People in Norfolk and Waveney living with cancer have collaborated with the NHS to develop a new resource to support others diagnosed with cancer in the future. And Gemma Easterbrook, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2018 and sadly passed away in November 2023, was a key contributor
A Norfolk and Waveney Cancer Information Toolkit launched today (6 March) by NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB), bringing together information for people at different stages of their cancer journey, whether they suspect they might have cancer, diagnosis, treatment and support. And one of the key contributors was Gemma Easterbrook, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2018 and sadly passed away in November 2023.
Gemma had helped to curate the content and brought in her own experiences to shape the toolkit. Her husband Craig says: ‘Much of the journey can be overwhelming and there is often a lot of information to process. This toolkit is not only useful for people living with cancer but also for loved ones who can refer to it at different milestones and come back to it whenever they need it.’
He adds: ‘Gemma always wanted good things to come from her personal cancer journey. Her work on this project was another way of dedicating herself to this goal.’
Michelle Gant from The Engaging People Company also assisted with the project. Michelle says: ‘I’m so proud to have had the opportunity to work on the NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB Cancer Care toolkit which is launching today. But what I’m even prouder of is that I got to work on it with my amazing, inspirational friend Gemma.
‘Gemma and I worked together in her very first job in communications – back in our Fox Murphy days – and after her brain tumour diagnosis, we continued to work together when she was able to. This included on the cancer care toolkit which has been launched today. Despite her own condition, she threw herself into the project, shaping the content and carrying out the extensive research to inform the content with her trademark enthusiasm, creativity, and energy, a joy to work with, as always.’
Michelle adds: ‘This toolkit really is testament to the legacy of such an amazing, incredible woman, such a force for good with her positivity, enthusiasm, and all round loveliness.’
Cancer will affect 1 in 2 people in their lifetime so many people may need to access the toolkit at some point, including families, carers and champions.
Dr Suzanne Phillips, Clinical Lead for Cancer for NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB, welcomed the resource, saying: ‘As clinicians, we’re keen to signpost people to the support services on offer to them, whether these are provided by the NHS, charities or other organisations. By bringing all the local information together in one place I really feel this will help people to better access what they need.’
This news comes as the King was recently diagnosed with cancer and as a result the NHS saw 51% rise in people searching for information about cancer in the 24 hours after the announcement.
Maggie Tween, Head of Cancer for NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB, says: ‘We’re empowering people with the information to make decisions about their care and support which are right for them. Everyone’s journey is different, but we want people to know that they are not alone. A huge thanks goes to everyone who has collaborated on this project and used their own experiences to help others.’
The toolkit is in addition to all the cancer services provided by the NHS in Norfolk and Waveney. Macmillan Cancer Care Navigators who are based at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, James Paget Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, are on hand to discuss support with people in person.
The toolkit can be downloaded here – improvinglivesnw.org.uk/cancertoolkit. If anyone would like the toolkit in alternative languages or formats, please email: nwicb.cancerprogramme@nhs.net. If you suspect you may have symptoms of cancer or would like to discuss any concerns, please contact your GP practice team. For more information, visit: improvinglivesnw.org.uk/our-work/healthier-communities/cancer/
Main image of Gemma and Craig Easterbrook. Featured images by Phil Barnes Photography
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