A generous volunteer at a cancer support charity has spoken warmly of her “rewarding work” before urging others to join in.
Rena Doig (74) started with Tayside Cancer Support nine years ago and has gone on to become the group’s longest serving “befriender.”
The organisation, which relies upon donations and fund-raising events to continue its work, offers information, support and a free one-to-one befriending service to anyone affected by cancer.
Meetings are carried out in strict confidence and the specially trained volunteers listen to their “befriendee” and what is on their mind, providing an important emotional crutch.
Rena, originally from Arbroath, has her own tragic history with cancer, with many close family members losing their lives, including her husband. With experience of the mental and physical torment caused by the disease, Rena feels she can make a big difference to the mindset of others.To find out more or to donate, contact Tayside Cancer Support on 01382 740468 or email anitakay@nhs.net.In a cruel twist of fate, Rena herself was diagnosed with cancer not long after joining the support group. Following successful treatment, she has first-hand experience of the trauma patients go through.
“You may have an idea that you have cancer but when a doctor actually says those words it gives you a jolt,” recalled Rena. “It becomes a reality that you have cancer and that news gradually sinks in. I now understand what that is like.”
On average, Rena travels from her home in Lochee to Ninewells Hospital once every two weeks to offer support in cancer wards.
The service not only benefits patients, families and friends but can also free up the valuable time of medical staff.
Cancer is something which most people will be confronted with, whether it affects them on someone close to them.Benefit of supportThe distress can be overwhelming but studies show that involvement in support groups, or receiving individual support, can enhance quality of life as well as increase longevity.
Referrals to the charity can come through a number of avenues, such as from doctors, hospital wards and other health professionals.
Rena continued, “I never give my opinion on anything I am being told. I simply listen and take it in it is not our place to give opinions or advice.
“What can be difficult though is when you watch someone get better then take a turn for the worse and then pass away. That has happened a few times. But equally watching someone gradually get back to health is wonderful and that happens as well.”
Rena has no plans to walk away just yet. “I did discuss retiring but no, I plan to continue for as long as they need me,” she said.
The charity has 25 befrienders on its books but is on a recruitment drive. A training programme, held over eight weeks, is scheduled to begin on March 21.
The workshops, which will take place one evening per week, as well as an in-depth weekend session, will provide volunteers with the skills needed to offer the best standard of care.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user audreyjm529.