Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with over 41,000 people being diagnosed with it every year. Friends of the Cancer Centre very proudly supports three specialist nurses, alongside a team of allied health professionals, who provide specialist care for those affected by blood cancers.
Laura Croan, Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Advanced Nurse Practitioner for Haematology, provides care and support for those attending the Bridgewater Suite for treatment, review or follow up appointments. Over 500 people attend each week, and Laura is on hand to offer specialist care and clinical support as required.
Laura performs diagnostic procedures such as bone marrow biopsies, and provides unscheduled care assessment, ensuring the most effective and timely treatment. Laura will closely monitor those attending for treatment, and assess those who are experiencing any side effects, providing them with advice and support.
One person who knows how vital Laura’s support can be is Gerard Hughes, from Belfast, who was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in 2016. Sharing his story, Gerard explains:
“I was at home one Sunday evening and felt a lump under my jaw, so I rang my GP on the Monday and was seen immediately. I was red flagged and in hospital the next day, ready to have a biopsy. I was eventually diagnosed with stage 4A follicular lymphoma.
“It is important for me to let everyone know just what an amazing charity Friends of the Cancer Centre is. There when I needed it most, the charity supports my specialist nurse, Laura Croan. I first met Laura back in 2017. I had so much fear at the beginning but Laura was there to help me, reassure me and support me, both emotionally and practically. I could talk to her about things I couldn’t say at home.
“Even the simple things that the charity funds, such as the wee cup of tea that we had while waiting for appointments, was so welcome. The staff are amazing – everyone knows me by my name, I was never just a number or another patient to them. It was a very long road and I will always need to come to the Cancer Centre for treatment and I know there will be more downs in the future. But it is the ups, like my grandchildren, my HOG Chapter and the staff at the Cancer Centre that keep me going.
“In 2020, during COVID-19, I bought my first motorbike. Buying a Harley Davidson was always on my bucket list and one night I saw a bike for sale online in England. I travelled to England, brought it home and toured the Wild Atlantic Way as soon as I could. Since then, I have been an active member of the Belfast HOG (Harley Owners Group) Chapter as Road Captain and Activities Officer. It was through the HOG Chapter that I was able to nominate Friends of the Cancer Charity as charity partner for 2023.
“So successful was our partnership that the Chapter extended it for another year. Members have taken part in charity ride-outs, coffee mornings and the annual Hog ‘N’ Bog Rally, raising vital funds for local cancer patients just like me.
“Every minute of my life now is precious. I have four children and six grandchildren and spending time with them is what motivates me. Granda’s sleepovers, baking with grandkids and our movie nights together are so special. They have made me re-evaluate what was important in my life. And the more grandchildren that have arrived over the years, the more reasons I have for staying positive, trusting my medical team and making every moment count.”
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Friends of the Cancer Centre is a registered company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland. Company number NI616925. Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101345.
