Promptly at 7.45pm in the Education Centre at Ashford Hospital the CREST Awareness Evening started with an explanation of how CREST was created in the Runnymede, Elmbridge, Spelthorne area..

Pat Weston, a Committee Member and patient spoke about her own experiences and agreed that although this is a greatly needed resource in this area, it is just not available at present for cancer patients, their carers and families. Our nearest alternatives are all in Guildford, Surrey — almost an hours drive away.

Four other patients gave their own views: Asma Chaudhry along with her daughter Sara who shared with us her feelings after her Mum’s breast cancer diagnosis. The applause reminded everyone that it is not just the patients but also their family and friends who need support.

Steve Ostrowski and Carl Hughes from a Centre in Yiewsley went on to explain how it the Centre had helped them come to terms with their own diagnosis and continue to help them live with their cancer.

A different experience came from Judith Robinson who had a rare cancer. Since her diagnosis she has helped set up an organisation for other rare cancer patients. After the deeply moving patient experiences came the statistics on WHY this centre is needed so much.

Rosemary Lucy from the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre spoke about how many people use their Centre — the patient numbers were amazing.

Steve Hindle (Macmillan Representative), then explained the NICE guidelines and his colleague Lucy Hastings presented the final session with detailed statistics on the number of people (either patients or family and friends) who use their much needed service.

Cancer affects not only the patient but also a whole spectrum of people around them and they also need support. It was a real eye opener for all and that is WHY CREST is such a fantastic resource to have.