SWB Cancer Nurses join WBA FC Foundation Day to champion cancer awareness
Cancer nurse specialists from Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust led West Bromwich Albion players onto the pitch at The Hawthorns in their match against Hull City FC. The occasion was to mark Foundation Day with WBA, helping drive home an important message about cancer awareness while celebrating the power of community and sport.
Working alongside The Albion Foundation, the Trust’s Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) team was a significant presence in the fan zone before and after the big game at the stadium, meeting supporters, sharing advice about cancer signs and symptoms, and encouraging early diagnosis.
The event aimed to spotlight the Foundation’s Cancer Kickers programme, a walking football initiative that supports people living with or recovering from cancer by helping them stay active, rebuild confidence, and connect with others who understand their experience.
Speaking of the benefits of the Cancer Kickers initiative, Steve Watson, who is a regular team player, commented: “We meet every Wednesday at the training ground, and we have an hour of walking football followed by an hour in the café with a coffee, cake, and a chat. The physical and mental side of it really helps and it gives us encouragement meeting and talking with others who have had a cancer diagnosis.”
Jo Harvey, Lead Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, said: “We were lucky enough to be able to raise awareness of cancer as part of Foundation Day. It was timely because the National Cancer Plan for England was released in February. It sets out a clear ambition that by 2035, three in four people diagnosed with cancer will survive at least five years or live well beyond their diagnosis, so being invited to be part of the celebrations gave us a valuable opportunity to get out into the heart of our community and speak with fans about spotting cancer early and getting checked. Being able to talk to fans before the game meant that we could reach a group who are reluctant to seek medical advice. We talked about screening and support services, and how clinical nurse specialists guide patients through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
“Walking onto the pitch with the players was a special moment for all of us as it highlighted what we do ahead of National Clinical Nurse Specialist Day marked on 16th March.”
Jonathan Ward, Albion Foundation Deputy Director, said: “Foundation Day this year showcased the best of our community and just how powerful it is when a community like ours comes together. Having the cancer nurses join us meant fans could openly ask questions, and for others it gave them a chance to speak with people who understand what they are going through at a time when cancer is making their lives feel uncertain. Seeing fans, families, and patients connect with the CNS team only strengthened our belief in how essential their roles are and why having a professional support system in place really matters.”
