Sarcoma UK Community Day: Connect. Learn. Share.

Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol South

Running from approximately 10am – 4pm, including talks from healthcare professionals and patient experiences, a dedicated space for carers and loved ones and an exhibition to explore!

Online registration for this event has now closed but please contact supportline@sarcoma.org.uk if you would like to attend.

Registration Now Closed

Bristol – DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol South

Located on the B3133, 4 miles from the M5 motorway (junction 20&21) and just 1 mile from Yatton Railway Station, with Bristol International Airport only 5 miles away. Free parking available at venue.

If a taxi from Yatton Station to the venue is required, please book in advance.

Professor Robert Thomas is a NHS Consultant Oncologist at Addenbrooke’s and Bedford Cambridge University Hospitals. He is also a Clinical Teacher at Cambridge University, a regular health journalist for the DailyMail and National World News, a Professor of sport and Nutritional science at the University of Bedfordshire. He was recently appointed head of Integrative Oncology for The Royal London Hospital for Integrative Medicine

He also leads a Lifestyle and Cancer Research Unit which designs and conducts national studies that evaluate the impact of lifestyle on cancer.

This talk will highlight the evidence for self-care, lifestyle and nutritional strategies which aim to help well-being and improve outcomes after cancer.

Dr Naomi Carson is a Histopathologist at the North Bristol NHS Trust and will be talking about the histopathology of sarcoma tumours and diagnostic challenges.

Stephen – Stephen was diagnosed with a myxofibrosarcoma in 2022, resulting in the amputation of his left arm. Stephen will present his story entitled, ‘Only one way back’.

Zoe Walker – Zoe is a Macmillan Radiotherapy Late Effects Radiographer at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre. Zoe will be discussing ‘Late Effects of Cancer Treatment’.

Andy French – Andy is the Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Sarcoma UK and will be delivering a talk on the ‘State of the Nation Review – Spotlight on Early Diagnosis’

Dr Veronica Wilshere is a Clinical Psychologist with the Living Well Cancer Psychology Team at the North Bristol Trust. Veronica’s talk will be centred around ‘Living with the Fear of Recurrence’. Veronica will also be present in the supporters lounge to chat to the loved ones of individuals affected by sarcoma.

Lisa Hall was diagnosed with Dedifferentiated Condrosarcoma in July 2019, resulting in a Left Forequarter Amputation in January 2020. “A life changing experience on every level”.
Lisa will be part of the bone sarcoma panel, also chairing the afternoon session.

Caroline will be joining us to create a live visual record of our day together. If you have things to say or views to express, she’d love to hear them so she can include as many of your voices as possible in the illustration.

At heart, Caroline is a sense maker and storyteller. Working as one of Inky Thinking’s graphic recorders and illustrators, Caroline helps people to find and share their stories in a visually impactful and engaging way.

Justas Stanislovas is a 1st year PhD student at UCL Cancer Institute working under the supervision of Dr Lucia Cottone and Dr Maria Secrier; focusing on understanding the mechanisms governing chemoresistance in osteosarcoma and how they may be overcome to improve treatment response.

Previously Justas has worked in research labs at the University of York and Barts Cancer Institute exploring membrane trafficking mechanisms. He holds an MSc in Cancer & Molecular and Cellular Biology and a BSc in Biomedical Sciences from QMUL.

Justas will be presenting on a ‘A Day in the Life of a PhD Student’.

Dr Lucia Cottone is a Bone Cancer Research Trust Early Career Fellow, Junior Group Leader at the University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute.

After a PhD in cancer immunology at San Raffaele University (Milano, Italy), she joined the group of Prof. Adrienne Flanagan at UCL where she developed an interest in the biology of bone cancer. Here, she established in vitro models of disease to study the epigenetic regulation of chordoma, a rare tumour of the spine, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of giant cell tumour of the bone.

In 2023 she was awarded a Fellowship to pursue her research interest in bonce cancer, with a focus on osteosarcoma. Her research revolves around three main areas with the overall aim of increasing therapeutic options for this disease: developing novel patient-near experimental models, exploring the molecular processes underpinning chemoresistance, and identifying novel therapeutic combinations using drug screening approaches.

Lucia will be part of the bone sarcoma expert panel.

Becky Peach has worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist within the Bristol Soft Tissue Sarcoma Service for almost 9 years. Prior to that, Becky worked in plastics surgery and burns care, where she was a Senior Ward Nurse, which prepared her well for supporting patients through the complexities of surgical resection of soft tissue sarcomas and through rehabilitation.

Becky will be part of the soft tissue expert panel, also chairing the morning session.

Jayne Masters is a Specialist Physiotherapist (Sarcoma Pathways) at the North Bristol NHS Trust. Jayne will be part of the bone sarcoma panel and will be available in the exhibition area to answer questions relating to rehabilitation.

