LIFESTYLE

2016 issue 11 

Going the 

extra mile, 

WHATEVER 

IT TAKES 

FITNESS and 

LIFESTYLE 

REPORTS 

● Tackling cancer’s taboos 

● MEETING THE NEED IN THE NORTHWEST WITH 

MANCHESTER’S NEW HUB 

● The inspirational story behind Chai’s new best-seller

2016 issue 11 

Chai Cancer Care 

Together Magazine 2016 

Contents 

A Welcome Message 

When Chai was founded 26 years 

ago, no one could have imagined 

how cancer treatment, care and 

support would have changed. We are 

regularly bombarded with statistics 

about rates for diagnoses and 

survival but Chai has always focused 

on the person behind the number: the 

person we know, the person we love. 

Our services have been shaped by 

listening to each client’s needs and 

by understanding what the impact of 

a cancer diagnosis means for them 

and their loved ones on a daily basis. 

In this issue, you will witness this 

knowledge and experience in action: 

through palliative and therapeutic 

services, which address the effects 

of surgery and treatment; group and 

fitness activities that build confidence 

and health; expert advice we can 

all act on to improve our wellbeing; 

and counselling support that ensures 

clients have a place where they can 

ask the impossible questions and 

safely express their feelings. 

As we continue to respond to the 

increase in the number of people 

diagnosed with cancer, read how 

our expanded Manchester hub is 

answering the need for more support 

across the north-west. This is a 

massive boost to our ability to deliver 

services, which are now available at 

11 centres across the UK. 

We are constantly inspired by the 

community’s incredible commitment 

to Chai and I’m sure you will be 

uplifted and moved by the story of 

one family’s remarkable fundraising 

project. With no statutory funding, 

the delivery of our services depends 

on the loyalty and generosity of 

our much-appreciated donors, 

committees and supporters, and we 

count ourselves truly blessed. 

Thank you for continuing to keep 

Chai in your hearts. 

Louise Hager 

Chairman 

4 Ahead of the curve 

Cancer survival rates are increasing but so 

is the need for support. Chief Executive, 

Lisa Steele reports 

6 Chai’s northern powerhouse 

Answering an urgent need – 

our Manchester centre is 

expanding 

8 Circle of Light Dinner 

– Manchester 

Chai’s northern supporters turn out in 

force to show their commitment 

10 Cancer prevention, 

society and you 

Professor Peter Sasieni on 

simple lifestyle changes that 

can make a difference 

12 Let’s talk taboos 

There’s no need to stay silent about how 

cancer has affected you – we’re here 

with advice and understanding 

16 Shared benefits 

New group activities at 

the flagship centre include 

guided meditation, and 

knitting for the novice or 

the experienced 

17 Service spotlight: 

Pet therapy 

Discover who’s delivering 

unconditional love, on four legs 

18 A plateful of love 

How Colin Lehmann inspired 

his family to write a 

cookbook to support Chai 

19 Special section: 

25th anniversary 

Circle of Light Dinner 

– London 

The night we celebrated a landmark 

event in Chai’s history 

24 Lymphoma therapy update 

Genetic advances are revolutionising 

treatments for blood cancer. 

Dr Christopher McNamara 

26 Believing in better 

Chai benefactors Andrew and Orly 

Wolfson on why they like organisations 

that disrupt and redefine the status quo 

28 The F Factor 

Exercise is indisputably 

important for our health and 

wellbeing – Chai can help 

clients regain their fitness 

CHAI CANCER CARE 

Requests the pleasure of your company at 

The 2016 Natalie Shipman Memorial Lecture 

31 Service spotlight: manual 

lymphatic drainage update 

Treatment for lymphoedema is now more 

effective thanks to new equipment 

32 Chai Calendar 

Catch up on all the activities, talks and 

events that have helped Chai deliver 

its services 

35 Chai Challenges You! 

Sign up for an exhilarating 24-hour 

fundraising adventure in the Lake District 

36 You’re amazing! 

Thanks to everyone for the 

ingenious ways they raised 

money for Chai in 

the past 12 months 

39 How you make the 

difference/ 

Ways to give 

How we supported three 

generations through a 

cancer diagnosis. 

Plus, easy ways to 

donate to Chai 

Going the 

extra mile, 

WHATEVER 

IT TAKES 

FITNESS and 

LIFESTYLE 

REPORTS 

President 

The Rt. Hon. Lord Young of 

Graffham CH DL 

Founder Presidents 

Susan Shipman 

Frances Winegarten z’l 

Chairman 

Louise Hager 

Chief Executive 

Lisa Steele 

Trustees 

Louise Hager 

Jonathan Hodes 

Lady Kalms MBE 

Susan Shipman 

Dr Adrian Tookman 

Philip Weinstein 

Lord Young CH DL 

Honorary Patrons 

Maureen Lipman CBE 

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis 

Medical Patrons 

Prof Michael Baum 

Prof Michael Brada 

Dr Rachel Craig 

Prof Michael Douek 

Prof Andrew Eder 

Prof Rosalind Eeles 

Dr Ian Ellis 

Mr Daren Francis 

Miss Joanna Franks 

Prof Anthony Goldstone CBE 

Prof Daniel Hochhauser 

Prof Gordon Jayson 

Mr Amir Kaisary 

Dr David Landau 

Prof Jonathan Ledermann 

Dr Jane Neerkin 

Prof Gordon Rustin 

Prof Karol Sikora 

Prof Albert Singer 

Prof Stephen Spiro 


Advisory Board 

Brian Brick 

Jo Coleman 

Alan Fell 

Jonathan Freedman 

Michael Glass 

Diane Kenwood 

Alexandra Maurice 

Robert Prevezer 

Marc Samuels 


Understanding Cancer’s Complexity – 

its implications for the future of new 

drug treatments 

Keynote Speaker: 

Professor Charles Swanton, 

Professor of Cancer Medicine, 

University College London Hospitals 

and Cancer Institute and Senior Group 

Leader, The Francis Crick Institute 

Date: Tuesday 6th December 2016 

Doors open: 7pm 

Lecture begins: 7.30pm 


142-146 Great North Way 

London NW4 1EH 

Admission free, by ticket only 

Please call 020 8202 2211 to 

reserve a place 

● Tackling cancer’s taboos 

● MEETING THE NEED IN THE NORTHWEST WITH 

MANCHESTER’S NEW HUB 

● The inspirational story behind Chai’s new best-seller 

This edition of together is generously 

sponsored by The Emmes Foundation 

Editor: Deborah Wald 

Design: Creative & Commercial 

© Chai Cancer Care 2016 

Cover: Chai’s MAMILs (middle-aged 

men in lycra) on the London to Paris 

bike ride. See p37 for the full story 

2 3 

Chai Cancer Care Together 2016 Chai Cancer Care

Chai Cancer Care Together Magazine 2016 

AHEAD 

of the curve 

Back in the 1970s and for much 

of the 80s, too, the idea that a 

person would need help and support 

to get their life back on track after 

cancer treatment wasn’t commonplace. 

Little attention was paid to long-term 

quality of life issues for the person who 

survived. It was enough just to have got 

through it, never mind the continuing 

impact on the patient or their family. 

Earlier this year, Macmillan published 

Cancer: then and now, a report on 

diagnosis, treatment and aftercare from 

1970-2016. There was positive news 

within: people are now twice as likely 

to survive at least 10 years after being 

diagnosed with cancer as they were 

at the start of the 1970s. More than 

170,000 people diagnosed with cancer 

in the 70s and 80s are alive today. 

Currently, 2.5 million people are living 

with cancer in the UK and by 2030, 

that figure will reach at least 4 million. 

A complex transition 

These ‘good’ statistics, and the 

implications for the future of cancer 

care detailed in Macmillan’s report, are 

not news to Chai. We have long been 

aware that the combination of medical 

and wellbeing advances, and an ageing 

population mean that today cancer is 

often a chronic rather than a terminal 

condition. But, like Macmillan, we 

also frequently hear people talk of 

having ‘fallen off a cliff’ as they try 

to adjust to the complex emotional 

and physical after-effects of cancer 

treatment. For example, a person living 

with or beyond cancer may suffer 

other illnesses, such as diabetes, heart 

problems or kidney disease. They may 

experience nerve pain (neuropathy), 

fatigue, digestive and bowel problems, 

which result in enduring day-to-day life 

changes. Even when cancer leaves no 

permanent physical changes, a person 

may feel differently about their body. 

Chai helps clients deal with the impact 

of the many physical and psychological 

changes with therapeutic treatments, 

nutritional advice, physiotherapy, 

fitness and body image support as well 

as through our Medical Outpatient 

Rehabilitation and Palliative Care and 

Clinic, which opened in 2011. 

How we approach the care of cancer patients 

and their families is changing dramatically. 

As we understand more about the impact of 

a diagnosis, Chai’s leads the way. 

By Chief Executive Lisa Steele 

“Cancer changes 

relationship dynamics. 

Our services address 

the physical and 

psychological impact 

of these changes” 

The shift towards cancer survival 

does not however mean we are any 

less focused on supporting those who 

are facing a less positive outcome, 

nor less aware of the family members 

whose lives are also deeply affected – 

in fact 40% of our clients are not the 

patient. Cancer changes relationship 

dynamics as roles are reversed, familiar 

activities are put on hold and economic 

pressures build. Our services address 

the impact of these changes. We 

provide individual, couples and family 

counselling, as well as art and music 

therapy for those who find it difficult 

to articulate their feelings in a usual 

counselling setting. A specialist advisor 

can help clients with form-filling in 

order to claim benefits, including those 

that are non-means tested. Chai can 

also refer clients to agencies that offer 

practical support or volunteers to help 

ease everyday pressures: cooking, 

keeping on top of bills, shopping, 

picking the children up from school… 

And if there is a bereavement, Chai 

continues to provide services for as 

long as they are needed. 

