Trade companies to support Macmillan men with cancer campaign

Macmillan Cancer Support is uniting with nine companies across the sector for their ‘Just Say the Word’ male cancer campaign. 

Companies taking part include Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery, CEF, ISG plc, Mace, Selco Builders Warehouse, telent Technology Services, Topps Tiles, Travis Perkins and Wolseley, who have joined forces with the charity to raise awareness of the impact of cancer on men and encourage those who need it to access support.

New Macmillan and Toluna research reveals that 26 per cent of tradesmen wouldn’t feel comfortable having a serious conversation regarding their health with their work colleagues.

Dave Watkins, 59, is an Associate Director at Mace and was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016. “When I was diagnosed, I initially found it really difficult to talk to others about my cancer and the emotional toll it was taking. Mentally, I found it difficult to come to terms with cancer and was in a dark place. But my experience really improved when I published my story on Mace’s staff intranet. My company and colleagues were incredibly supportive and helped my drive to stay positive.”

In its third year running, ‘Just Say the Word’ has had a great response previously and had inspired colleagues and customers to seek medical support.

Carine Jessamine, marketing director at Selco Builders Warehouse, said: “We are long-standing supporters of Macmillan Cancer Support and, through the amazing efforts of our staff, customers and suppliers, have raised over £500,000 for the charity within the last five years. We are all as motivated as ever to keep up the fundraising and we are also delighted to support the ‘Just Say the Word’ campaign to help spread key messages to people operating in the trade.”

Of the tradesmen that participated in the survey, 36 per cent of those with cancer also experienced depression, 40 per cent anxiety and 12 per cent shame, after they were diagnosed.

‘Just Say the Word’ runs from 23rd April to 6th May, and will have a visible presence in branches and sites of the nine participating partners. Posters and leaflets will be publicised, encouraging those with health concerns to get support. Fundraising for Macmillan will take place over the two weeks within the sector, raising money to help the charity provide support to people living with cancer across the UK.

For more information please visit the Macmillan website https://www.macmillan.org.uk

Source: Electrical Times