Knowsley Pensioners Advocacy & Information Service were part of a great Macmillan coffee morning at the Old Schoolhouse in Huyton, which was arranged by Healthwatch Knowsley. It was a really successful event with gorgeous cakes and a tombola full of prizes but what made it stand out was a performance by the Huyton Ukulele Troupe who were just so lively!
What made it even more interesting was that the leader of the band, Brian Matthews, told us how he himself had survived kidney cancer. As a result of this he was medically retired from his job as a plasterer and following some intense treatment he began the Ukulele band as a way of doing something completely different. He said that everything he does now is about enjoying life and being positive. What an inspiration! The event was very well attended by a wide range of community members of all ages, who had a really fun sing-along with the band.
Brian is in the yellow shirt
Of course it was also a great opportunity to share information about our own Cancer, Older People and Advocacy project which generated a lot of interest, with people taking away our leaflets and the ‘Every Step of The Way’ books and many people speaking to myself and Val our advocate for more information.
Pat McCarthy, Manager, KPAIS
Older People Living with Cancer 