In its 26 years, since Chai began 

operating as a telephone information 

and helpline service, it has pioneered 

innovative responses. Just one example 

is our ‘Chai in Schools’ programme, 

which brings counsellors and therapists 

into the school environment to support 

pupils who are affected by a diagnosis 

in their family. It also gives teachers 

essential training in how best to deal 

with and respond to the challenges 

these youngsters are experiencing. 

We foresee pressure on this service 

increasing as, sadly, more young 

parents are diagnosed. Just one day 

recently saw 10 children from three 

families register with us. 

The expansion of our premises in 

Manchester could not be more timely 

and enables us to significantly add to 

the range and number of services that 

will be of benefit to clients across the 

north-west region. At the same time, 

our Home Support Service continues 

to bring vital services to those who are 

too unwell to come to us or live far 

from a satellite. 

Predicting the need 

Chai has always strived to stay ahead 

of the curve and the Macmillan report 

highlights services we already provide 

as vital to address the challenges of the 

“Chai now provides 

upwards of 50 different 

services, across a 

nationwide network of 

satellites and hubs” 

future. For though the the years ahead 

contain many positive predictions, our 

infographic, below, illustrates the surge 

in need going forward. By 2020, we are 

looking at fulfilling upwards of 20,000 

NUMBER OF CLIENTS AND APPOINTMENTS OVER THE YEARS 

client appointments – with all that 

implies for the running costs we will 

have to find. 

Whatever the developments in cancer 

care, the one constant that does not 

change is the impact a diagnosis has on 

the patient and their family. We need 

to reach more people and let them 

know about Chai’s services. We need 

to overcome any remaining taboos 

about seeking support – it takes just 

one phone call or email to access our 

multi-levelled support. To meet our 

clients’ many and diverse needs, Chai 

now provides upwards of 50 different 

services, across a nationwide network 

of care hubs and satellites. 

I am hugely conscious of the task Chai 

has up ahead and immensely proud of 

the teams of counsellors and therapists, 

client services managers, volunteers 

and medical advisors who are dedicated 

to delivering these services with such 

empathy, care and professionalism. ■ 

Just 10 years ago, Chai was supporting almost 400 clients. That figure will exceed 4,000 in a little over three years. 

The increase in diagnoses, along with the more complex care needs of clients means 

an inexorable rise in demand for services, with appointments reaching almost 20,000 by 2020. 

2006 2011 2015 2020 

Number of active clients to the nearest 100 Number of appointments to the nearest 100 

4 5 



THERAPY 

ROOM 

FAMILY 

Chai’s northern 

POWERHOUSE 

With an expansion 

of its presence in 

Manchester, Chai 

can now give clients 

across the north-west 

an unparalleled level 

of expert support and 

care. We take a look 

at the exciting new 

development 

Statistics can be impersonal things. 

When one hears the number of people 

diagnosed with cancer is rising – more 

than 1000 every day by the end of 2016* 

– it doesn’t always mean anything… 

until you, a member of your family, or 

a friend becomes one of those statistics. 

The rise in diagnoses is sharply reflected 

in the need for Chai’s services in the 

north-west. Since its first satellite in 

North Manchester in 2009, three more 

have launched in order to keep pace with 

demand: in South Manchester in 2010, 

Liverpool in 2012 and Leeds in 2013. 

Based in just three rooms in the 

Heathlands Village in North Manchester, 

Building for the future in Manchester: l-r, 

Sharie Morrison, office administrator; Johanne Harrison, 

client service manager, Lewis Harris, physiotherapist 

and supplemented by home visits, Chai 

has achieved big and small miracles and 

now supports more than 340 clients across 

the region. But that doesn’t tell the full 

story. Chai’s impact ripples far wider 

than this core number to a much bigger 

circle of friends and family. Manchester 

is the fastest growing community outside 

London and the need for Chai’s services 

is increasing every day. The recent 

refurbishment of the existing site has 

afforded it the chance to fulfil its ambition 

to open a purpose-built centre right where 

it is needed most. It sees a dramatic 

increase in footage to half an entire floor 

and gives Chai the space to provide a 

broader scope of services to many more 

*Macmillan, 2015 

people. The mutual respect that exists 

between Chai and its landlords, 

The Fed (The Federation of Jewish 

Services), ensures both organisations 

retain their distinct identities, 

independence and most importantly, 

the confidence of clients using Chai. 

Chief Executive Lisa Steele explains 

the thinking behind the expansion. 

‘Chai’s reputation for providing a 

highly professional service delivered 

from the heart now has the potential 

to do much more. This will be a place 

where clients can come to escape the 

world of medical appointments and 

treatment, where they will feel safe 

and supported in a calm and soothing 

environment, and where everything 

is focused on their needs.’ Clients can 

attend for a single appointment, of 

course, but may take the opportunity to 

stay on and benefit from other services 

available: a counselling session, 

therapeutic treatment or group activity, 

for example, music or art workshops. 

Those living further afield in south 

Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds may 

FACILITIES AT CHAI’S 

MANCHESTER 

CENTRE WILL NOW 

INCLUDE: 

• 3 counselling rooms 

• 3 therapy rooms 

• A family counselling room 

• Fitness suite 

• Therapy kitchen 

• Children’s play/art/music 

therapy room 

• Group activities room 

We’re creating 

a place where 

clients can come 

to escape the 

world of medical 

appointments 

and treatment” 

also decide to book appointments on 

days when other scheduled activities 

are taking place. (Volunteers provide 

transport for anyone needing it.) 

‘We know from feedback at the 

London flagship centre that Chai 

can be a pivot for the person’s week, 

providing a positive focus,’ says Lisa. 

‘It’s where they can be themselves 

with no pretence. Meeting, sharing 

experiences and information, and 

even laughing with others who have 

that bond of understanding can be 

comforting and help to reduce the 

sense of isolation that one can feel.’ 

Many of the services that will roll out 

are in response to client requests. So 

as well as more rooms for individual 

and family counselling, there will 

be space for therapeutic groups 

including BRCA, Breast Buddies, 

Prostate, bereavement and carers 

support. Physical activities such as 

gentle movement, Pilates, yoga, and a 

fully-equipped gym, will be offered. 

To address the dramatic rise in young 

parents being diagnosed with cancer, 

priority has been given to an area 

for creative therapies – art, music, 

play – which are so vital in helping 

children and young adults work 

through their feelings. While their 

child is in their session, the parent can 

have counselling, a complementary 

therapy, or simply relax. And to 

help clients adjust to changed eating 

patterns, a nutritionist will host oneto-one 

and group nutritional advice 

sessions in a new therapy kitchen. 

Of course, the realisation of this 

‘northern powerhouse of care’ comes 

at a price – the running costs are 

£450,000 a year – all dependent on 

donations. The Manchester ‘Circle of 

Light’ dinner held in June went some 

way to covering the first year’s costs 

(see p8 for the evening’s highlights). 

Johanne Harrison, who has been 

Manchester’s client services manager 

for six years says, ‘Our hope is that 

our new presence will encourage 

more people to seek us out. We 

want to raise awareness and word 

of mouth is very successful in doing 

that. As a result of the Manchester 

dinner in June, more clients have 

come forward and have started using 

our services. This is an exciting move 

for Chai – and it’s a privilege to be 

able to make a bigger difference to 

the lives of all those who need us.’ ■ 

It’s a privilege 

to be able to 

make a bigger 

difference to the 

lives of all those 

who need us” 

FITNESS SUITE 

6 7 



Michelle & David Haffner 

THE Manchester 

CIRCLE OF LIGHT DINNER 

Michael & Jacky Edelson 

David & Julia Eventhall, Robert & Sally Levy 

Sally & 

Michael Cohen 

Andrew & 

Michelle Kingsley 

Marion & 

Alan Dobkin 

Jacky & Anthony Lyons 

Pamela & Brian Samuels 

Carol, Maxine & Stuart Marks 

David & 

Michelle Rothburn 

Richard & 

Michelle Deacon 

Karen Phillips 

& Lynne Attias 

The reason was the launch of the new 

Chai Cancer Care centre in North 

Manchester: the occasion in June, a 

fundraising dinner, only the second in 

Manchester in five years. Speaking to 

470 guests at the Hilton, Deansgate, 

Louise Hager recalled that when Chai 

answered the community’s call for its 

cancer support services in 2009, there 

were just seven clients. Currently, more 

than 340 cancer patients and their loved 

ones are benefitting from their services 

and with satellites in south Manchester, 

Leeds and Liverpool, it continues to 

respond to the region’s growing need. 

In his welcome speech, Stuart Marks 

described Chai as the ‘northern 

powerhouse of cancer care,’ adding, 

‘We need to ensure that we give all those 

affected by a cancer diagnosis and their 

families a place to go here in our city 

that will match everything that gives 

Chai in London its global reputation 

as the leader in supportive cancer care.’ 

The new hub will provide expanded 

and innovative services to deal with 

long-term complexities, and offer vital 

support to the families of young parents 

diagnosed with cancer. 

Thanking the table hosts for achieving a 

capacity-filled room, Louise reminded 

guests that Chai’s services are funded 

entirely by donations and paid tribute to 

the generosity, enthusiasm and support 

of Gabrielle and Mark Adlestone, and 

The Fed, in helping this vital project 

come to fruition. 

