A support group for people who have had their voice boxes removed because of cancer has been given fresh support by Get A-Head.
We have donated £450 to the support group for people who have undergone laryngectomy surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
The grant follows an earlier award of £1,500 we made to the group which helps patients, their families and carers cope with the impact of the surgery.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Lucy Grainger said the grant would help hire a space and provide refreshments to ensure patients were well supported after their initial surgery.
The group exists to provide an opportunity for patients to troubleshoot problems without the need for an appointment – a vital additional support mechanism during recovery.
Lucy said: “Laryngectomy patients have their voice box removed due to cancer and often state they feel disconnected from society due to a change in communication, eating habits and body image.
“We want to bring these patients together to introduce them to other patients in the same situation, in a non-clinical setting.”
Lucy said specialist nurses, speech therapists, physiotherapists and dieticians would also be on hand to answer questions and give talks.
Tom Bromwich, chairman of trustees at Get A-Head, said: “We are delighted to support such an important group and ensure it continues to help people who have been through such significant surgery.
“This grant will help make a positive difference to the lives of everyone affected and I would like to congratulate Lucy on carrying out such important work.”
