Two care homes in Cumbria are holding fundraising events in support of Lymphoma Action, the only charity in the UK dedicated to the condition.

Nursing homes in Grange-over-Sands and Appleby-in-Westmorland are hosting a tea party for residents and families, alongside other activities including raffles, live entertainment and best cake competitions.

Both nursing homes are part of a group of eight care homes across the country headed by Alister Cook, who first started fundraising for the Charity following his own diagnosis of follicular lymphoma in 2023.

Alister’s birthday on Saturday April 6 will be celebrated with a fundraising party at Cartmel and Appleby Nursing Home.

 

Also known as the ‘Cheshire Jam Man’, Alister has raised over £2,000 by asking people to in exchange for jars of his delicious homemade jams and preserves. Now in remission, Alister is keen to continue to support the Charity that provided information and support following his diagnosis.

 

Alister discovered his lymphoma by chance, following a routine prostate check, and although it is one of the less aggressive cancers, he still needed treatment.

After a mixture of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, he is now on a maintenance treatment.

Alister said: “Even though I feel lucky compared to people with more aggressive cancers, the chemotherapy has definitely weakened me and changed my mental outlook on work and life.”

The biggest challenge that came with diagnosis for Alister, was the mental effect, this is where Lymphoma Action stepped in to help.

 

He said: “I wasn’t really aware of the condition, it’s seriousness or even what the signs were. I think there’s a lot of publicity around many other cancers but not so much lymphoma. My prognosis has always been positive, but coming to terms with living with the condition has been my hardest challenge and the information and support the Charity offers is so helpful. It’s so vital to speak or listen to others who have been on a similar journey, and that’s why I support the Charity and will continue to do so.”

Deana Cadden, Community and Campaigns Lead at Lymphoma Action said: “We are so grateful to Alister, Brancaster Care Homes and Cinnabar Support and Living for their support.

“Every 26 minutes one of us is diagnosed with lymphoma. Thanks to the support of people like Alister we can continue to provide vital information and support to make sure no one has to face lymphoma alone.”