After watching a hugely moving film 

testimony from two Manchester-born 

Chai clients, Elliot and Tara, guests 

pledged an astonishing £275,000 

towards the centre’s £450,000 annual 

running costs. Two former Chai 

Manchester clients, Jane Mechlowitz 

and Michal Mocton gave the vote 

of thanks and guests enjoyed some 

dazzling big band entertainment. ■ 

Amanda Adshead, Michal Mocton, 

Jane Mechlowitz, Lisa Steele, LisaCohen 

-Binder, Louise Hager, Clare Spieler 

Daliah and David Mechlowitz 

Reba & Bernard Tury 

Tania & 

Leonard Seitler 

Sue & Neville Johnson 

Gilly & Max Moryoussef 

Susan & Andrew Terry 

Danny & Noemie Lopian 

Eli & Estee Pine 

Geoff & 

Marcelle Kuhillow 

Andrew Sciama, Phil Hodari, 

Robert & Lecia Simon Andrew & Karen Chaytow Jack Shalom, Anthony Davis 

Mark & Gabrielle Adlestone 

8 9 

Chai Cancer Care Together 2016 Chai Cancer Care 

Photography: Rob Clayton


Cancer prevention, 

society and you 

Unless society takes some radical measures, 50% of us 

will get cancer. Even for a ‘glass half full’ person, that’s 

a sobering statistic. But it’s within our power to change 

the odds, says Professor Peter Sasieni 

Peter Sasieni is Professor 

of Biostatistics and 

Cancer Epidemiology 

in the Wolfson Institute 

of Preventive Medicine 

at Queen Mary 

University of London. 

He is Director of the Cancer Research UK 

funded Cancer Prevention Trials Unit, 

and Vice Director of the Department of 

Health’s Policy Research Unit in Cancer 

Awareness, Screening and Early Diagnosis. 

Professor Sasieni’s research encompasses 

both cancer screening and prevention (with 

particular interest in cervical cancer), as 

well as the design and analysis of clinical 

trials. He has contributed to more than 200 

scientific publications and sits on a number 

of advisory and grant award committees. 

Theoretically, we could prevent 

nearly two-thirds of all cancers. A 

realistic challenge would be to prevent 

one-third by 2035 – that would mean 

over 100,000 fewer people getting 

cancer each year in the UK. 

Cancer prevention takes place at three 

levels: society needs to change the 

social and economic factors that affect 

lifestyles; individuals need to adopt 

healthy behaviours; and safe clinical 

interventions need to be offered to 

those at greatest risk. Many people 

assume that we can only prevent 

cancers that are linked to modifiable 

behavioural and environmental factors, 

but there is much that can be done 

medically, even for those with a genetic 

predisposition to cancer. 

HELP FOR SMOKERS 

Tobacco smoking is the most 

important risk factor for cancer, 

responsible for more than 60,000 UK 

cancers each year (19.4% of all 

cancers). It is not enough to simply tell 

smokers they should stop. Society 

needs to help prevent teenagers from 

starting and to offer support to adults 

to quit. Increased pricing (through 

taxation) has been extremely effective 

over the years in reducing 

consumption. Banning advertising, 

particularly those which are aimed 

at children, is both morally right 

and an effective measure. Outlawing 

smoking in enclosed public spaces 

and standardised tobacco packaging 

legislation also play a role in changing 

attitudes so that smoking is no longer 

viewed as socially acceptable. 

Tobacco control also means supporting 

individuals who want to quit. There 

have been great advances in both the 

advice and psychological strategies 

and the pharmacological options 

(e.g. nicotine patches) offered by 

stop-smoking services and these 

significantly increase the likelihood of 

quitting. Electronic or e-cigarettes offer 

a revolutionary approach that may 

have a dramatic impact on cancer risk. 

Although controversial, e-cigarettes are 

undoubtedly much safer than tobacco 

smoking. Many smokers find it easier 

to switch to vaping (e-cigarettes) 

than quitting, and the introduction 

of e-cigarettes has not led to more 

children lighting up. E-cigarettes could 

have a major role to play in preventing 

many of the 60,000 cancers currently 

caused by smoking. 

HEALTHY – THE 

DEFAULT CHOICE 

Other behavioural factors 

important in the prevention 

of cancer include poor diet 

(accounting for 9.4% of all cancers 

in the UK); being overweight and 

obesity (5.5%); alcohol (4.0%) 

and lack of exercise (1.0%). As 

with smoking, more needs to be 

done, both by society to encourage 

individuals to default to healthy 

choices and by each person to 

take responsibility for their own 

behaviours. Schools can provide 

children with healthy food and 

make it difficult to buy unhealthy 

options. Similarly, more should 

be done in our communities to 

consider what we eat and drink at 

social occasions. The new sugar 

tax to be introduced in the UK is 

welcome, but it will only work if 

there is a price differential between 

taxed and un-taxed products. 

“More needs to be 

done to encourage 

individuals to 

default to healthy 

choices” 

In case you are wondering 

what constitutes a healthy diet 

(for cancer prevention), you 

should have at least five portions 

of vegetables and fruit each 

day; avoid red and particularly 

processed meat; eat plenty of 

fibre; and reduce your salt intake. 

If you don’t already exercise, 

taking half an hour of moderate 

exercise at least five times per 

week could reduce your risk 

of bowel cancer by 25%. 

VACCINATION GAINS 

Clinical interventions to prevent 

cancer may either be offered to 

the whole population or targeted 

at particular high-risk groups. 

The most successful population 

intervention is the human 

papillomavirus (HPV) 

vaccination. HPV is an extremely 

common infection that 

occasionally causes cervical 

cancer (and certain other cancers 

too). Vaccination against the two 

most important cancer-causing 

strains of HPV is already offered 

to 12- to13-year-old girls and a 

new vaccine that prevents an 

additional five strains of the virus 

has been licensed. These safe, 

effective, vaccines could almost 

eliminate cancers of the cervix, 

anus, and tonsils. It is unfortunate 

that in some circles there is poor 

uptake of the vaccine and this 

could lead to avoidable cases of 

cervical cancer in the future. 

SIMPLE AND 

SURGICAL OPTIONS 

Aspirin could have a substantial 

impact on preventing cancer. 

Someone aged 50 could reduce 

their risk of cancer by about 5% 

by taking a mini-aspirin daily 

for 15, years with minimal sideeffects. 

Continuing after the age 

of 65 might prevent up to 9% 

of cancers, though it would be 

associated with a greater risk of 

serious side-effects. Other drugs 

(e.g. tamoxifen and aromatase 

inhibitors) reduce the risk of 

breast cancer by 30-50%, but 

are associated with side-effects 

so are only recommended for 

women at elevated risk. 

Finally, surgery can be used 

to prevent cancer in those at 

extreme risk. Following the 

experience of Angelina Jolie, 

there is greater awareness of 

the use of mastectomy (breast 

removal) and oophorectomy 

(ovary removal) in women 

with genetic mutations (such as 

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations 

which are more common in 

Ashkenazi women) for breast 

and ovarian cancer. Major 

surgery is also used in individuals 

with a certain genetic condition 

that puts them at extremely 

high risk of bowel cancer. The 

more common use of ‘surgery’ 

is to remove pre-cancers found 

on either cervical or bowel 

screening. In both cases this 

can usually be done as an 

out-patient procedure without 

a general anaesthetic and is 

extremely effective. Cervical 

screening has been attributed 

with preventing 80% of cervical 

cancers in regular attendees and 

the bowel scope screening could 

have a similarly dramatic impact 

on cancers in the lower part of 

the bowel. ■ 

The next leap 

forward: take 

responsibility 

• Eat healthily 

and undertake 

moderate 

exercise several 

times a week 

• Try to maintain 

a healthy weight 

• If you smoke, try 

vaping instead 

• Encourage your 

daughters to 

get vaccinated 

against HPV 

• Take advantage 

of bowel scope 

and cervical 

screening 

• Seek professional 

advice if you 

have a strong 

family history 

of cancer 

• Discuss taking 

aspirin with 

your GP 

10 11 




While cancer may no 

longer be life limiting, it 

can be life changing. The 

side effects of cancer can 

be difficult to cope with, let 

alone talk about. Both the 

patient and their family 

can break the silence, with 

support from Chai 

LET’S 

There are a lot of elephants in the room 

for a person with a cancer diagnosis, 

as well as for their loved ones. Sometimes 

a subject is so sensitive it is very difficult 

to raise. Or it may seem trivial compared 

to cancer itself. Family members may feel 

guilty – and stay silent, therefore – about 

their own anxieties. After all, they’re not 

the one with cancer. 

‘Patients mostly want to be asked about their 

possible concerns rather than bring them up 

themselves,’ says Dr Rachel Craig, Consultant 

in Palliative Care Medicine who runs the 

Chai Medical Outpatient Rehabilitation and 

Palliative Care Service in collaboration with 

the Royal Free Hospital and Marie Curie 

Hospice. Many of the taboos for both men 

and women relate to body image, caused 

by the physical and psychological impact of 

surgery and treatment. ‘These changes can 

make a person feel a great sense of loss and 

disorientation as their notion of themselves 

alters,’ explains Rachel. ‘It’s important to 

ask questions and to accept how difficult it 

is for the patient. Living with cancer, or after 

treatment, is not the same as living prior to a 

diagnosis and people need help to find their 

“new normality”. Chai offers a space for these 

taboo conversations to take place.’ 

BREAST SURGERY AND 

MASTECTOMY 

taboos 

The reasons for breast surgery include not 

only being diagnosed with cancer, but also 

preventative measures against it occurring. 

‘No woman wants to hear that she needs 

breast surgery. It can make you feel you 

are losing part of your womanhood,’ 

acknowledges Jo Franks, consultant breast 

and oncoplastic surgeon and Chai medical 

patron. ‘You need time to take stock but 

the diagnosis, treatment and post-surgery 

decisions all seem to come at once.’ 

12 13 


TALK 

HAIR LOSS 

Not all chemotherapy treatment (or 

radiotherapy) causes hair loss but where it 

does, the sight of excessive amounts of 

hair on the pillow or in the shower can be 

shocking, sometimes more so than the 

cancer, surgery or treatment. ‘Our 

confidence is closely linked to how we 

look. Hair loss is a very visual sign of 

having cancer and compounds how 

emotionally exposed one feels,’ says Chai 

hairdressing consultant Simon Barker from 

Hair on Broadway in North West London. 

He sees clients at the Image Resource 

Room at Hendon. 

