‘Where to start?

I don’t have, but I am someone like many, living with kidney cancer. I first came across it in 2014 when my brother in law was diagnosed with kidney cancer and if I’m honest, I didn’t look into it in any depth.

In 2016 my mum fell ill, suffering numerous water infections which culminated with her also being diagnosis with kidney cancer and having her kidney removed. I then thought; “why don’t we hear about this, disease?”

After discussing her cancer, and that of my brother in law’s, I realised how little we knew of kidney cancer. I work in a local shop/ Post Office and was shocked how many people I knew or interacted with who had been affected by kidney cancer when I started talking about it.

I decided to ask a group of friends, who have become known as ‘Team Trilbs’ (named after my mum), if they would help me with a tabletop sale to raise money. We never expected the result we got.

People coming and just having a cuppa to chat. Two special young ladies came to that event, still close to the death of their father. They were so open about it they were a huge inspiration to me. They now message every time they know there’s an event due to come and help.
This was the start of my Ambassador story, although without ‘Team Trilbs’ I wouldn’t have been able to spread awareness of kidney cancer as I have.

We did Kidney Cancer UK’s ‘Walk for A. Cure’, not realising that Adrian Cure, who the walk was started for by his friends and widow, was actually from our village Wellesbourne in Warwickshire! And, with the support of his family we managed it to complete our walk for A. Cure!
I discovered the best way to fundraise is play to your strengths. In my case it’s cakes, cakes and more cakes. Events such as Christmas and Easter fayres and my bad habit of talking to the extreme about my passion.

Mark, my husband’s strength is running. He joined the #TeamKCUK Facebook group and now every run- from 10ks, OCR mud runs and half marathons- is a lesson in Kidney Cancer Awareness. He always runs in his #TeamKCUK top and I answer questions about the illness and chat whilst waiting for him. Everyone now knows him as the #TeamKCUK runner. If you want to sponsor his running go to his JustGiving page CLICK HERE

A young man called Bertie (he’s just 7 years old) whose mum is a member of ‘Team Trilbs’, wanted to join Mark in a Wolf Run to help raise awareness, which he did!! He did great and tells everyone to check their pee for blood spots. He even did a show and tell at his primary school after gaining his running medal. What a little hero!

If you’re looking to raise money or awareness for kidney cancer, and it really needs people to shout about it, just think what you’re good at and go for it; I did and to date I have raised £2400!

Sadly, mum passed away on September 9th, 2019 but we will still stand against kidney cancer and fight for the awareness it desperately needs.’

Margaret Brindle 

Kidney Cancer UK would like to thank Margaret and Mark along with their supporters who make up Team Trilby who continue to help us raise awareness and funds.

October was an exciting time for Kidney Cancer UK in South Wales.

On the evening of Thursday 17th of October we were delighted as 20 nurse from around Cardiff came together with our Kidney Cancer UK Health Professional, Susanna, for our first Nurse Education event. We started by having a little something to eat which gave us the opportunity for some networking followed by Susanna giving an update of where we are now in kidney cancer.

Susanna, a nurse in our Health Professional team met with patients, nurses and Maggie centre staff to discuss the formation of a new Cardiff support group. It was a really productive meeting and we decided a date to launch our Cardiff support group; January 23rd, 2020 14:30 – 16:00 at Maggie’s Centre, Cardiff.

Then on Friday 17th, Susanna travelled across to Swansea for our first ‘Living with Kidney Cancer Day’ in the city.

The day was amazing and showcased the great professional and charity support available to patients in Wales.

Susanna opened the day talking about Kidney Cancer UK. We then heard from Sarah Hughes who is the Centre Head for Maggie’s Swansea, she told us how they could provide local support and what a safe haven Maggie’s centres are. She explained how we are expected to be strong when given a cancer diagnosis, but actually the most important thing is to be kind to yourself, find people that can support you and do the things you enjoy.

Carl Ackland, Urology Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist told us a little bit about their service and how they support patients. He explained how nurses are key workers who support patients and can sign post them to other support services.

Over lunch we enjoyed a free shoulder massage from Sarah Clark and the great staff at The Old Mill, helping us to remember we need to look after ourselves. Their centres across South Wales offer complementary therapy, events and courses.

We then listened to updates on the surgical front from Urology surgeon, Mr Fenn and discovered how surgery has changed over the years. We were also delighted to have esteemed Medical Oncologist, Professor Wagstaff continue the afternoon by updating us on the advancements in available medicines for kidney cancer.

Last but not least, Ruth Morris from Tenovus came to tell us about what their charity does and their interesting research into how singing improves health. She said; “Over time, singing for one hour a week puts your immune system in a better position to receive treatment for cancer”. Belwo you can see our video of the choir singing ‘Always On My Mind’ at the day.

No sooner had she said that, she then got us up a few warmup exercises and involved in a little singing. Then, wow, she introduced us to part of the Swansea Tenovus choir, but only 50 of them! We sang along with them, lost for a few minutes in making our own kind of music. It was a great way to end our day, on a high note!

From Susanna’s trip to South Wales, we have two new support groups starting; one in Cardiff on Thursday 23rd January 14:30-16:00, and the other in Swansea launching early February. Also, so as people in North Wales don’t feel left out, a support group will be starting at the North Wales cancer treatment centre in Glan Clwyd on the 6th January. full details to follow.

Kidney Cancer UK really wants to help people in Wales to feel supported, so please feel free to come along and get involved with our support groups and events. We are here to listen, inform and support patients, their family and carers.

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LIVING WITH KIDNEY CANCER DAYS FOR 2019- 2020 CLICK HERE