Richard has gone from being a nurse to a writer. He is part of Macmillan’s Cancer Information Development team, which produces over 150 cancer information booklets. In this blog, he shares with us his experience of nursing, working for Macmillan, and running a hotel!
Write a blog about yourself they said. Tell everyone about who you are and how you came to work at Macmillan, and what you do there. Well, here we go...
Hello. I’m one of the nurses in Macmillan’s Cancer Information Development team. The team produces a huge range of information for people affected by cancer, in a variety of print, online and audio formats.
It’s not just nurses, the CID team also includes editors, content developers and editorial assistants. Oh, and a couple of managers!
I started nursing in the late ‘80s. I had great training at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury. My first job after qualifying was on a medical-haematology ward – looking after people affected by leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. I enjoyed caring for people with cancer and I found it challenging. It wasn’t too long before I upped sticks and moved to London for further experience and training.
I spent a number of years working and studying at the Royal Marsden Hospital, where I gained a broad experience in all types of cancer – and a degree in Cancer Nursing. Nursing shift patterns (especially nights) became less attractive after a while, so I moved to the cancer information charity Cancerbackup (formerly Cancerbacup), working on their helpline – 9 to 5! I began revising booklets and fact sheets during my time away from the helpline and gradually this part of my role took over.
Cancerbackup merged with Macmillan in 2008 – and the rest they say is history!
Working at Macmillan is great. I’m now home-based and work part-time – two days a week. As well as the hours I devote to the Cancer Information team, I also own and run a small hotel in Devon (which keeps me pretty busy for the rest of the week).
A lot of my Macmillan time is spent revising and updating existing information, but I also get to write some new stuff too – Understanding anal cancer was a recent booklet I put together. I also tweet on the cancer information account @mac_cancerinfo
Working from home really suits me. I’m pretty good at managing my time and, although I sometimes miss working as part of an (office) team, I have great contact with my colleagues and see them all regularly. Plus, I get help from my cats, who are always keen to lend a hand!
As you can imagine, there’s a huge amount of work involved in keeping all of Macmillan’s cancer information up to date. But rest assured, there’s a terrific team of professionals beavering away!
Cancer affects us all. As I get older more friends and family members are diagnosed and treated for cancer. My dad died from a brain tumour a few years back, and a very good friend’s son died from melanoma – he was just 15. So many people and families are going through this awful experience, but I’m proud to work somewhere that’s there to help, to help people understand what’s happening to them and give them the support they need.
We're with you every step of the way
The Macmillan team is here to help. Our cancer support specialists can answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen if you need a chat. Call us free on 0808 808 00 00.
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Keep in touch Follow Macmillan’s cancer information team on Twitter @mac_cancerinfo