The patient’s own chemotherapy nurse, 

along with a Chai counsellor and image 

consultant, can give clients psychological 

support and practical ways to deal with 

hair loss. One option is to cut the hair very 

short before treatment, or to wear a soft 

hat in bed to collect falling hair. Telling 

children what’s happening prepares them 

for the changes, too, and lessens their 

bewilderment. ‘Many women will opt 

for a wig and/or scarves during hair loss, 

but everyone’s response is personal,’ says 

Simon. ‘One client shaved it all off and 

wore nothing. Her attitude was, “I’m going 

to decide whether and when I have hair or 

not.” It gave her back some control.’ 

Nursing specialists within an oncology 

team help the patient to understand 

the process of surgery and to navigate 

decisions about reconstructive 

surgery. This includes seeing photos 

of a mastectomy with and without 

reconstruction, handling implants and 

considering using their own body tissue 

(taken from the lower abdomen, back or 

‘love handles’) for the reconstruction. 

Jo feels there are psychological 

advantages to reconstructing the breast 

at the time of surgery ‘because it offers 

continuity – you go to sleep with your 

breast and you wake up with a new 

one.’ For some women, however, this is 

not always appropriate or possible, and 

their adjustment after surgery will take a 

different path. Less often acknowledged 

is breast cancer in men who are also 

confronted with the consequences of 

an altered body. Chai supports every 

client through the changes they are 

experiencing: relationship counselling 

helps individuals and couples discuss 

body image, emotional and intimacy 

issues; there is a bra-fitting service; 

manual lymphatic drainage can help 

manage the impact of lymphoedema 

(swelling) after surgery; the BRCA 

Support Group gives those at high 

risk of developing breast cancer an 

opportunity to discuss their dilemmas; 

and Breast Buddies lets clients at any 

stage of breast cancer share their feelings 

and experiences in a counsellor-led group. 

Living with 

cancer, or 

after treatment 

is not the same 

as living prior to 

a diagnosis and 

people need help 

to find their ‘new 

normality’”


STOMAS 

Some types of cancer surgery – located 

low in the bowel or in the rectum – may 

result in the need for a stoma. This is a 

surgical opening, attached to an external 

bag that collects faecal and/or urinary 

matter. The bag is fitted immediately 

post-surgery and the patient empties it 

regularly, so it’s a fast learning curve. ‘It’s 

not easy discussing the implications of a 

stoma so every colorectal cancer team has 

specialist nurses who give practical 

support to help patients overcome their 

problems,’ says Daren Francis, Consultant 

General and Colorectal Surgeon and 

Chai medical patron. 

Patient fears might include whether the 

bag is showing under clothes, taking 

part in sport, intercourse, dietary issues 

and whether it will leak or smell [many 

products protect against this]. Stoma 

nurse Sharon Ferdenzi has more than 30 

years’ experience in the colorectal nursing 

field: ‘Especially for those who didn’t feel 

ill, or who are young, it can be harder to 

accept, even though the bag has saved 

their life. It is challenging. But – and this 

is the crux – there is nothing a stoma is 

going to stop you from doing. Getting 

back to normal life activities is important. 

I encourage people to not put their life on 

hold for too long,’ says Sharon. 

At whatever point a client chooses to 

come, Chai is able to provide practical 

advice to deal with the physical 

The more 

people can 

have honest 

conversations, the 

more they will get 

the advice they 

need” 

consequences of a stoma, as well as 

counselling support, which allows 

clients to express their feelings and 

find new ways to manage their altered 

circumstances. 

INCONTINENCE 

When cancer treatment affects the pelvic 

area, incontinence may be a permanent 

after effect. ‘The bladder is a muscle and 

its role can be disturbed by surgery and 

radiotherapy. Nerve endings may be 

damaged, compromising muscle power 

while internal scar tissue can affect the 

function of the bowel, colon and rectum,’ 

explains Chai’s Gonda Lewis, who with 

Graham Silas, provides physiotherapy 

and incontinence expertise for both 

female and male clients. 

The trauma of incontinence can cause 

acute social and relationship issues, 

sometimes inhibiting sexual function, too. 

Worrying about needing the toilet can 

be overwhelming. The non-judgemental 

environment of Chai encourages people 

to seek help for their situation. ‘The more 

people can have honest conversations, 

and not shy away, the more they will 

get the advice they need,’ says Gonda. 

While this is generally easier for women, 

it comes as a huge relief for men to be 

able to talk in confidence to someone. 

‘Men are often unaware they have a 

pelvic floor,’ adds Graham. ‘I help them 

identify these muscles to start engaging 

them.’ Psychological techniques, such as 

relaxation and distraction are taught, too. 

‘We aim to find solutions that fit into a 

person’s lifestyle, so they feel physically 

comfortable to carry on with their lives.’ 

INTIMACY 

‘Any kind of cancer, and not just that 

in the prostate, testicles, breast or ovaries, 

can have an enormous psychological 

effect on sexual function,’ says Charlotte 

Simpson, couples counsellor and 

psychosexual therapist at Chai. ‘We need 

to acknowledge the losses taking place 

and how people may feel vulnerable in 

their relationships. For instance, to have 

been the breadwinner in the family and 

now be the sick person is a significant 

shift in roles. There may be guilt over a 

diminished physical relationship; fear 

of causing pain – even from a simple 

hug; and distress at the impact of 

these changes.’ 

Uptake of this specialised service at Chai 

is evidence of just how important the 

issue is. ‘When you give people a forum 

to talk about these things, the relief is 

palpable and anxiety is lifted. Working 

with a couple can help resolve relationship 

worries and discuss new ways to build 

intimacy. By starting to accept what has 

happened, people are able to feel positive 

about their body again,’ says Charlotte. 

She can also direct clients toward practical 

solutions. For instance, GPs can prescribe 

medication and aids for men and women 

to manage the problems they encounter 

after surgery and treatment. 

PROSTATE CANCER 

Life after surgery and treatment 

for prostate cancer leaves many 

men contending with a host of life 

changes, among them sexual function, 

incontinence and infertility. These are 

challenging issues that can cause deep 

anguish, fear and embarrassment, often 

compounded by their reluctance to open 

up about such sensitive topics. Chai 

counsellors can help clients express their 

feelings and aid candid conversations 

with partners. ‘It’s stifling to hold back 

these worries,’ says Charlotte Simpson. 

‘Talking allows a positive shift to 

happen.’ Alongside, building up physical 

confidence through physiotherapy and 

exercise sessions or dietary advice, can 

be a powerful way to re-establish and 

improve a person’s self-image. 

DEATH 

People might think about mortality in 

abstract terms, but grappling with the 

real prospect of death is quite different. 

‘Counsellors at Chai can facilitate these 

very sensitive and painful conversations, 

whether for an individual or between 

loved ones,’ says Chai’s Chief Executive 

Lisa Steele. ‘Not everyone wants to talk, 

however, and we are always guided 

by the client’s wishes. Even if death is 

not imminent, say, when a person is in 

remission, it is often in the background,’ 

she continues. ‘It can feel like there is a 

maze of “unspokens” going on in the 

head of each person affected. These fears 

and questions can be eased with expert 

support.’ In addition, some people may 

have religious or spiritual concerns. Chai 

can put them in touch with Rabbis who 

are particularly sensitive to clients’ needs 

at this difficult time. 

It is particularly tough when young 

children are affected, although they are 

It can feel 

like there 

is a maze of 

‘unspokens’ going 

on the head of 

each person 

affected” 

often more straightforward than adults, 

says Lisa. ‘They’ll ask, “Is Mummy/ 

Daddy going to die?” We advise parents 

to tell their children at an appropriate 

time, in language they can understand. 

It can free the parent to view events in a 

more open way.’ A response to talking 

might be to create a ‘memory box’ of 

photos, objects, recordings and letters: 

precious keepsakes for the child’s future. 

‘It takes courage,’ says Lisa, ‘but within 

a safe framework, this becomes a positive 

act for everyone involved.’ 

Chai’s support extends across the age 

groups with counselling for families, 

adults and teenagers, and art and music 

therapy for children. ‘Giving space for the 

expression of feelings is cathartic,’ says 

Lisa. ‘A person can share their wishes and 

hopes for those who remain, so comfort 

and reassurance can be shared between 

them all. However painful this is to do at 

the time, many people gain peace of mind 

knowing they have been able to say the 

things they wanted to.’ ■ 

14 15 



Shared 

benefits 

A new skill, a stress release, the support 

of others who understand… Chai’s new 

meditation and knitting groups offer 

all this and more 

If proof were needed of the value of Chai’s group 

activities, the five launched this year are it! As well as 

those featured here, Israeli dancing, table tennis and pet 

therapy are now offered. Chief Executive Lisa Steele 

says, ‘We know how much our clients benefit from Chai’s 

caring atmosphere and in an unpressurised group setting 

they can access that warmth and find new sources 

of enjoyment, when other areas of life are tough. 

The group becomes an informal but valuable part of 

a person’s support system.’ 

Knitting 

On Tuesday mornings, the knitting group gathers in the 

garden room at the flagship centre. After seeing the creative 

output of the jewellery and ceramic groups at a Chai sale, 

volunteer Norma Ellis was inspired to suggest the idea. ‘I 

learned to knit at my grandmother’s knee and I know how 

rewarding it has been for me.’ 

The group includes dyed-in-the-wool knitters as well as 

novices. Joyce is the latter: ‘I wish I’d known how to knit 

before I had cancer – it would have given me something 

Meditation 

Shelley Bloom 

In group meditation at Chai, Shelley 

Bloom helps clients find calm amid 

their stress and confusion. ‘When you’re 

having treatment and you feel your body 

has been given over to science, there’s a 

loss of control. Meditation helps rebuild 

a connection to yourself,’ she says. 

In verbally guided sessions, Shelley uses ancient nonreligious 

meditation practices, presenting breathing 

techniques, positive affirmations and visualisations. ‘It’s 

not so much about emptying the mind as being able to let 

thoughts pass through it without impacting it,’ she explains. 

‘Minds have a habit of running to the past, were we may 

ruminate about what we could have done differently in life. 

