In their interview with Mairéad (Grade 12), an Upper School Service Ambassador, TASIS England nurses, Natalie and Melissa, share their involvement in fundraising for cancer research and care.
Can you tell me a little bit about Macmillan Cancer Support?
Melissa: Macmillan is a charity that funds nurses to visit cancer patients who need extra support and care at their homes. It is a very personal, one on one, program that attends to patients’ basic physical needs, such as washing and dressing, as well as providing company and emotional support. As nurses, we will sometimes visit patients simply to have a cup of tea with them and chat.
What specific events do you do/have you participated in?
Natalie: In September, we walked the London Marathon overnight for Cancer Research and raised £1,531. It was an amazing atmosphere (despite there being a thunderstorm), with people of all ages and from all over London uniting for a common cause. In October, we organised our second annual “Coffee Morning” for Macmillan here at TASIS, and we raised £753.
What made you decide to become engaged with this organization?
Natalie: Everyone has had close experiences with cancer, through affected family members or friends. My grandad had cancer and really relied on Macmillan for support.
Melissa: My mum’s best friend also had cancer, and she swore by Macmillan; she says that without them it would have been so much harder for her. Even just coming out to have a cup of tea, she felt that they understood what she was going through more than anyone else and always knew how to respond to whatever she was feeling.
Have you been able to see any impacts of your work firsthand?
Natalie: After the marathon, we began receiving emails from Cancer Research telling how the money we had raised was being used. They would send us messages like, “You've raised enough for this specific new medical research,” “Thanks to you we have a new telescope,” and “You have funded this incredible new software.” These messages showed us the tangible impact of our fundraising and helped us to see the very real effects that we were having.
Has your service had any impact on you as a person/your perspectives?
Natalie: I lost both my Nan and Grandad to cancer, which is why I signed up to walk the marathon and to work for Macmillan. It really helped me deal with their deaths and comfort myself in the knowledge that I was helping to prevent future loss from cancer. Being a nurse, you often see death firsthand, and I’ve grown to know the impact it has. Experiencing loss in both my personal and professional life made me want to play a part in the fight for cancer research and care.
What is your favourite memory of your involvement with Macmillan Cancer Support?
Natalie: I would definitely say participating in the marathon. Before we arrived, we had no real conception of what the environment would be like. When we started seeing how many people were there, it inspired real hope and gave us such a feeling of solidarity. There were volunteers on the sidelines giving words of support, which was priceless because it really is tough and you absolutely need the encouragement. The feeling of crossing the finish line, getting your medal, all while knowing that you have truly contributed to cancer research, was incredible.
Would you recommend it as a service opportunity, and why?
Melissa: Yes. Being a part of both Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research, you know you're giving back to something that is a worldwide issue. You know you can potentially save someone’s life.
Natalie: As I mentioned before, everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, which makes it so important for people to become involved. It was amazing to see so many people attending the coffee morning at TASIS England a few months ago, both children and adults. It really reinforced a sense of community. Being involved in organizations that promote cancer research and aid, which has an effect on almost everyone, can make you feel like you are making a difference and pushing the world in the right direction. My service through Macmillan and Cancer Research has shown me that working together is the only way we can reach our goals.
Interviewer: Mairéad, Grade 12 student