www.phoenixgroupbvh.com


About Us

Phoenix Bowel Cancer Support Group Blackpool

Pat - Founder Chair & Secretary

Pat Lord has a wealth of experience as a member of the Cancer Partnership Group and has attended many training courses and also gained the Macmillan Cancer Support Certificate. Pat has CRB clearance to work as a volunteer at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and as a Founder Member her knowledge and skills are invaluable to the Phoenix Support Group.

The Founder Members with the help and support of our Colorectal Nurse Team formed a Support Group for Bowel Cancer Patients more than 8 years ago. Our Phoenix Support Group holds an informal meetings every month in Blackpool or the Fylde.

Our Support Group is for bowel cancer patients, family, carers and supportive friends. You can come along and meet people with similar experiences. It's informal and confidential. We are a very successful support group and have guest speakers, raffles, special events, and other social get-togethers including meals, shows and social events.

Sandra - Founder, Speaker and Treasurer

I have always lived and worked around Kirkham and qualified as a Nursery Nurse in 1965 working in Primary Schools and Local Nurseries.  Married with 4 children and 10 grandchildren and recently our first great grandchild life keeps me busy however I love being part of this group and meeting such nice people.

I had no symptoms whatsoever and it was a shock 12 years ago to be diagnosed with bowel cancer thanks to the Government Screening programme. I am really grateful that the screening picked up my cancer at an early stage and was treated very quickly. After recovering from my surgery I felt I could help other patients and realised that a local support group could be beneficial to others in similar situations.

The likeminded Founder Members came together thanks to the Local Colorectal and Stoma Nurses and without their initial help and support this Group would not have got started. For the first year I trained with Macmillan Cancer Support, followed the Macmillan process and practices for start up groups and in January 2015 the Phoenix Support Group at Blackpool Victoria Hospital was born. Since then we have gone from strength to strength.

Best Wishes - Sandra

Brian - Events Organiser 

From day one the Phoenix Bowel Cancer Support Group has been self funded and supported by volunteers dedicated to giving their time and helping others. Up to now we have only been able to provide limited events outside of the monthly group meetings. We do not ask members to fundraise and thanks to kind sponsorship special events are now possible for Members. Although I thought I had retired when asked to organise the 'Special Days Out' for the Phoenix Group Members I accepted. Apart from the successful monthly Group Meetings our Members can now look forward to some very exciting and fun days out which will appeal to everyone. Our special days have included Lunches, Theatre Shows, Christmas Festive Meal, Heritage Tours, Penny Farm, Hot ice Show, Lowther Pavilion and much more. We are fortunate that our area has so much to offer. We plan a special day every few months for our Members and full details of each event will be promoted at the monthly meetings. Come along to our meeting, talk to others who had similar personal experiences as yourself. It is informal, fun and you will love it.

Best Wishes - Brian

What Happens Next?

Being part of our Support Group gives you the opportunity to talk openly with other people who have gone through a similar experience to you and are willing to share their thoughts and tips to support everyone. We are now in our 9th successful year. We have various informal talks given by professionals and others who have an understanding of the support needed and treatment of our conditions. It is an opportunity to get to know everyone in a relaxed way and make new friends. Our new venue also has a cafe on site for a relaxed cuppa or a full meal. Members have said they feel so welcome it's like being part of a family. Come along to our next Phoenix Group Meeting they are great fun and very informative. We do not ask you to fundraise however if you would like to help we do have professional Leaflets, Flyers and Posters if you have any suggestions to help promote our Group and reach others who may benefit from our services.

Health Matters NHS Newsletter

Gary Doherty, Chief Executive of Blackpool Victoria Hospital says:

I'm delighted to see that some of our patients and their relations have set up a Bowel Cancer Support Group. The Phoenix Group offers invaluable support and friendship to anyone who has suffered bowel cancer or has helped a friend or relative with the disease. I hope our article on the group will encourage more people to join and receive mutual support. 

We Thank The Following For Their Financial Support

A Kind-Hearted Fylde Trio. Friends Zoe Harrison, Debbie Malings and Emma Oldfield seen here with Sandra Peet (Founder) of the Phoenix Group presenting the Phoenix Group with a cheque following their successful fundraising event.

Linder Myers Solicitors of Lytham St Annes for helping the Phoenix Bowel Cancer Support Group secure a Grant from the Edith Mary Clark Foundation. The Grant will help promote awareness of our local Support Group and enable us to reach more Bowel Cancer Patients, Carers and Family on the Fylde Coast and surrounding area.

Macmillan Cancer Research Charity for supporting the Phoenix Group with trainings, support, an initial Start Up Grant and a further Development Grant.

Diana DeGilio Peet from New Zealand for sponsoring the Phoenix Bowel Cancer Support Group on Day's Out and other Fun Activities including Theatre, Shows, Lunches and Tours.
Meet Like Minded People At Our Get Togethers
We are a very successful Bowel Cancer Support Group with meetings every month, special days and other interesting events.  Our catchment area is Blackpool and The Fylde, Lytham St Annes, Poulton, Cleveleys, Fleetwood, Over Wyre, Garstang, Preston and NorthWest This is a great opportunity to meet like minded people and make new friends in a informal way. We are a Patient Led Group offering non-medical help and support to Members.  For medical questions and concerns please consult your medical advisor or contact the Colorectal Nursing Office at Blackpool Teaching Hospital on 01253 956620.
Team Phoenix Helped Raise £820.75 for Trinity Brian House

We are proud to announce that Phoenix Members Brian & Zoe successfully completed the 'Fire Walk' challenge at Ribby Hall walking on red hot coals in bare feet in aid of Brian House Children's Hospice Blackpool. With the help of the Phoenix Bowel Cancer Support Group Members, Family and Friends they raised a total of £820.75p for this Local Charity. After handing over their sponsorship money they were treated to a special guided tour of the Children's Unit and play areas and met some of the children and staff. We would like to thank everyone for a wonderful team effort.

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