And they run to the future, towards anxiety and worry.’ 

With the aim of ‘living in the moment’, Shelley starts by 

taking clients through a breathing exercise. ‘The out breath 

always is longer because it helps release carbon dioxide, the 

less healthy part of the breath process. Exhaling, for someone 

who is locked in anxiety, can be very difficult, so helping 

clients to focus on it is very valuable.’ 

During a visualisation Shelley might ask the group to 

imagine a container and to put in it anything that feels heavy 

and burdensome to them, and then place the box outside the 

room. ‘I tell them they can pick up the box with whatever 

is in it, as they leave. The process helps people relieve 

themselves of some of the strains they are carrying.’ Client 

Sandra, says ‘Shelley creates a wonderfully encouraging 

environment, which allows everyone to develop at their 

own pace,’ while newcomer Julia adds: ‘It helps me not just 

through the day, but the whole week.’ ■ 

to do while lying in bed after 

surgery. It’s so good for stress. 

Having a focus helps take 

your mind off yourself – and 

Norma is so very patient.’ 

While Norma and fellow 

volunteer Andrea Goodmaker 

instruct, there’s tea, chat and 

an informal group therapy 

aspect as clients exchange 

information about their 

experiences. Now Norma 

has given the group the 

collective goal of making 

knitted goodies for the next 

Chai Society Gift Sale. 

Says Joyce, ‘It’s letting me 

share my new skill and give 

something back. To be able 

to make something with my 

hands that supports Chai, 

is just fantastic!’ ■ 

Animal lovers know how good 

having a pet around makes 

them feel. Now academic 

research is proving the therapeutic 

benefits for those who are not well, 

too. ‘Studies show that spending time 

with a pet can help reduce recovery 

time after surgery, lessen pain, lower 

stress levels, improve mood and make 

people feel less isolated – all factors that 

impact someone affected by a cancer 

diagnosis,’ says Chief Executive, Lisa 

Steele. ‘Pet therapy is something we 

have wanted to provide for a long time 

and with the Pets As Therapy (PAT) 

charity helping us, we’ve got the correct 

process in place.’ 

The group setting encourages adults 

and children to interact and share 

their stories in a non-threatening 

calming environment. Chair of PAT, 

Anne Cliverd, explains how a dog is 

assessed as suitable for the work. ‘We 

health-check the dog and we go on 

16 

Chai Cancer Care For more information, please call Jo Awad on 020 8457 Together 3396 2016 Chai Cancer Care 

Pet therapy new 

A furry friend: Mr Schnitz, Chai’s first pet therapy dog 

a walkabout to make sure they are 

calm, follow commands, are good with 

people, not given to excitable reactions, 

and don’t snatch food, bite or lick. 

“Clients come by after 

their treatment session 

and spend time with 

Mr Schnitz. His cuddly 

presence gets people 

talking about anything 

but cancer” 

A volunteer dog also has to be patient, 

enjoy being patted, often vigorously, 

by patients or clients and not be 

overly fussed about being handled by 

many strangers.’ PAT is well-versed in 

selecting their canine volunteers, having 

upwards of 5,000 animals on their 

nationwide books. 

Clearly Mr Schnitz is up to the job. 

His handler, Neil Samuels, was a Chai 

Meet Mr Schnitz, Chai’s four-legged 

volunteer, who is giving clients a 

way to improve their wellbeing 

client, along with his 

family, when, in 2012, 

son Alex was diagnosed 

at the age of 22, with 

non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 

Now Neil is a volunteer. 

‘Clients come by after 

their treatment or therapy 

session and spend time with 

Mr Schnitz – his cuddly, friendly, 

non-judgemental presence gets people 

talking to each other; about him, or 

other things, anything in fact but cancer. 

Everything Chai does is there to help 

you feel normal again, that you’re not 

out there on your own. Mr Schnitz is 

now part of the process – he enjoys it 

and he makes people happy, too,’ says 

Neil. So approachable is Mr Shnitz, 

that he’s even helping a client who was 

scared of dogs, to overcome his phobia. 

A collective positive experience, 

emotional connections among peers 

and the simple act of touch are some 

of the greatest rewards a PAT dog visit 

brings and more canine Chai volunteers 

are in training now. Says Ann Cliverd, 

‘The animal makes no demands on 

you: no questions about how you are, 

no comments about you being so brave. 

The experience helps take away the 

stigma a person may feel. They just 

look at you with love.’ Elena who has 

had cancer treatment, and her son Sean 

recognise all these benefits: ‘Spending 

time with Mr Schnitz has become a 

wonderful highlight in our week – he 

calms, relaxes and comforts us. When 

he’s around, the focus shifts away 

from everything we’ve been through. 

Everyone who meets him comes away 

feeling more positive.’ ■ 

For more information, please call 

Debra Clifton on 020 8457 2074 17


A PLATEFUL 

OF LOVE 

Colin Lehmann was diagnosed 

with pancreatic cancer in January 

2015, aged 59. He died just 13 

months later. In that period, his wife 

Laura began treatment for a rare 

form of lymphoma. Yet amid all 

this upheaval, Laura’s sister Claire, 

daughter Tamar and friends Louise 

Gluckstein and Nikki Epstein were 

inspired to create a cookbook to 

raise money for Chai – as a tribute 

to Colin and to reflect the idea that 

cooking for others is a gesture of love 

AN IDEA TAKES SHAPE 

LAURA: I spoke with my sister Claire 

every day when Colin was ill and much 

of our conversation was about whether 

or what he could eat that day. Colin 

loved food so it was very distressing 

when he could no longer appreciate it. 

When things are tough, finding pleasure 

in something simple – a bowl of soup 

– is such an achievement. Each meal was 

about bringing some joy into Colin’s life. 

You can’t make it all better, but you can 

make it better for a moment. The book 

symbolises the idea of giving, which is 

so central to Jewish life. 

CLAIRE: I went to see Chai in July 2015 

with this hair-brained idea of mine, 

saying, ‘Look, you don’t know me but I’d 

CHAI’S 

like to do a cookbook for you.’ 

I walked out of the meeting with this 

mammoth project on my hands! Having 

previously worked as a nutritionist, I 

knew there were many books on food 

and cancer, but I realised how powerless 

we feel when we cannot provide food for 

the people we love. Equally, how good 

we feel when we can share our love for 

dear ones through food. 

FROM FACEBOOK AND 

PHONE TO FINAL PRODUCT 

CLAIRE: Our small committee included 

close friends, Nikki Epstein and Louise 

Gluckstein, my niece Tamar and our 

designer Jemma Harrison. Gradually 

Plateful of 

love 

cooking for friends 

we gathered in the recipes, across the 

generations and across all cuisines – 

Indian and Israeli to Peruvian and Polish. 

Some have been passed down through a 

family, others adapted from contemporary 

chefs and a note from the contributor 

accompanies each one, straight from 

the heart. Louise did a lot of the recipe 

testing, and much of the photography 

– on her phone! We certainly couldn’t 

afford photographers or food stylists. 

TAMAR: I looked after fundraising and 

discussed sponsorship ideas with Dad 

while he was in hospital. A small bequest 

from The Lehmann Charitable Trust, of 

which Dad was a trustee, took care of the 

printing and each person whose recipe 

was featured gave a £25 donation, which 

covered our other costs. It means every 

penny from sales goes directly to Chai. 

Jemma, our amazing designer, responded 

to a post I put out on Facebook. Fresh out 

of art college, she put her heart and soul 

into it – for free – and has given the book 

a lovely timeless feel. Hopefully it will 

sell for years! 

ABOUT COLIN… 

LAURA: Colin and I met on a UJIA 

singles ‘mission’ to Israel in 1990. He 

was an incredibly generous man and 

an amazing father. I rarely did a night 

feed for our children Tamar and Daniel 

because that was his special time with 

them and it allowed me to rest. His 

dedication to the community and charities 

was incredible and far wider than we all 

imagined. We never knew, for instance, 

that he was supporting some schools in 

Stamford Hill until several rabbanim came 

to his funeral. Colin’s favourite recipe in 

the book was the Divine Marble Cake. 

Our friend Danielle Ashton was making 

it even before we married. It was one 

of the few things Colin was still able to 

eat and there are many lovely occasions 

associated with it. 

TAMAR: Dad was one of life’s givers 

and made everyone feel important. 

To friends, family, clients, colleagues, to 

the community and even the doctors and 

nurses, he was generous with his time 

and advice. All he ever wanted was to 

guide me to my own happiness. His goal 

was to stay around long enough for 

my graduation, and he did – it was 

a wonderful day. 

CHAI – A PLACE TO TURN 

LAURA: Colin and I already supported 

Chai but when you encounter a charity for 

a personal reason, it makes you even more 

passionate about it. Claire and I have both 

used Chai’s services and I will do so again 

when my current treatment finishes. 

TAMAR: Dad insisted on attending the 

2015 Chai dinner, saying ‘If you can’t 

support charities like Chai when you need 

them the most, who will?’ It was difficult 

to be upset in front of my parents. Chai 

has given me the space to think, talk and 

cry. They have listened and helped me 

try to cope with the unthinkable…not 

something I envisaged I’d be doing at 

the age of 22. 

A TRIBUTE AND A LEGACY 

TAMAR: Dad never saw a physical copy 

of the book, but I showed him a PDF 

version. By then he was in hospital and 

knew he wouldn’t come out. He was so 

impressed and he’d be prouder still that 

more than 1500 people now own the 

book and have supported Chai in the 

process. It’s a special family legacy and 

ensures Dad’s memory lives on, as we 

continue his example, by giving to others 

through Chai’s Plateful of Love. 

LAURA: I now try to find something 

positive, however small, to focus on. 

I’m thrilled at the response to the book 

and am so proud of my sister and all 

the contributors. I’m looking forward to 

cooking from it – with my own illness, 

I’ve missed that so much. 

