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CLAN patron highlights new Myeloma support group

A former international athlete and patron of a leading north-east cancer support charity has put his weight behind the charity’s newest support group.

Mel Edwards, who has been involved with CLAN Cancer Support for seven years, is well known throughout Aberdeen and the 71-year-old still runs regularly to keep fit.

Mr Edwards has set up the Myeloma Support group, which is aimed at helping those coping with a diagnosis and their family members and carers, with the support of Myeloma UK.

The group will meet monthly at CLAN House on the fourth Wednesday of every month, alternating between a 5.30pm and 11am start time. A guest speaker will give a talk at each meeting.

Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a cancer which stems from plasma cells, a type of white blood cell which is made in the bone marrow. It affects multiple places in the body where bone marrow is normally active in an adult.

Mel Edwards was diagnosed with myeloma in 2006, and underwent a stem cell transplant the following year.

He said: “Having been through a cancer diagnosis myself, I know just how important it is to receive advice, information and support. After talking to CLAN we realised we both had a keen desire to set up a group with the help of Myeloma UK.

“Through this group we aim to bring together myeloma patients and their families, who all share a need for education and a listening ear. We hope they will find reassurance and support from being around others who are going through similar experiences and find fresh confidence to cope with the disease.”

The first meeting, which will feature a talk by Eric Low, CEO of Myeloma UK, is at 5.30pm on Wednesday September 24 at CLAN House.

Eric Low said: “We are delighted to be working with CLAN Cancer Support to establish a new myeloma support group in Aberdeen. Myeloma patients and their families find it both helpful and comforting to spend time with others in a similar situation, and having the opportunity to ask questions and get information in an informal environment is a tremendous thing.

“We commend Mel Edwards for setting up the group, which we hope will really make the difference for myeloma patients across the north-east of Scotland.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness. Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

Myeloma UK is the only organisation in the UK dealing exclusively with myeloma, a bone marrow cancer for which there is no cure. Our broad and innovative range of services cover every aspect of myeloma from providing information and support, to improving standards of treatment and care through research and campaigning.

For further information about Myeloma UK, visit www.myeloma.org.uk

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