Hello everyone and welcome to our July 2024 newsletter! |
|
|
I was thrilled to bring you the latest updates, news, and highlights for July 2024. As we dive into the heart of summer, there's plenty more to look forward to, and we can't wait to share it all with you. I hope you enjoy it! Chloe :) |
|
|
Dates: 1st, 15th, 22nd and 29th of July Location: Sam’s Diamonds Office, St Maries, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB I hosted weekly facials! 1-1 make up lessons or 30 minute hand massages were available. Therapies were £10 (this can be paid as you come in for your therapy session) and time slots were: 10:30-11:30, 11:40-12:40, 1:30-2:30 and 2:40-3:40.
|
|
|
Date & time: 2nd of July from 7.00pm till 9.00pm Location: Griffin Inn, 184 Warrington Rd, Bold Heath, Widnes WA8 3XT For book club in July, the first book we read was "The List" by Yomi Adegoke. Our second choice was "His & Hers" by Alice Feeney.
|
|
|
Date and time: 10th and 24th of July at 6:30PM Location: Sam’s Diamonds Office, St Maries Church, Lugsdale Rd, Widnes, WA8 6DB We hosted Well Woman Club fortnightly for discussions on Women’s health and wellbeing! Topics included diet, exercise, mindfulness, sex and relationships advice, menopause and more. The event was open to all, with free entry for Diamonds. For anyone else, we asked for a suggested donation of £5. |
|
|
Date & times: 11th and 25th of July from 1PM-3PM Location: Sam’s Diamonds Office, St Maries Church, Lugsdale Rd, Widnes, WA8 6DB Consistent every month, we put on a relaxing art session for our Diamonds. No artistic experience necessary. Everyone in the group is welcome to join in! All materials will be provided (along with copious amounts of tea and coffee). |
|
|
Date & time: 13th July, sunrise Location: Snowdon, LL55 4NY A handful of our brave diamonds took to the clouds and completed the Snowdon Sunrise Summit! It was hard work, but we were all filled with immense pride and achievement! We took some amazing photos too! |
|
|
Dates & times: 18th of July from 1.00pm - 3.00pm Location: Sam’s Diamonds Office, St Maries, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB Also consistent every month, we put on our popular craft club! We have lots of craft activities for you to choose from, such as knitting, crochet, sewing, clay modelling … the list is endless! There is always a lot of tea and coffee available too of course! |
|
|
Date & time: 20th of July from 12.00pm - 4.00pm Location: St Maries Church, Lugsdale Rd, Widnes, WA8 6DB We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of you who contributed to our jumble sale, which took place on Saturday, July 20th. Thanks to your generosity and support, we were able to raise funds that will help our charity continue its important work. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to future events! Look out for our August newsletter for future dates! |
|
|
Date & time: 25th July at 10:45AM Location: Yew Tree Farm, 325 Lower Road, Halewood, L26 3UA Back by popular demand! We booked to go walking with Alpacas again! There are only 8 alpacas that walk but spectators can come along to take part too. Sam’s Diamonds discounts this activity, so if you’d like to take part in the next one, let us know! |
|
|
Our Private Facebook Group |
|
|
Our Facebook page is completely hidden from public view and it can’t be found by the general public. Access it by registering as a diamond, and we'll add you to the group! | | |
|
|
Email: outreach.samsdiamonds@outlook.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/SamsDiamondsCharity Instagram: @samsdiamondscancersupport As a facial therapist and avid beauty enthusiast, I am happy to answer any burning questions you may have about skincare, makeup or anything else beauty-related. Please feel free to send your questions my way via email or social media, and I will do my best to provide the most helpful answers via next month’s newsletter! For those interested, I also offer bookable sessions for facials, makeup classes and hand massages every Monday at St Marie’s Church, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB. If you would like more information, please refer to the "What we did in July" section :) |
|
|
Boobie and Noobie Adventures! |
|
|
Where did Boobie and Noobie travel to in July? Our mascots, Boobie and Noobie, like to go on adventures with our Diamonds and staff! This is where they travelled to in July! |
|
|
Noobie's adventure to York |
|
|
Noobie adventured to York! He explored places like the famous York Minister, the Shambles, and more. Check out Noobie’s travel post on Instagram and Facebook for more photos! |
|
|
Boobie's adventure to the Lake District |
|
|
Boobie travelled up to Cartmel in the Lake District! She had a wonderful time trying the village’s famous sticky toffee pudding. She also explored the famous racecourse track, and spent the day out in beautiful Coniston! |
|
|
If you’d like to share your holidays with Boobie or Noobie, get in touch! Where will they travel to next? |
|
|
Mouth Care During Cancer Treatment |
|
|
Some cancer treatments can harm the cells lining your mouth or throat, causing soreness and ulceration known as mucositis. Also, certain chemotherapy and biological therapy drugs can alter the taste of food or give you a metallic taste in your mouth. Any damage is usually temporary, and most side effects improve 3 to 4 weeks after treatment. Your specialist nurse, doctor, or speech and language therapist (SLT) will discuss mouth care with you during treatment. If your mouth becomes sore or the soreness worsens, be sure to inform them. The following advice can help alleviate some of the symptoms: If all your food tastes the same, try choosing foods with strong flavours, seasoning your food with spices or herbs, or using strong sauces like sweet and sour or curry. You can also drink sharp-tasting fizzy drinks like lemonade or ginger beer, or try eating cold food. Additionally, try using wooden or plastic cutlery if things taste metallic.