CLAIRE: The launch in May was 

incredibly moving. There was the sadness 

of what has happened – our world 

thrown upside down, but there’s this 

new ‘baby’ that’s come to life, because 

of someone we loved. It gave us a focus 

other than the illness while we worked on 

the book and now holds happy memories 

for everyone involved. 

Chai’s Plateful of Love – Cooking for Friends, 

£20 (to collect from the flagship centre), or £23 

(to include P&P). Order online at 

tinyurl.com/h4efdcw 

18 


Philip Weinstein, Issy & Susan Zuckerbrod, 

Louise Hager, Lorraine Weinstein 

Loretta & Ronnie Harris 

Stephen Rubin OBE & Angela Rubin 

Maureen Lipman CBE 

Sir Michael & Lady Heller 

Steven & Danielle King, Lisa Steele, 

Justine & Andrew Lever 

Rabbi Joseph Dweck and choir celebrating Chanukah 

Lord & Lady Kalms 

CIRCLE 

OF LIGHT 

Gerald Ronson CBE & Dame Gail Ronson 

Nick & Maxine Leslau 

Emma & Marc Samuels 

Graham Edwards, Joan Lipkin- 

Edwards, Georgina Black 

Andrew & Danielle Rubin 

Claudia and Robert Salem 

Lord & Lady Young 

Karen & Jeremy Hertzog 

Loren & Trevor Berkowitz 

Sian & Julian Levy 

Bianca & Stuart Roden 

Top: Alexandra Maurice, Emma Byre, 

Jenny Silverman, Amanda Kessler, 

Abi Reiss, Sarah Burns 

Fabiana & Miguel Abadi 

Chai has achieved extraordinary 

things in its first 25 years and last 

December, 800 guests gathered to 

recognize this milestone and pledge their 

continued support. London’s spectacular 

Roundhouse theatre, bathed in purple 

and pink Chai colours, mirrored superbly 

the ‘Circle of Light’ theme and proved 

a breath-taking backdrop for the event. 

Louise Hager paid tribute to Chai’s 

founders Frances Winegarten z’l and 

Susan Zuckerbrod, its medical and lay 

advisors, trustees, staff, fundraisers 

and volunteers. Reflecting on Chai’s 

purpose, she said, ‘there is no point 

talking about the light at the end 

of the tunnel. Our mission 

is to light the tunnel itself, 

and to give individuals 

the strength and tools 

they so need.’ 

This message was vividly illustrated 

on film by two of Chai’s clients 

Elliot, from London and Tara in 

Manchester, who spoke unflinchingly 

about their cancer experiences and 

Chai’s all-embracing family support. 

Welcoming everyone, Ronnie Harris 

described Chai as ‘an essential community 

resource.’ And hearing it receives no 

statutory funding, the guests responded 

emphatically, donating £1.2m. The 

emotional and uplifting evening opened 

with an enthusiastic performance from 

a choir of pupils drawn from four 

schools, where the ‘Chai in Schools’ 

service is supporting children 

affected by a cancer diagnosis in 

their family, and concluded 

with an upbeat set from 

TVs BGT finalists, 

Jack Pack. ■ 

Mark Astaire & Fiorella Massey 

Michael & Robyn Stein 

Gabrielle & Steven Sharpe 

Sharon & Jonathan Goldstein 

Carol, Nick & Rachel Sopher 

Pat Rosenfield & Lennie Lass 

Michael & Jacqueline Meller 

Simone & Brian Brick 

Naomi & Andrew Fisch 

Natalie & David Tahan 

Michael & Jenny Ghatan 

Gavriel & Yael Green, Sara & Henry Last 

Frances Berman & Rochelle Wolfson 

Jason & Claire Leek 

Susan & Stephen James 

Gary & Linda Laurence 

Michael & Robyn Stein 

Shoshana Manning, Gillian & 

Irving Carter, Susie Segal 

Karen & Peter Goodkind 

Benita, David & Jo Fogel 

Albert & Lynda Hay 

Melanie & Edward Rom 

Blake Ezra Photography



Dr Christopher 

McNamara is 

a consultant 

haematologist in the 

lymphoma service 

at University College 

London Hospital. 

He completed post-graduate 

training in Australia and France 

before appointment as consultant 

haematologist at the Royal Free, 

London in 2004. He moved to UCLH 

in 2015. His interests are clinical 

trials, radioimmunotherapy and the 

interface between the laboratory and 

lymphoma patients. He has served on 

several guideline development groups 

for the European Society of Medical 

Oncology, the British Council for 

Standardisation in Haematology and 

for the national Institute for Clinical 

Health and Excellence, where he 

served as clinical lead for the national 

lymphoma guideline. 

Lymphoma 

therapy update 

We know more than ever about how cancer 

of the blood behaves and which treatments 

will produce the best outcomes. Consultant 

haematologist Christopher McNamara looks 

ahead to future developments 

Lymphoma is the most common 

type of blood cancer affecting 

people in the UK. There are many 

different types of lymphoma but they 

all generally occur when a certain 

type of blood cell no longer obeys the 

normal control signals that govern the 

growth of cells and tissues of the body. 

The diseased cells or lymphocytes 

aggregate together and typically 

spread through vessels connecting 

lymph nodes. 

A significant amount of research 

work has been done to understand the 

differences between the different types 

of lymphoma. This work, culminating 

in a classification system adopted 

by the World Health Organisation, 

has made important advances in the 

way in which lymphoma research is 

carried out and in the way in which 

people who suffer from lymphoma are 

treated. Increasingly, lymphomas are 

categorised according to molecular and 

genetic changes within the abnormal 

lymphoma cells. These genetic changes 

influence the way in which the cancer 

cells multiply and often how they will 

respond to treatment. Understanding 

these genetic changes has already led 

to significant improvements in the 

treatments available for lymphoma 

patients and is likely to radically 

reform further these approaches 

in the future. 

“Understanding genetic 

changes has already 

led to significant 

improvements in the 

treatments available” 

GENES HOLD THE KEY 

Many people are surprised when they 

hear that the laboratory is the first 

and perhaps most important step in 

the journey that a lymphoma patient 

will begin. The reason for that is 

that an accurate diagnosis is critical 

for obtaining the best outcome for 

a patient; the treatments used, as 

mentioned, frequently differ according 

to which lymphoma subtype a person 

has. It is, therefore, essential that 

material from a biopsy be looked at 

by an expert pathology doctor. In the 

future it is likely that genetic changes 

within the first biopsy sample will be 

used for all patients to direct which 

treatment should be given, even within 

the same lymphoma subtype. In 

other words, patients with the same 

lymphoma subtype will be treated 

differently, according to the molecular 

changes in their lymphoma. 

CHEMO AND 

CHEMO-FREE THERAPY 

Importantly, the outcome for 

lymphoma patients has been improving 

in recent times. Twenty years ago 

there was concern that, in spite of the 

availability of effective treatments, the 

overall survival for lymphoma patients 

was not improving. That has now 

changed. With effective combinations 

and information gleaned from properly 

conducted clinical trials, effective 

therapies that are given to people 

with lymphoma today have shown 

unequivocally that outcomes have 

improved compared with treatments 

used as recently 20 years ago. 

There is a range of different treatments 

available to patients in the UK. 

Chemotherapy remains an effective and 

generally well-tolerated treatment for 

most people. However, it is also fair to 

say that there is increasing interest in 

‘chemotherapy-free’ based approaches 

to managing lymphoma. Frequently, 

people affected by lymphoma have 

other medical problems, which 

preclude intensive treatment or they’re 

present at a point in their lymphoma 

journey where they are significantly 

debilitated and de-conditioned by 

the lymphoma itself. This makes 

the administration of chemotherapy 

sometimes difficult. In addition, 

we know from longitudinal studies 

that many patients who complete 

chemotherapy are affected by long-term 

physical, psychological and emotional 

problems that are most likely due to 

their chemotherapy. 

“Treatments by mouth 

generally don’t require 

admission to hospital 

and are very well 

tolerated” 

Many centres around the world are 

interested in this ‘chemotherapy-free’ 

strategy whereby new drugs other 

than chemotherapy are used to induce 

a response. A new immunotherapy 

involving antibodies directed at 

special markers on the surface of 

cancer cells called antigens is already 

in clinical practice and thousands of 

patients have benefited from this 

and lives have certainly been saved 

as a consequence. 

The clinic has also seen the 

development of new medicines, which 

inhibit signalling inside cancer cells. 

These medications have changed the 

landscape in some lymphoma subtypes 

and are likely to have a significant 

impact upon lymphoma therapy in 

the future. These treatments can be 

taken by mouth, generally don’t require 

admission to hospital and are very well 

tolerated. They work by penetrating 

the lymphoma cell and turning off 

the machinery that the cell needs 

to survive and prosper. 

One of the advantages of these 

medications is that they typically 

don’t bring with them many of the 

chemotherapy-related side effects. 

Nausea, vomiting and hair loss are not 

common from these drugs and they 

often produce very good results, even in 

patients who have previously failed to 

respond to chemotherapy. It is important 

that ongoing research is carried out 

to define the longer-term safety and 

effectiveness of these agents, but 

preliminary studies are very exciting. 

There remains a strong desire to 

continue to improve the outlook for 

people and families not only affected by 

lymphoma but also to try and reduce 

the short- and long-term side effects of 

therapy. Clinical trials that are currently 

underway are likely to contribute to the 

answer to this question. ■ 

The next leap forward: 

refining treatments 

• Molecular differences in 

their lymphoma subtype 

will mean patients 

with the same type 

of cancer will receive 

different treatments 

• Oral treatments 

will become more 

common 

• Advances in 

treatments will mean 

patients won’t need 

to be hospitalised 

24 

Together 2016 


25


Believing 

in better 

The potential to transform lives is a defining factor 

in the causes that attract Andrew and Orly Wolfson. 

