A lot of water has fallen from the sky since the last Newsletter. We have been active on several fronts including talking to newly diagnosed patients, handing out leaflets at various events, talking to various Groups such as Probus and Rotary.

The most amazing event was the "Cassington Bike Night" which was a group of motorcyclists having a get together to discuss motorbike things. The estimated number attending was 11,000 - yes, eleven thousand - staggering!

Sincere thanks to everyone who helped to persuade NICE to reverse their decision regarding Abiraterone.

There have been some major changes in the National Prostate Cancer organisations, the main one being The Prostate Cancer Charity has now changed its name to Prostate Cancer UK. We had hoped that this would incorporate some cooperation (particularly financial) with our Federation, but not so. We await further clarification of what we think is a story to be further unravelled. We are pleased to announce that Gloria Hunniford has agreed to become a Patron of the Prostate Cancer Support Federation - full details are in the Prostate Matters newsletter, available at the next meeting.

Next Meeting - Wednesday 25th July at The Oxford Golf Club

Our next Group meeting will be on WEDNESDAY 25th July at The Oxford Golf Club (formerly Southfield Golf Club) adjacent to the Churchill, starting at 6.30pm for 7pm.

There will be a talk given by Dr Claire Marriot of the Maggie's Centre at the Churchill on the subject of "Coping with stress in Prostate Cancer". This is something that we probably have all experienced and we are hoping for a good attendance. The talk will be followed by the usual get together and we are hoping for suggestion regarding the future programme for the Group (subjects for talks, social events etc.). There will also be the usual raffle to cover the cost of room hire etc.

Chaiman's Report.

"I am delighted to report so many positives due to the continuing successes of all the hard work put in by the Support Group.

The very dedicated and hard work put in to start the OPCSG is paying off as we are reaching out to so many Oxfordshire people and spreading the awareness campaign and more importantly helping those in particular that have been recently diagnosed.

Great news too that the Churchill have the go ahead for Brachytherapy and doctors are in the process of being trained up so that will give a big boost to the Churchill and the Urology Teams.

Although it may appear to many that there is not a lot going on, behind the scenes the committee are raising awareness where they can as well as raising the much-needed funds.

A huge thanks to Sarah for all her work on Facebook and our web pages and well as the power point presentations. Please let Sarah know if you have any additions that can be added i.e. you are involved in a Prostate Awareness event or Fund Raising event for the Group.

Dave's Journey on YouTube has gone over the 1,750 views and the OPCSG Channel has had 3,450 views in total and the feedback to me has been excellent.

We very much look forward to you all coming to our next meeting on the 25th July as it also gives tremendous support to the OPCSG Committee.

See you all on the 25th,

Best wishes, Dave Beesley"

George Goldsmith
Secretary
Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Grou