... To manage dry mouth, sip water regularly, keep hydrated by drinking at least 1.5 litres of fluid a day, suck on ice cubes, eat fresh or tinned fruits (avoid acidic fruits if your mouth is sore), suck boiled sweets or chew gum. If you experience extreme dryness in your mouth, consult your doctor or nurse regarding artificial saliva products, such as those offered by Oralieve. Good oral hygiene is crucial during and after cancer treatment. Clean your mouth and teeth gently every morning, evening, and after each meal using a child’s or soft-bristled toothbrush. Change your toothbrush every 3 months and use fluoride toothpaste. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol and have regular dental checkups. If you need any dental work during your cancer treatment, speak to your doctor or nurse. Remember to discuss any concerns with your medical team! |
|
|
The Benefits of Peppermint |
|
|
Peppermint has a rich history, with the ancient Egyptians believed to be the first cultivators of the herb. The ancient Greeks and Romans utilised peppermint teas for various purposes, such as a general restorative, a remedy for headaches, and to add fragrance to their bathwater. Furthermore, peppermint oil has been used in oral care products since the 14th century, as it was believed to have teeth-whitening properties and later became an ingredient in mouthwashes. In modern times, peppermint is still widely used for several reasons. According to Cancer Research UK, some people find that peppermint alleviates nausea as it is thought to slow down the gut. Additionally, numerous studies indicate that inhaling peppermint oil could help alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in adult cancer patients. Peppermint, whether in the form of tea, mints, or oil, can be a beneficial addition to your daily routine. |
|
|
Recipe of the Month - Vegetable Paella |
|
|
Ingredients 2 tablespoons rapeseed oil 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 medium onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 240g brown basmati rice 1 x 400g can chickpeas, drained (butterbeans make a tasty alternative) 1 reduced-salt vegetable stock cube, dissolved into 750ml hot water ¼ teaspoon saffron threads (alternatively, use ¼ teaspoon turmeric or smoked paprika) 300g green vegetables such as peas, green beans, broad beans, asparagus or courgette, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces 1 red pepper (orange or yellow also work), cut into thin strips ½ lemon, cut into 4 wedges
|
|
|
Method 1) Warm the oil in a large frying pan or paella dish over a medium heat. Then add the cumin seeds to flavour the oil. 2) Add the onion and garlic and stir for about 1 minute. 3) Add the rice and chickpeas to the pan, and then add the stock and saffron (or turmeric or paprika). Mix thoroughly. Make sure all the rice and chickpeas are covered with stock. 4) Bring the mixture to the boil, and then reduce the heat and cover. Allow to simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water if required. 5) Add the green vegetables and cook for a further 5 minutes. 6) Add the pepper, mix thoroughly, replace the cover and cook for a further 3–4 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. 7) Serve with a wedge of lemon. Recipe by Sarah Drabble |
|
|
Our Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday 1st December! @ St Marie’s, Lugsdale Rd, Widnes. WA8 6DH We are currently accepting applications from potential stallholders, so if you are a local crafter or an independent business and would like to show your festive products at our fair, please get in touch via the email fundraising@samsdiamonds.org.uk There will be a limited number of stalls available, and there will be a charge of £15 per table Thank you for reading this month's newsletter! See you next month :) |
|
|
|
|
