19 December 2019
We will talk to medics and support workers about the difference Trust support makes to young people after cancer, as we look to reach and welcome more young people in recovery on 2020 first time trips.
While ‘UK tour’ might suggest late nights, TVs thrown out hotel windows, the usual, the reality is far more wholesome. Think classic pop singalongs and making sure we reach our daily step count. From Largs, Operations Coordinator, Hayley, and Operations Manager (North), James, will cover the northern half of the UK, including Northern Ireland and, for the first time, Birmingham.
Hayley fills us in on all she has planned: “Our hospital visits give us the chance to have some face-to-face time with the hospital and charity contacts we work with closely all year round. It also gives us the opportunity to meet new people who have started at the hospital since the last time we visited.
"We start with a presentation to the group updating them on what’s new with the Trust – any changes to eligibility criteria or process being the most important thing – and then have a chat with them about the benefits for young people for coming on the trips and how they can recruit young people.
"I enjoy doing the visits as it’s a great opportunity to speak to people properly. We try to make them as informal as possible so there is a lot of open conversation. Plus, who doesn’t love a road trip with some 90s tunes!”
Hospitals in the southern half of the UK will have visits from Holly (Young Person & Hospital Liaison) and Operations Manager (South), Laura. They will also visit Birmingham with the Largs team for a smooth handover.
Holly tells us what’s in store: “January will be spent travelling by boat, train, car, bus, taxi and, of course, by foot where possible to make sure we get some of our daily steps in!
"Laura and I will be visiting the depths of Cornwall and to as far north as Nottingham to spend time with our wonderful hospital contacts and charity partners. This is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on 2019’s trips, events, receive feedback and most importantly look to the future of 2020 FUN!
“I couldn’t do the job I do without the dedication from our hospital contacts and charity partners so this is also an opportunity to thank them in person for all their help and support in inspiring young people to come on our trips. I’ve never met a more passionate bunch of people who want to support young people in their recovery from cancer.”