The following blog post has been written by Megan Darroch, one of the Leeds Cancer Awareness ‘Digital Health Ambassadors’.

How being a ‘Digital Health Ambassador’ for Leeds Cancer Awareness has changed my life.

Volunteering with Leeds Cancer Awareness has been a journey of discovery, not only for me. By sharing the posts, blogs and other informative pieces with others on Facebook it has shown people that cancer doesn’t just affect one demographic. It can affect anyone at any age and at any point in their life.

By spreading awareness and opening conversations on this area, it will reduce the misunderstanding and loneliness that comes with going through this; for individuals and for their families.

In my life I have dealt with the devastating blow that cancer can cause. I have lost my grandparents to cancer. Experiencing how cancer can go missed, I understand the complexity and the nature of the disease, the importance of coming together to fight cancer and supporting those affected. Alongside promoting a safe space to learn for young people and others within society.

Getting involved with this project and the work it carries out on a daily basis is without a doubt the best opportunity I have been given. The support I have received has been impeccable. I have felt able to get involved with an array of activities, from my role as ‘Digital Health Ambassador’ to promoting the project to my peers at university, writing blogs, and producing content to inspire other young people to join in and support the cause.

All too often cancer is an umbrella term and cancer patients are seen as simply that. We need to dig deeper and support individuals who are suffering from different types, from pancreatic to more rare forms such as Hodgkin Lymphoma. During the pandemic I was frustrated at the lack of awareness being spread such as: Documentaries or educational resources that were produced surrounding cancer. But by supporting Leeds Cancer Awareness we work together to change this, but surely the government and other agencies need to ask themselves what more can be done to support these people during a global crisis and beyond.

I understand this year has been difficult for everyone in different ways but with funding cuts, job losses and another lockdown. We need to ask ourselves are we doing enough to help?

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and need support, visit Leeds Community Healthcare.

Information should be readily available including core signs to look out for, that’s what I love about Leeds Cancer Awareness. They promote key signs and symptoms in ways that are inclusive and accessible to all. Ensuring that people can receive the support they deserve.

It Could Save a Life.

Please do consider supporting the work of Leeds Cancer Awareness even taking 2 minutes of your day to read a post, share it, or acknowledge the signs and symptoms which can be life changing.

Special thank you to our guest blogger Megan, for taking the time to write this blog post.

The content of this blog has been written by Megan Darroch and is representative of their views not the views of Leeds Cancer Awareness.

Other Resources

To learn more about Leeds Cancer Awareness and about volunteering opportunities, visit Leeds Cancer or visit our Facebook page.

To learn more about cancer in general visit Cancer Research UK.

To become a volunteer and to learn more or if you have any questions email Megan.arundel@uni.uk.net.

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