
Rachel Hall talks about her Clinical Nurse Specialist role, Mike and Alison find words to discuss Mike’s Stem Cell Transplant treatment, and J Robert Oppenheimer makes a surprise appearance!The following points are among those covered in this episode:Erica Banks updates listeners on the Kilt Walk, the Red Run, fundraising for the Cancer Research Team and reaching the ‘ANCHORED Together’ appeal target. In this ‘milestone sharing’ episode, mention is also made of an upcoming, happy occasion that will take Erica away from Friends of ANCHOR activities for a couple of weeks! [00:45]Mike talks to Rachel Hall, whose Clinical Nurse Specialist areas are sarcomas and cancers of an unknown primary origin. As well as drawing attention to Sarcoma Awareness Month, Rachel highlighted sarcoma symptoms of which we need to be aware and spoke enthusiastically about the ‘Courage on the Catwalk’ event and the ‘Making Memories’ initiative. [07:02]This month’s ‘From the Archives’ instalment pays tribute to fundraising efforts coming out of Inverbervie, Gourdon and Johnshaven, each of which is located on the Aberdeenshire coast, just south of Stonehaven. [22:44]In the ‘Finding the Words’ feature, Mike and Alison talk about Mike’s Stem Cell Transplant and the various ways in which it highlighted how language can affect, and reflect, our response to a situation. [24:07]In this month’s ‘And Finally’ item, Mike explores the connection that medical historians have made between the protagonist of this summer’s blockbuster movie, ‘’Oppenheimer’, and the development of Stem Cell Transplants. [29:21]Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to [email protected], and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.
Jul 31, 2023
32 min

Yvonne Wright talks about her role as Chief Nurse for Aberdeen Royal Infirmary's clinical support team, ‘Silence’ is the theme of this month’s ‘Finding the Words’ feature and Mike explains why Sir Percivall Pott should be better known.The following points are among those covered in this episode:Mike talks to Yvonne Wright about her wide-ranging and significant role as Chief Nurse for Aberdeen Royal Infirmary's clinical support team and the changes that she has seen in medical provision and practice over the years. [01:46]In this month’s instalment of ‘From the Archives’, Mike draws attention to the terrific community support that is a feature of towns, villages and hamlets across the North-East of Scotland. On this occasion, it is the turn of Dess and Dinnet to be given a shout-out! [18:01]In this month’s ‘Finding the Words’ feature, Mike and Alison discuss their experiences of silence and suggest that it is worth thinking about the contribution that it can make to the conversations that occur when someone is in hospital for a period of time. [20:10]Mike uses the ‘And Finally’ slot to draw attention to the groundbreaking work of Sir Percivall Pott in identifying a causal connection between an individual’s working environment and the possibility of contracting cancer. [25:07]Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to [email protected], and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.
Jun 30, 2023
27 min

Brothers, Graham and Stuart Strachan, reflect on their experience of receiving a diagnosis of cancer within a short time of each other, and they also talk about participating in the fashion show, ‘Brave’. In this month’s ‘Finding the Words’ feature, Mike and Alison describe an occasion when they were not on the same page… and ice cream gets regular mentions throughout the episode!The following points are among those covered in this episode:Erica Banks, Communications Lead for Friends of ANCHOR, provides an update on news items and forthcoming events, including the Kilt Walk and the Red Run. [00:52]Graham and Stuart Strachan share candid and moving reflections on their experience of being treated for cancer within a year of each other, as well as talking about their recent participation in the ‘Brave’ fashion show. [06:05]In this month’s ‘Finding the Words’ feature, Alison, finally gets to lift the lid on Mike’s reluctance – she would use a stronger word – to acknowledge that a serious illness needs to be taken seriously! [27:19]Mike uses this month’s ‘And Finally’ slot to launch a campaign for serious research to be undertaken into the physiological and psychological benefits of the therapeutic use of ice cream. Unsurprisingly, he volunteers to be the first human guinea pig to be involved in clinical trials in this area! [31:18]Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to [email protected], and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.
May 31, 2023
32 min

Dr Dominic Culligan, Consultant Haematologist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, talks about advances in the treatment of blood-related cancers. Mention is also made of leeches making a comeback for medical treatment purposes!
Apr 30, 2023
31 min

Angie Shepherd talks about her role as a colorectal clinical nurse specialist. The inspirational Māori expression, ‘Kia kaha’, and cancer-themed April Fools are also featured.
Mar 31, 2023
30 min

Matt Huntington speaks about his 25 + 25 + 250 challenge, Mike reflects on the fact that hospitals can have a language all of their own and shares his experiences of ‘cancer treats’. An inaugural quiz based on a news item from the Friends of ANCHOR archives is also featured!
Feb 28, 2023
27 min

Mike interviews Gail Roberts, one of the original Courage on the Catwalk participants, as well as looking at some cancer slogans in advance of World Cancer Day on February 4th.
The following points are among those covered in this episode:
Jan 31, 2023
28 min

John Greensmyth talks about the fashion show ‘Brave’, dealing with cancer treatment side-effects and 'Men and Cancer'; some podcast outtakes are also included.
Dec 31, 2022
33 min

Mike interviews Matt Huntington about his fundraising endeavours, recalls the efforts of the Flying Anchors and suggests some World Record options for anyone up for a challenge!
Nov 30, 2022
31 min

Mike interviews Louise Budge about the new ANCHOR Centre, reflects with his wife, Alison, on telling their children about his cancer diagnosis and shares some thoughts about the 1998 film ‘Stepmom’.
Oct 31, 2022
33 min
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