Over 300 cancer patients and carers enjoyed a day of positivity, peer support and pampering alongside live music at an NHS trust’s 10th Cancer Wellbeing Fair.
The event, organised by the Cancer Services team at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, gave local people living with a cancer diagnosis the chance to experience a range of relaxation therapies to support their physical and mental wellbeing, such as yoga, Tai Chi, acupressure, floristry and art therapy.
Pampering sessions held throughout the day provided patients and carers with relaxing massages, facials, hair styling and manicures, to help guests feel confident and cared for.
The event, held on 5 July in The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion Football Club, even allowed attendees to enjoy exclusive tours of the stadium.
Lorraine Sibson, 76, has attended several Cancer Wellbeing Fairs throughout the years. She said: “I was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, which shook me to my foundations. But I’ve met the most incredible people at this wellbeing event.
“It’s a day when people can come together and enjoy themselves and meet others who are on a similar journey to them.”
Entertainment came courtesy of local acts Bhangra Smash Up, Brandhall Community Choir and Panazz School of Dance.
Jenny Donovan, Cancer Services Manager, said: “We held our first Cancer Wellbeing Fair in 2012, to celebrate our patients and carers and help them through their journey, and it feels wonderful to have hosted our tenth event for them.
“It wouldn’t be possible without the support of those who have volunteered their time to provide their services to this community of cancer patients, so I’d like to say a huge thank you to those involved.”
The fair was supported by over 120 volunteers and staff from across the Trust, including Lisa Ewers, case manager at iCares.
She said: “A colleague of ours has been volunteering for the last few years and so we wanted to get involved too.”
“I’m not a beauty technician, but we’ve been enjoying doing the ladies’ nails today. Just to see the smile on their faces is amazing.”