It’s why Chai’s innovative approach to cancer 

support means so much to them 

One of the joys Andrew Wolfson 

has discovered in his 40s, is the 

breadth of Jewish festivals. ‘I was very 

much a Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur 

Jew,’ he says. Born into one of this 

country’s most philanthropic dynasties, 

the Wolfson family’s bequests benefit 

countless British, Jewish and Israeli 

causes and institutions. His very 

orthodox great-grandfather was 

Solomon Wolfson, a cabinet-maker 

who grew up in the Gorbals in 

Glasgow; his great uncle Isaac 

re-shaped retail as head of Great 

Universal Stores. His father, David was 

Next’s chairman during the 90s (a role 

now held by his brother Simon) and 

both are Tory peers. Andrew ‘probably 

didn’t do what was expected’ and his 

career took him not into big retail but 

niche investment. As MD of Pembroke 

VCT, his portfolio of brands include 

restaurants Five Guys and Chucs, 

fashion designers Bella Freud and 

ME+EM, and digital media businesses 

Boat International and Rated People. 

A largely secular upbringing took him 

to Radley College boarding school 

during term time, and to the country at 

weekends. Now, through his children, 

Lily 8 and Charles 7, who attend a 

Jewish primary school, he and his 

Dutch-born wife Orly, 39, delight in 

being a part of Jewish community life 

that neither was exposed to as a child. 

‘We get Simchat Torah and Shavuot 

– which I didn’t know about as a 

child,’ says Andrew, 47. ‘Moving from 

Hyde Park to Belsize Park and then 

Finchley has changed our philosophy 

of community.’ Adds Orly, whose father 

converted to marry her Israeli mother, 

‘We weren’t very involved in Jewish 

traditions when I was a child, and I 

wanted our children to have a greater 

sense of belonging. We’re learning and 

celebrating with them and it’s lovely.’ 

POSITIVE IMPACT 

The potential for transformation is 

lost on neither. Orly is a trustee of 

Beit Halochem UK and has chaired 

their annual fundraising dinner for the 

last three years. Beit Halochem have 

rehabilitation centres across Israel 

which provide support for 51,000 

disabled soldiers and victims of terror. 

Her mother went through several years 

of rehabilitation after an accident, so 

it’s work that’s close to her heart. ‘A 

20-year-old soldier wakes up in a totally 

new body and has to re-learn everything 

from step one. Beit Halochem helps that 

person become a member of society 

again, focusing on what they can do, 

not what they can’t. Much like Chai, 

it’s about not being left on your own.’ 

RayaCottrell Photography 

Orly admits she was nervous about 

her first visit to Chai’s flagship centre. 

‘When you hear the word cancer, you 

feel a bit of a chill; the older you get, 

the more stories you hear. We all know 

someone who’s been through it. I won’t 

forget the day Louise took us around. It 

showed Andrew and I that the journey 

can be made easier. It’s such a positive, 

uplifting place. People want to hide 

their fears from their children, parents 

and partners. Here, you can share them 

and become part of the Chai family 

of support. The people involved are so 

passionate and inspirational.’ 

“The couple are drawn 

to projects that redefine 

or disrupt what is currently 

out there” 

Meanwhile, Andrew is the founder of 

MiSST (Music in Secondary Schools 

Trust), which grants funds to schools 

Andrew and Orly Wolfson with children Charles and Lily 

in challenging areas, to buy classical 

instruments and provide instruction so 

that whole year groups can participate 

in compulsory classical music. This 

September there will be 3,500 young 

people in the programme. ‘In schools 

with 60+ first spoken languages, music 

breaks down the barriers of ethnicity, 

age, religion and socio-economic group 

like no other subject.’ Since 2013, the 

scheme has seen one student go to 

Oxford to study music, and another join 

the National Youth Orchestra. Andrew 

blanches, however, at the memory of 

his own squandered musical education. 

‘I was so lucky. My parents paid for 

lessons at primary school and they don’t 

know this, but I used to tell my English 

teacher that I had a music lesson, I’d tell 

the music teacher that I wasn’t feeling 

well and I’d go off and play cards in the 

loo.’ For sweets, he adds. 

Betting on the conventional certainly 

isn’t Andrew’s style. He spent one day 

at Exeter University before 

deciding ‘it wasn’t really my 

scene.’ He proposed to Orly 

just ten days after meeting 

her. For seven of those days 

they were apart, as Orly’s 

modelling career meant 

non-stop travel for brands 

such as Escada, Gottex 

and Wolford. Andrew flew 

to Israel where she was 

based, for the second date. 

‘It was so exciting, I knew 

the rest of my life was going 

to change.’ Ten years on, 

‘It’s the best decision I ever 

made.’ For her part, Orly 

was taken with Andrew’s 

‘gentlemanly manners and 

his humour. He reminded 

me of Colin Firth, but a better 

version!’ Their contemporaryclassic, 

art-filled home is on an elegant 

North-west London street, where they 

enjoy as much family time as possible 

– especially playing sport with the 

children. They are expecting their third 

child imminently. 

‘It is very powerful 

discovering for yourself 

what a difference a 

charity makes. That’s 

what happened to us 

with Chai’ 

Both as an entrepreneur and as a trustee 

of the Charles Wolfson Charitable 

Trust, Andrew is captivated by projects 

that ‘do things that redefine or disrupt 

what is currently out there and try 

and create a new normal’. It’s why 

he is drawn to Chai. ‘In its holistic 

approach, it gives an extra level of 

support on those days when you’re not 

in hospital having chemotherapy, but 

feel rotten. Not only that, it sustains 

all those around the cancer patient. 

There’s the security, too, of knowing 

that Chai understands Jewish traditions 

and values. It’s a fantastic – and vital – 

service. It’s acknowledged outside the 

community that we go the extra mile to 

care for our vulnerable.’ 

THE YOUNG VOTE 

With his passion for creating 

opportunities for the next generation (he 

is also involved in Access Aspiration, 

a work placement charity, and PaJes), 

he believes businesses and charities 

need to gain the confidence of the 

young to win their support. ‘Both 

have a responsibility to be transparent, 

charities especially with their 

fundraising and administration costs.’ 

He advocates organisations working 

together strategically for the longterm 

good of the community and sees 

Chai’s expansion in an existing Jewish 

community building in Manchester as a 

good example of this. 

‘The home is also an important base 

for learning about caring for the needy,’ 

says Orly. ‘Our mum always taught the 

six of us, if you can help someone, why 

don’t you? If ever a neighbour had a 

problem, she was right there. You build 

on that with education. Hopefully our 

children see the amount of work that 

Andrew does, and the charities I’m 

involved with.’ She adds, ‘It is very 

powerful discovering for yourself what 

a difference a charity makes. Visit the 

charity. Meet the people who work 

there and the ones who are looked 

after. Understand the potential for 

your donation – and then you’ll feel a 

much stronger connection than simply 

attending an annual dinner. That’s what 

happened to us with Chai.’ ■ 

26 


27


The F Factor 

Could a brisk walk hold the key to 

stopping cancer in its tracks? We look 

at the latest research linking fitness and 

cancer prevention, and discover how 

Chai makes getting fit accessible to all 

The clearest proof yet that exercise 

can improve cancer survival rates 

came at this year’s American Society 

of Clinical Oncology conference in 

Chicago. Research showed mortality 

rates for women with cancer who 

did the equivalent of three hours 

brisk walking a week fell by 46%. By 

ONE-TO-ONE AND 

OPEN GYM SESSIONS 

The gym at Chai’s flagship centre 

is impressive by any standard. With 

guidance from physiotherapists 

Graham, Johnny and Natasha, 

clients recovering from surgery 

or treatment can build up their 

mobility and strength. ‘One-to-one 

sessions offer close monitoring 

while a person is physically 

unsteady and unsure about their 

capability,’ says Johnny. Clients can 

then progress to open gym sessions, 

where groups of three follow their 

personalised programmes. ‘The 

social aspect is very beneficial,’ 

adds Johnny. ‘As clients’ fitness, 

confidence and knowledge levels 

grow, they achieve more than they 

ever imagined.’ 

contrast, obese women 

with breast cancer and 

high blood pressure 

were 69% less likely to 

survive. Melinda Irwin of 

Yale University, who led 

many of the studies, was 

unequivocal: ‘Women diagnosed with 

breast cancer should be counselled 

about weight loss and exercise.’ 

Men, take note, too. A trial at the 

University of Montreal has seen 

mortality rates drop by up to 22% in 

men with late-stage metastatic cancer 

Equipment includes a multi-gym 

and leg press to restore muscle 

bulk and strength after surgery; a 

treadmill, recumbent, vertical bikes 

and hand bike, for cardiovascular 

work; a Swiss ball for building core 

strength and a small trampoline for 

improving balance. Free weights 

and floor mats provide further ways 

for trainers to work with clients. 

(when it has spread) who follow a highintensity 

exercise programme. A further 

1.4 million cases surveyed revealed that 

taking significant amounts of exercise 

reduces the risk of a whole range of 

cancers, including oesophageal, lung, 

stomach and colon. ‘The more the 

body operates at its optimum, the better 

recovery and survival is,’ says Graham 

Silas, one of Chai’s physiotherapists. 

‘It may seem an impossible demand to 

get fit when cancer is the main focus, 

but with support from experts who 

understand the impact of cancer, we 

can make it easier.’ ■ 

ISRAELI DANCING 

As a trained ballet dancer, Sara Last needs 

no convincing of the pleasures of music and 

movement. ‘Dancing transports me, which 

is my hope for Chai clients, too.’ Many 

scientific studies show how dance aids the 

functions of the circulatory, respiratory, 

skeletal, and muscular systems. ‘It’s a 

recognised form of therapy, helping people 

connect emotionally with their body and 

integrate what they have been through,’ says 

Sara. Israeli, Greek, and Chassidic dances 

are taught but luckily you don’t have to be 

an expert mover. ‘People go at their own 

pace. By the end of the class, it’s wonderful 

to see how people’s body language has 

brightened and relaxed.’ 

