Hi folks
I’d like to share with you news that the community champs, some 25 volunteers who work across the online community to make it a safe, supportive and happy place, have just been given the Vicky Clement award by Macmillan. I’m very proud to be one of this group. I hoped you might like to celebrate a little with me too. Here’s some bumph about the award. My shiny badge will be in the post soon. It is sad that we can’t all get together for a knees up this year but such is life.
“Vicky Clement-Jones was given just three months to live after being diagnosed with inoperable ovarian cancer. In fact, she went on to survive for five years – long enough to establish Cancerbackup in 1985 and ensure its success. Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008 to provide the best cancer information for everyone.
•The Vicky Clement-Jones Award is for an individual or group that:
•uses their own cancer experiences to influence others
•applies insight from their own cancer experiences to improve the lives of other people affected by cancer
•demonstrates the impact that their role makes to other people affected by cancer.”
I’m going to eat Lindt Lindor Balls to celebrate
Thank you 
all
It’s really good to see you here Georgette. Well, no it’s not good that you’re eligible but I am glad you’ve decided to join. We go back years from my old stomping ground in the womb group. I hope you’ll feel welcome here
xxx
Thank you and all of you who have added your voices and likes. It’s always a bit scary sharing news like this. I don’t want to sound boastful but I do want to share good news.
Of course the acceptance speech at any ceremony would say really it’s an award for every community member (and my dear old mum’s long departed budgerigar). When I look at the criteria I think it’s true. We are all here for each other. I certainly get at least as much as I give, probably more.
I think this award is perhaps bigger than that though. It marks a shift in Macmillan’s thinking. For a long time, the community has been viewed by some influential figures as “social media” with all the poor associations that term conjures up. I think we provide something far more important. Peer support. Patients and their families helping each other. There’s a growing body of scientific evidence that peer support that is provided in a safe way can help people not just feel better but actually improve their health outcomes.
I know there are times when a face to face meeting is essential. Nothing can replace the expert clinician. But when it’s 3am, you’re scared and feel you alone, there’s always someone here to listen and hold your hand, albeit virtually. That’s priceless.
It used to be a rare occurrence that I‘d meet a cancer care nurse who had referred a patient to the community. That’s changing. I think professionals are beginning to realise that we really can be their allies. I’m grateful to Macmillan for providing the community space and the moderators and the guidelines that keep it safe. I wouldn’t dream of using a Facebook group in the way I use the community.
Speech over 
