the ‘Courage on the Catwalk’ event and the ‘Making Memories’ initiative. [07:02]
• This month’s ‘From the Archives’ instalment pays tribute to fundraising efforts coming out of Inverbervie, Gourdon and Johnshaven, each of which is located on the Aberdeenshire coast, just south of Stonehaven. [22:44]
• In the ‘Finding the Words’ feature, Mike and Alison talk about Mike’s Stem Cell Transplant and the various ways in which it highlighted how language can affect, and reflect, our response to a situation. [24:07]
• In this month’s ‘And Finally’ item, Mike explores the connection that medical historians have made between the protagonist of this summer’s blockbuster movie, ‘’Oppenheimer’, and the development of Stem Cell Transplants. [29:21]

Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to [email protected], and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

Yvonne Wright talks about her role as Chief Nurse for Aberdeen Royal Infirmary's clinical support team, ‘Silence’ is the theme of this month’s ‘Finding the Words’ feature and Mike explains why Sir Percivall Pott should be better known.

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Mike talks to Yvonne Wright about her wide-ranging and significant role as Chief Nurse for Aberdeen Royal Infirmary's clinical support team and the changes that she has seen in medical provision and practice over the years. [01:46]
• In this month’s instalment of ‘From the Archives’, Mike draws attention to the terrific community support that is a feature of towns, villages and hamlets across the North-East of Scotland. On this occasion, it is the turn of Dess and Dinnet to be given a shout-out! [18:01]
• In this month’s ‘Finding the Words’ feature, Mike and Alison discuss their experiences of silence and suggest that it is worth thinking about the contribution that it can make to the conversations that occur when someone is in hospital for a period of time. [20:10]
• Mike uses the ‘And Finally’ slot to draw attention to the groundbreaking work of Sir Percivall Pott in identifying a causal connection between an individual’s working environment and the possibility of contracting cancer. [25:07]

Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to [email protected], and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

Brothers, Graham and Stuart Strachan, reflect on their experience of receiving a diagnosis of cancer within a short time of each other, and they also talk about participating in the fashion show, ‘Brave’.

In this month’s ‘Finding the Words’ feature, Mike and Alison describe an occasion when they were not on the same page… and ice cream gets regular mentions throughout the episode!

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Erica Banks, Communications Lead for Friends of ANCHOR, provides an update on news items and forthcoming events, including the Kilt Walk and the Red Run. [00:52]
• Graham and Stuart Strachan share candid and moving reflections on their experience of being treated for cancer within a year of each other, as well as talking about their recent participation in the ‘Brave’ fashion show. [06:05]
• In this month’s ‘Finding the Words’ feature, Alison, finally gets to lift the lid on Mike’s reluctance – she would use a stronger word – to acknowledge that a serious illness needs to be taken seriously! [27:19]
• Mike uses this month’s ‘And Finally’ slot to launch a campaign for serious research to be undertaken into the physiological and psychological benefits of the therapeutic use of ice cream. Unsurprisingly, he volunteers to be the first human guinea pig to be involved in clinical trials in this area! [31:18]

Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to [email protected], and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

Dr Dominic Culligan, Consultant Haematologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, talks about advances in the treatment of blood-related cancers. Mention is also made of leeches making a comeback for medical treatment purposes!

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Erica Banks, Communications Lead for Friends of ANCHOR, sets the scene for the imminent ‘Brave’ and ‘Courage on the Catwalk’ events. Attention is also drawn to Matt Huntington’s amazing 25+25+250 running challenge, which Matt is hoping to complete this month. Donations to Friends of ANCHOR in support of Matt’s efforts can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mattruns4anchor [00:47]
• Mike talks to Consultant Haematologist, Dr Dominic Culligan, about his medical career, the development of better targeted and less invasive blood cancer treatments, and the remarkable contribution made by Friends of ANCHOR through its patient welfare and staff research initiatives, complemented by its provision of equipment and training opportunities. [05:34]
• The ‘From the Archives’ and ‘Finding the Words’ features have been omitted this month to make room for the full interview with Dominic Culligan, but the ‘And Finally’ slot is retained and focuses on a treatment used in haematology in the past that wasn’t covered in the discussion with Dominic: the deployment of leeches to treat certain conditions because of the supposed benefits of using them to draw blood from patients! It turns out that leeches are currently making something of a comeback because of the invaluable contribution that they can make to certain medical procedures, most notably amputation scenarios! It turns out, also, that one of only two registered leech farms in the whole world is located in a tiny Welsh village just outside Swansea and, at any one time, it can be cultivating up to one hundred thousand of these ‘blood-sucking worms’! [30:00]

Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to [email protected], and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

Angie Shepherd talks about her role as a colorectal clinical nurse specialist. The inspirational Māori expression, ‘Kia kaha’, and cancer-themed April Fools are also featured.

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Erica Banks, Communications Lead for Friends of ANCHOR, provides an update on news items and forthcoming events, including the progress being made with preparations for this year’s ‘Brave’ and ‘Courage on the Catwalk’ events. [00:47]
• Mike talks to Colorectal CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist), Angie Shepherd, about her role in supporting bowel cancer patients. As well as highlighting various ways in which Friends of ANCHOR provides invaluable assistance in this area, Angie draws attention to information awareness initiatives such as Bowelbabe and Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (which, this year, has included a very helpful and informative video featuring Alan Titchmarsh). [04:34]
• Mike continues his attempts to create a podcast quiz format that works, this time asking listeners to fill in the ‘beeps’ to discover the puns that were used in 2010 and 2012 news items to describe the brilliant fundraising efforts of various supporters of Friends of ANCHOR. [20:16]
• In the ‘Finding the Words’ section of this episode, Mike and Alison discuss some examples of how words can keep our spirits up while we are dealing with the rollercoaster of emotions, uncertainties and questions that come with the territory when a diagnosis of cancer occurs. Mike had found the Māori expression, ‘Kia kaha’ (‘Stay strong!’), particularly helpful, often using it to have a word with himself when he was feeling a bit ‘wobbly’. [22:32]
• For this month’s ‘And Finally’ slot, Mike considers the question of whether or not a cancer-themed April Fool can ever work! One attempt worthy of note was Macmillan Cancer Support’s 2010 spoof campaign in support of their annual coffee morning when they worked with Google to showcase a fictional island called “Macmilland”, which was shaped like a coffee cup and appeared on Google maps! [28:25]

Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to [email protected], and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.