Foxwood woman leads cancer campaign

Clifford’s Tower turns purple for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

City of York Council are showing their support for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month once again, by lighting up Clifford’s Tower to mark Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Purple Lights for Hope campaign.

In the UK, 24 people die from pancreatic cancer every day, with 3 out of 4 of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer unable to survive the first year. Jean Clark, 60, of Foxwood, was diagnosed in 2013 and wants to make sure that other York residents understand and recognise the early symptoms.

Mrs Clark who was initially diagnosed with acid reflux, before nagging lower back pain prompted her doctor to send her for scans, said: “With an average of 3% of patients with pancreatic cancer surviving more than five years, I know I am very lucky to still be well.

“This has made me more determined to help raise awareness of the symptoms which often misdiagnosed. Acid reflux, pain on eating, weight loss and lower back pain are common symptoms. Having two or more of these should always be investigated.”

Cllr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “It is so important that we raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and get people talking about it. This is why we are proud to be supporting Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Purple Lights for Hope by lighting up Clifford’s Tower next week.”

Cllr Ian Gillies, Leader of City of York Council said: “We’re delighted to be able to use one of the city’s most iconic buildings to support Jean’s efforts and raise awareness around pancreatic cancer. This vital, potentially life-saving message needs to be spread far and wide, and City of York Council is happy to help.”

Common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

  • Abdominal pain is an early sing of pancreatic cancer, which starts as general discomfort or abdomen pain which spreads to the back.
  • An inability to digest food or weight loss for no apparent reason is a cause for concern.
  • Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)

Clifford’s Tower will be lit until 10 November.

For more information visit: https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/

Council launches new campaign to recruit foster carers

City of York Council is launching a new campaign to encourage people who have previous experience of working with children or young people to consider becoming foster carers.

Around 100 children and young people are looked after by foster carers at any time in York and the authority is always looking for new carers who can bring different skills to the role.

Councillor Keith Myers, the council’s executive member for education, children and young people, said: “Foster carers do an incredible job to support, care for and nurture some of our most vulnerable young people.

“Many of the young people who come into our care have faced significant challenges in their young lives, which is why people with previous experience of working with children or young people can make such good foster carers.”

Maxine Squire, Interim Corporate Director for Children, Education and Communities, said: “Foster carers are a vital part of our team to support vulnerable young people in York and we’re always looking to recruit people with new skills. If you’re considering a change, and want to put something back into your local community, I’d urge you to consider fostering in York.”

For more information on fostering in York, including the range of support given to foster carers in York, both by their peers and by the local authority, visit www.york.gov.uk/fostering or call 01904 555678

What’s on in York: Right Here Write Now : Fiction just got funnier

Oct _26Right Here

Friargate Theatre :

Fri 26 Oct :

7.30pm – 10.00pm :

£5

York’s regular comedy improv night returns and this time we’re lost in a good book.

There’s no script, no safety net, and a lot of laughs as our intrepid actors skip the page and take to the stage, making it all up on the spot.

You come with the ideas and our merry band of improvisers instantly turn them into chaotic comedy to kickstart everyone’s weekend. It’s funny, it’s foolish and it’s fit for family audiences.

Join us for music, mayhem and muppetry in an unforgettable and absolutely unrepeatable evening of joy-filled nonsense… it wouldn’t be the same without you!

“Fast, funny, unpredictable and chaotic.
…should be added to every comedy fan’s calendar” (York Mix)

Aimed at adult audience though no age limit (recommended 11+)

Box Office: 01904 613000