A GROUP of patients at Orsett Hospital is celebrating two years of supporting people with a blood cancer diagnosis with a bang – or should that be a banger – as they are hosting a fundraising barbecue at a popular borough venue.

The group is inviting people to attend the barbecue at Bombers Café, near Orsett, on Sunday, 26 July.

Set up by Jodie Nightingill, Matron and Lead Nurse at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, the group called By Your Side began in 2024 and offers peer to peer support for people living with blood cancer.

She said: "We recognise the challenges people face when living with cancer and meet monthly at Bombers Café, located along the A128 near Orsett. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and social support through open conversation, where people can share how they cope, discuss their experiences and build friendships with others.

"We are very grateful to Bombers for kindly providing free tea and coffee for those who attend, helping to make it so welcoming."

Fundraiser

Chris Martin, who owns Bombers Café, spoke about why he is supporting the group. "I was approached by Jodie just over two years ago now, and her passion for the cause blew me away. Once a month the team come to the cafe and the patients who attend have impactful stories of their journeys.

"Kate, our Cafe Manager, her mum died from cancer, so when we were approached about hosting the support group, we just burst in to tears and knew it was the right cause for us to support."

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Anyone can attend the barbecue on Sunday, 26 July, which runs from 1pm to 6pm, with 50 per cent of the profits going to the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Orsett and 50 per cent for UK Homes for Heroes, another charity Chris supports.