Mike interviews Louise Budge about the new ANCHOR Centre, reflects with his wife, Alison, on telling their children about his cancer diagnosis and shares some thoughts about the 1998 film ‘Stepmom’.

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Erica Banks, Communications Lead for Friends of ANCHOR, provides an update on news and events, beginning by talking about the recent ‘Supporter Thank You’ event. Erica then goes on to highlight a number of current Wellbeing initiatives, including a Patient Retreat Day on 14 January 2023 (email wellbeing@friendsofanchor.org to register), a new Listening Service and a Radiotherapy Treatment Patient Pack. Erica concludes by highlighting the fact that the online Friends of ANCHOR Christmas Shop can meet all of your Christmas shopping needs! [00:39]
• Mike interviews Louise Budge, the Service and Commissioning Project Manager for the Baird and ANCHOR Project. As well as explaining her liaison role on the ANCHOR Centre Project, Louise talks about the contribution being made by Friends of ANCHOR and outlines some key dates in the build-up to the opening of the new facility in September 2023. Louise also mentions that short ‘One Year to Go’ videos by staff on what the new centre means to them can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/bairdANCHOR [05:59]
• This month’s ‘From the Archives’ segment features the 1999 fundraising efforts of British Regional Airlines staff who undertook a challenge to visit every airport in Britain using any type of transport… apart from aircraft! The methods of transport employed included a skateboard, penny farthings, a fire engine, camels, a Viking ship and a hospital trolley propelled by Dr Andrew Hutcheon! [22:16]
• In the ‘Finding the Words’ section of this episode, Mike and Alison reflect on sharing Mike’s cancer diagnosis with their children. [24:13]
• The ‘And Finally!’ item comprises seven facts and observations about the 1998 film, ‘Stepmom’, starring Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts. [30:23]
• Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to foapodcast@freerangepodcasting.co.uk, and Mike’s guest in the next episode will be an inspirational fundraiser: marathon man, Matt Huntington. [32:34]

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.