A space
for cancer
survivors
The Gordon Survivorship Centre provides a
life-changing service for cancer survivors in
the Cancer Centre at Guy’s. It was made
possible thanks to a generous donation from
breast cancer survivor Rola Gordon and husband
Lloyd Gordon. Opened in September 2016, the
Gordon Survivorship Centre directly supports
cancer patients in their recovery.
How the Centre helps
The Gordon Survivorship Centre helps cancer survivors to rebuild their lives.
Cancer survivors often feel isolated from others who do not understand what
they have been through. In the Gordon Survivorship Centre, survivors can
support each other, get involved in activities, work on their fitness and generally
move towards resuming a normal life.
Professor Arnie Purushotham, director of the Cancer Centre, said: ‘The
Centre not only helps cancer survivors to rebuild their lives after their illness and
treatment have caused so many challenges, but it also seeks to ensure that all our
departments are working together to provide the very best care.’
What the Centre offers
The Gordon Survivorship Centre offers a number of
sessions that patients can take part in. For example,
monthly art sessions have enabled survivors to focus
on something other than their cancer, to develop a new
skill and forge friendships. A walking group has been
developed with the physiotherapy department at the
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Cancer Centre at Guy’s, allowing survivors to gradually become more active in
the company of people who understand exactly what they are going through.
Saskia Krijgsman, Survivorship Coordinator, says: ‘The Gordon Survivorship
Centre offers something different and something special to people right from the
beginning of their diagnosis, and throughout the cancer journey and beyond.’
The impact on survivors
Cancer survivors have benefitted from the wide ranging
activities on offer. Humaira, a breast cancer survivor,
explains how getting involved in activities run by the
Gordon Survivorship Centre has made a huge difference
to her health and wellbeing: ‘The service is very
important to me. The feeling that you’re not alone and
that there are other people there both physically and
mentally too. The Centre has also made me more aware
of my health… it has given me a positive outlook.’
The journey to full recovery: John’s story
Athletics coach and retired police superintendent John Powell MBE has
raised more than £8,000 to thank the staff who helped him overcome
testicular cancer.
John was diagnosed in 1990 and underwent surgery, chemotherapy and a
bone marrow transplant. Following medical advice he froze his sperm in 1991
– and 21 years later his daughter Jasmine was born using the frozen sperm.
John says: ‘I have been fortunate enough
to have travelled the world as an
athletics coach, been promoted to
superintendent in the police, attended
two Olympic Games including London
2012 as a coach, and been awarded
an MBE for services to athletics by the
Queen. This was all possible thanks to
the wonderful treatment I received at
to
enting his cheque
John Powell pres
Guy’s and St Thomas’. I quite literally
ere
wh
l
ita
sp
Ho
at Guy’s
Samaritan Ward
years ago
owe them everything.’
he was treated 25
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