| My Background To the new members who may say, who is he, let me briefly introduce
myself. How do I fit into the story regarding Progress? Well I am one of the rare breed who were picked-up and diagnosed with Prostate cancer during the only 'Screening Programme' to be conducted in the UK. Professor Peeling and the late Winsor Bowsher were conducting this programme in Gwent and I, like many others, was advised that Radical Surgery seemed to be the best option for me. This news was a complete shock to me then because at that time I was a very active soccer referee and thought I was very fit with little or no prostate symptoms. However only 5 weeks later I was placed in the good care of 'Brady' in the operating theatre, being prepared for major surgery. At this point I must introduce you to my 'old mate’ - Les Friend. Les was the Guardian Angel who sat by my bedside for some time prior to my op holding my hand, telling me to be a ‘brave soldier’ and that everything would be alright. Les had undergone surgery only weeks earlier. I now know he ‘fibbed’ a little, when recalling details of his surgery. Many of us I know have since experienced the tender words of advice from many other Guardian Angels, under similar circumstances After a few minor complications, 4 weeks later I was discharged from the Royal Gwent on Christmas Eve with a present in the form of a follow up appointment early in the New Year. Need of a Support Group? During my first follow up clinic, I sat once again with Les Friend and one or two other patients exchanging views and thoughts about cath/tubes - drips - stitches - aches and pains etc. and I would at this point suggest, that this is where the idea of a support group gelled. As many of you will know I have a very wicked sense of humour and while Mr. Bowsher was proceeding to introduce me to my first experience of the 'scope' or what I now affectionately call the “poke, prod and scrape” routine that you are all to familiar with, I made my (wicked but mischievous) thoughts known to him. Together with some other patients in the waiting room, there had been strong views and vibes mentioned about forming a support group. But, a major drawback to this was the fact that such an Association, Club, Group would obviously need to have a “Club Tie” – this would present some difficulty as to the choice of Logo for such a group. At this point Mr. Bowsher and the nurse assisting him burst into laughter, but no suggestion was forthcoming as to what form the logo should take for a Group Tie. Shortly after this more serious discussions followed, which resulted in a meeting being held in a Public House at Stow Hill, with Professor Peeling, Winsor Bowsher, Sharon Houghton (nurse), Les Friend, John Lloyd, Brian Smith, Ray Hall, Derek Watkins, Keith Bryant, Ken Hayward, Geoff Whitten, myself and other patients attending. This resulted in birth the of PROGRESS.
Over the years the group, like its name, has progressed in many ways, assisted by many individuals and organisations. The late (Councillor) Brian Smith, Paul Murphy MP, together with many of Torfaen B.C. Mayors and Councillors have all supported PROGRESS in so many ways and continue to do so. Juliet Gilgrist (Macmillan cancer) guided the group through its early teething problems. Liam Watsons (Torfaen Health Office) was responsible for successfully nominating the group for a “Good Health Wales Award” in recognition of the groups work in the community relating to prostate cancer support. Another notable success was the formation and introduction of the 'Ladies Section – Partners in Progress' which has become the backbone of PROGRESS. The Mervyn Moore - Memorial Lectures is yet another notable feature. All of this has led to the group taking part in many National & Local Press releases & TV Documentaries relating to Prostate cancer. Recognitions of these many achievements have also been recorded in the House of Commons reports. 10 years on. What now? Even living in Eastbourne, as a founder member of the group I continue to support PROGRESS whenever possible and I am currently working as a National Steering Group Member with Macmillan Cancer & Southampton University, who are presently undertaking a Research Programme into the Future Needs of Patients and People affected by cancer. I have gained many contacts and friends while attending the many meetings and various Conferences over the past years mainly relating to Support Groups. All of which stems from the formation of the Progress Group at the Royal Gwent Hospital. The diagnosis that you have cancer is not the end. It is almost 10 years since I heard that news. During which time I have visited the Caribbean, been to the top of Mount Etna and Mont Blanc, been to America three times, which included seeing a Shuttle launch and visiting New York “Ground Zero” only 2 weeks after 9/11. Not forgetting many notable holidays in the UK and moving house 4 times to 4 different counties. There is a tomorrow after receiving such shattering news. But adopt the philosophy that “today’s the day” and you can achieve so much more by doing so.
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| Where are they now? |
| Where are they now? - 10 years on... ...Malcolm Goddard's story |
