Grimethorpe Surgery

22/03/2026

“Living with stage 4 cancer as a mum and a wife is incredibly complex, and not many people truly understand that reality. It can feel very lonely at times, and often quite overwhelming.”

Leeanne was just 38 years old when she was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. Over the last four years we’ve supported her with our services. One she found particularly useful was the Stage4You website, developed and funded by Takeda UK and created in collaboration with Bowel Cancer UK.

“I’ve found it helpful to have something I can turn to depending on how I’m feeling. Some days are harder than others, and it makes a difference to be able to access support in a way that fits around that. What works for me is being able to dip in and out when I have the energy. There’s no pressure; it’s just there if I need it, whether I’m trying to get through the day or feeling a bit more able to take things in.

“After my diagnosis, I spent a lot of time searching online for information and support, which could feel overwhelming in itself. Having things brought together in one place has made that a bit easier to manage.

“Stage 4 cancer can be an isolating experience, so hearing from others who understand what it’s like has been really important. It helps you feel less alone in it all. I’ve also found it useful for coping with things like scan anxiety and the uncertainty that comes with living with cancer, especially as a parent. It’s a reminder to try and stay present where you can. More than anything, it recognises that we’re not just patients. We’re still people with families, responsibilities and lives that continue alongside a diagnosis.”

We’re so grateful to Leeanne for sharing her thoughts on Stage4You and it warms our hearts to hear how it’s supported her 💛

Stage4You is a website developed and funded by our partner, Takeda UK. Stage4You brings together trusted resources from Bowel Cancer UK, and other highly respected sources, to support people living with stage 4 bowel cancer, like supporting people in finding a community, coaching support, peer support lines and groups, and practical tools to nurture their mental health.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/4bAf7dr

22/03/2026

22/03/2026

“The diagnosis was brutal: the cancer was treatable but incurable. I was devastated.

“I was diagnosed with HER2-low de novo secondary breast cancer in July 2020. I’ve been on my first line treatment for 5 and a half years now, but Enhertu would be a future treatment line option for me, a lifeline.

“I’m a wife, a mum, a sister, and a friend. I contribute to society in so many ways: I work, I volunteer, I support, I travel, I love life.

“I was angry and upset when Enhertu for HER2-low secondary breast cancer was rejected for use on the NHS in 2024. Having worked as a nurse for 30 years, I put my trust in the appraisals system and as a patient it has let me down.

“In the 2 years since campaigning, I’ve lost friends and fellow campaigners to this disease. Women who had to spend their limited time campaigning for access to Enhertu when they should’ve been spending that time with their families.

“The NHS will soon be able to spend more on treatments, so I implore the drug companies to renegotiate an offer they can finally accept. To know there’s a drug that could help me live well for longer but isn’t available because of the cost feels so cruel. It makes me feel as if there’s a value on my life and that it’s not deemed enough.

“If Enhertu was available on the NHS it would give me and so many others more hope for the future. Whilst it may not affect you today it could well affect you or someone you love tomorrow.”

From the end of March, changes to the amount the NHS can spend on drugs will come into effect. Viv is urging pharmaceutical companies Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca to take this opportunity to submit a new commercial offer for Enhertu for HER2-low secondary breast cancer.

22/03/2026

A gentle moment of balance 🌊🪨

Like these smooth stones stacked on a quiet beach, we don’t have to be perfect to feel steady – just present, grounded and supported.

Take a slow breath in, notice your feet on the floor, and imagine placing one worry on each stone, letting the waves carry them away 💭✨

For more self-help ideas, visit: https://ow.ly/luI850Yoy7n

22/03/2026

22/03/2026

We’re pleased to partner with Settld. Settld, A Service of The Estate Registry offer a free online notification service to simplify the administration after someone has died, helping take away added stress at what is already a very difficult time.

For more information visit: ow.ly/YS9450ORQzi

22/03/2026

A MOTION seeking to raise more awareness around domestic abuse and violence during the World Cup is set to be put before... Local News News Barnsley South Yorkshire

22/03/2026

22/03/2026

22/03/2026

Our latest blog post explains who is eligible for the MenB vaccine and why vaccination is being offered alongside preventative antibiotics in response to the meningitis outbreak in Kent.
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/20/who-is-eligible-for-the-menb-vaccine-and-do-i-need-it-myself/