Mike David is a Benefits Advisor at Maggies in South Wales. Michael will be available in the exhibition area to answer questions and provide advice.

Roger Wilson CBE Since being diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma in 1999, Roger has undergone ten operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, including a lower leg amputation in 2007 and two thoracic metastectomy operations in 2013.
Three years after his diagnosis, Roger and his wife Sheelagh started work on what would become Sarcoma UK. Initially a hub of sarcoma information, the increasing number of patients and carers becoming involved meant it grew to provide a wider range of services. This included helping to start the British Sarcoma Group (BSG), the educational charity of the specialist doctors, in 2005 and Sarcoma Patients Euronet (now Sarcoma Patients Advocacy Global Network SPAGN) the worldwide association of sarcoma patient groups in 2009. In 2010 Sarcoma UK was relaunched with its base in London.
Roger’s own journey has involved working as a patient representative across cancer. He had the privilege of working with Professor Sir Mike Richards, the former National Cancer Director, as a member of his Advisory Board for five years. Roger has a special interest in research, has been a member of the NCRI Board and chaired the national patient group in research. He has been active with NICE developing guidance for treatment of sarcoma and more recently with MHRA helping develop patient involvement in medicines regulation.
Roger continues to work as a patient advocate and believes that the more we can empower patients to speak out, the better we can make the landscape for all patients. He currently works with a range of organisations and academic research groups.

Roger will be part of the soft tissue expert panel, also chairing the morning session.

Mike Parry is a Consultant Orthopaedic Oncologist at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham, specialising in orthopaedic oncology and primary and revision lower limb arthroplasty. He took up his role in 2015 having previously worked under the guidance and supervision of Professor Robert Grimer.

Mike will be part of the bone sarcoma panel.

Exhibitors

Sarcoma UK Team

Support – Carly McDonald, Helen Stradling, Ben Casey, Jo Gronow, Sam Hackett

Research – Sorrel Bickley, Emily Williams

Policy and Public Affairs – Andy French

Fundraising – Emma Delin, Kibibi Glover-Watts

Communications – Isabella Montefusco, Mark Bhagwandin

Involvement Network Member – Lisa Hall

Guests

Jayne Masters – Specialist Physiotherapist, North Bristol NHS Trust

Mike David – Benefits Advisor, Maggie’s

Janey Barrett – Wellbeing Lead, Penny Brohn UK

Sarcoma Support Group Leaders

Lorraine Love – Glasgow

Jenny Walters – Plymouth

Debi Hurst – Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma Online Forum

Karen Delin – London, Gynaecological email forum

Magdalena is a holistic therapist based in Bristol and founder of Rising Crow Holistic Therapies. She offers gentle, restorative treatments that support deep relaxation and nervous system balance.
Magdalena specialises in foot reflexology, therapeutic face and head massage, and sound healing using gongs, crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, as well as sacred drumming.

At the Community Day, she will be offering mini reflexology and relaxing hand massages, alongside a calming sound journey designed to bring ease, stillness, and a sense of inner spaciousness.

Basia is a certified holistic therapist, yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner, who is passionate about helping others on their path towards inner peace and well-being.
Drawing on mindfulness, breathwork, and energy flow principles, Basia is committed to creating a safe and nurturing space for clients to unwind, release tension, and find peace within themselves.
Through gentle touch, soothing movement, and therapeutic techniques, Basia aims to provide a holistic approach to healing that addresses each individual’s physical and emotional aspects.
Basia is honoured to be able to guide clients through their healing journeys. By integrating the ancient wisdom of the East with the modern tools of Western science, she strives to address the root causes of anxiety and stress. Basia’s ultimate goal is to empower others to find balance, harmony, and peace within themselves so they can live their lives with greater ease and joy.

At the Community Day, she will be providing mini massages.

Nicole Langdon is the Operations Assistant at Sarcoma UK and is also a trained Reiki and Reflexology Practitioner herself. Nicole will be on hand in the therapies room to support and answer questions.

To help you plan your day, please take a look at our programme.
Please note this is subject to change.

Bristol Programme

Venue: Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel

Running from approximately 10am – 4pm, including talks from healthcare professionals and patient experiences, a dedicated space for carers and loved ones and an exhibition to explore!

Marion Oliver graduated with a degree in psychology and went on to train as a Clinical Psychologist. Marion has spent her entire professional life working for the NHS in the area of Adult Mental Health.
Marion is a volunteer for a number of organisations, both local and national. In particular, she works on the helpline for Gist Cancer UK, an organisation dear to her heart as she was diagnosed with a GIST over 18 years ago.

Marion will cover the session around ‘Living with the Fear of Recurrence’.