“I go into a class feeling 

tired and come out 

invigorated” Vivienne 

YOGA 

‘Yoga is a bridge between body and mind, helping us 

to balance and adjust to changes in life,’ says Stacey 

Landau, a specialist in remedial yoga. Central to 

the practice is the breath, which is actively engaged 

to calm the mind throughout the class. Clients 

begin with a ‘body scan’ noting how they are feeling 

physically, before moving on to the yoga postures. 

‘Everyone does what they can, 

even if they are seated,’ says 

Stacey who modifies poses such 

as the cobra and downward 

dog to make them more 

manageable. ‘The postures 

build muscle and core strength, 

improving balance, flexibility 

and alignment,’ Stacey explains. 

After a guided relaxation at the 

end of the class, clients often 

sleep better and have a more 

positive overall outlook. ‘When 

cancer makes you feel isolated, 

a yoga class can give you inner 

strength and group support.’ 

“Yoga sustains me physically 

and mentally – it’s my new 

normal” Jacky 

WALKING GROUP 

Chai’s weekly walkers value the 

exercise, fresh air and group 

contact as part of their re-hab 

routine. In collaboration with 

Maccabi GB and led by Janice 

Arons and volunteer Lisa 

Bogush, the group sets out from 

Chai to the nearby park, or 

follows a pretty route through 

Hendon’s streets for an hour. 

‘Walking together provides 

a lovely, healthy distraction,’ 

says Janice. ‘If you’re nervous 

of going out on your own, this 

gives you extra support. With 

the chat, it doesn’t even feel 

like training!’ Both brisk 

walkers and amblers are 

catered for. ‘With two of us 

on hand, no-one is ever left 

behind,’ says Lisa. 

“Physical activity 

helps with my 

breathing and 

stamina – and 

I love meeting 

new people” 

Susie 

PILATES 

This low-impact, restorative 

exercise is an option for 

men and women at any 

stage of cancer treatment 

and recovery. In her Pilates 

class, teacher Fiona Good 

includes gentle, targeted 

muscle movements and 

weight-bearing exercises 

to encourage strength 

and endurance. That in 

turn helps joints to work 

better so stretching is 

easier – important for 

combatting excessive scar 

tissue. ‘Pilates re-establishes 

proper muscular firing 

patterns and improves body 

awareness, which may be 

lost as a result of surgery,’ 

says Fiona. For carers and 

the bereaved, too, Pilates 

can be a real confidencebuilder. 

‘I’m humbled to 

witness my clients’ ability 

to adapt, as well as the 

body’s capacity to heal.’ 

TABLE TENNIS 

This is one of Chai’s newest 

activities. Carol Ellman, 

who runs the group says, 

‘The effect of cancer 

treatment on your bones 

and muscles can be very 

harsh. Movement is critical 

to recovery.’ After her own 

double mastectomy four 

years ago, the shoulder 

and upper arm actions 

involved in playing table 

tennis have helped rebuild 

her muscle strength. The 

sport also helps maintain 

hand-eye coordination and 

mental alertness. One client 

relishes her weekly matches 

despite on-going treatment, 

while a widower who was 

isolated after his wife died, 

values taking part in a 

sociable sport. ‘People still 

have medical appointments 

to go to,’ says Carol, ‘but 

when you’re chasing that 

little white ball, you don’t 

think about anything else!’ 

“You lose so much 

when you have 

cancer. Playing 

table tennis has 

given me back my 

confidence” Linda 

For more information, please call Jodi Lazarus on 020 8457 3230 

28 


29

Service Spotlight 

Manual lymphatic 

drainage 

update 

The phrase ‘living with and beyond 

cancer’ covers many scenarios – 

and heartening as the rising numbers 

of survivors are, the complexities 

of the onward journey include 

managing many long-term conditions. 

Lymphoedema – swelling of the legs, 

arms or other parts of the body – is 

one that requires continuous care. 

It occurs when the lymph nodes, 

located in the neck, armpits and groin 

area, are removed because they are 

cancerous or by damage to the skin 

from radiotherapy. Lymph fluid, 

which travels around the body 

collecting waste material and bacteria, 

cannot be expelled if the nodes are 

no longer there. 

“Chai is at the forefront 

of searching out ways 

that make a meaningful 

difference to clients’ lives” 

Tissue surrounding the damaged area 

then becomes swollen with fluid, 

causing the skin to feel tight and heavy 

and inhibiting mobility. Clothes or 

shoes may not fit properly and 

everyday activities such as gardening or 

shopping are more problematic. These 

physical compromises, coming on top 

Chai has introduced a new type of 

specialist treatment to help clients 

manage lymphoedema – one of 

cancer surgery’s long-term side effects 

of the cancer treatment, can be hard 

to cope with, leading to a loss of 

confidence affecting body image, social 

life and relationships. Upsettingly, too, 

lymphoedema may appear weeks, 

months or even years after surgery. 

Chai is at the forefront of searching 

out ways that make a meaningful 

difference to clients’ lives. With 

virtually no NHS resources available 

for dealing with lymphoedema, it 

recognised the need to support clients 

with this life-changing condition. Its 

Lymphoedema Clinic at the flagship 

centre launched in 2008. Specialist 

practitioner Sallyann Kaplan, explains 

its multi-faceted approach: ‘We provide 

MLD – manual lymphatic drainage – a 

very specific, slow, light and rhythmic 

massage that works on the network of 

vessels in the lymph system. Through 

gentle movement, lymph fluid is 

guided from the swollen area towards 

functioning nodes. We can fit clients 

for compression garments (such as 

sleeves, gloves, stockings or tights) and 

wrap the affected area in bandages 

where compression isn’t suitable. We 

also teach self-massage and exercises 

so there is continuity between visits. 

Swimming or yoga is recommended: 

movement is essential for the 

lymphatic system to function.’ 

The newest treatment component is 

the Physio Touch massage device. 

‘The healing process can cause 

excessive amounts of scar or fibrotic 

tissue to build up,’ says Sallyann. 

‘Physio Touch augments the range of 

massage techniques we have at our 

disposal. It works on a deeper level of 

the lymphatic system that is harder to 

reach by hand, so it’s very effective in 

dealing with localised and older scar 

tissue. It’s a pleasant and relaxing 

experience, too.’ 

As for the results, a newer client 

noticed a dramatic improvement in 

just two months. Some with more 

entrenched conditions have felt 

greater relief from their long-term 

symptoms. But the true impact goes 

beyond the physical. Says one, ‘I am 

feeling positive and have much more 

energy. This is the best I have felt 

in years.’ Adds Sallyann, ‘Although 

there is no way of repairing the 

damage to the lymph tissue, we can 

prevent it getting worse. We now 

have another way to restore dignity 

and quality of life for our clients.’ ■ 

For more information, please call Jo Awad 

on 020 8457 3396 

Chai would like to thank the 

Outlook Committee for all their 

efforts in raising funds for the 

Physio Touch machine 

30 


The Chai Calendar 

AUGUST 2015 

TRUDI BERMAN’S 

SPLENDID TEA 

A truly scrumptious tea for family and 

friends organised by Trudi Berman raised 

a fantastic £300 for Chai’s services in 

Manchester. ‘I wanted to do this as a thank 

you and to show my deep appreciation for 

Chai’s support and understanding,’ said 

Trudi, who used Chai’s services. 

Trudi Berman’s Manchester tea 

SEPTEMBER 

CHAI SOCIETY ROSH 

HASHANAH GIFT SALE 

It’s a save-the-date ‘must’ for anyone seeking 

special Rosh Hashanah gifts – and the 2015 

Chai Society Gift Sale didn’t disappoint, 

drawing over 700 shoppers to the flagship 

centre last September. Generously sponsored 

by Glentree Estates, over 40 stalls offered 

up tempting gifts, from hats to honey cakes, 

jewellery to Judaica, kosher confectionery to 

chic millinery, Maxwell Williams tableware to 

tempting eyewear. Expertly organised by the 

Chai Society Committee, the event raised 

an incredible £36,000. 

Amanda Assheton at her bridge stall 

OCTOBER 

THE NATALIE SHIPMAN 

MEMORIAL LECTURE 

Shining the spotlight on advances in men’s 

cancer, the 25th annual lecture ‘Transforming 

the Prostate Cancer Pathway’ was given 

by Professor Mark Emberton, Professor of 

Interventional Oncology, UCL whose work is 

significantly influencing treatment. In the Chair 

was Professor Albert Singer, Consultant (Hon) 

The Whittington Hospital. The lecture series 

commemorates the passing of 8-year-old Natalie 

Shipman z’l who inspired her mother Susan to 

jointly found Chai with Frances Winegarten z’l. 

Lisa Steele, Louise Hager, Prof Mark Emberton, 

Prof Albert Singer, Susan Shipman 

NOVEMBER 

THE CHAI BAKE OFF 

Keen bakers showcased their best efforts at 

Manchester’s Great Chai Bake Off, organised 

by the Chai Lights Committee: Ann Audin, 

Fran Horwich, Stephanie Jacobs, Marcelle 

Kuhillow, Jakki Pinsley and Reba Tury. Held 

at Whitefield Golf Club, a tasty afternoon of 

judging saw prizes awarded in best decorated, 

best tasting, junior and gentleman baker 

categories with more than £1,000 raised for 

Chai’s Manchester services. 

Junior bake off winner Monty Super and 

Mayor of Bury, Michelle Wiseman 

Our committees and supporters surpassed themselves over the past 

12 months with events that informed, entertained and charmed. 

Each one takes thought, organisation and commitment, and 

helps to raise funds while increasing awareness of Chai’s services 

CHAI FIVE MUSICAL BINGO 

A test of musical knowledge prompted a lively 

atmosphere and enthusiastic discussion at this 

event at the flagship centre. Aided by raffle 

prizes that included travel, restaurant and nail 

bar vouchers, delighted Committee member 

Liz Feiner announced £1,000 has been raised. 

BIRMINGHAM WELCOMES 

CHAI CANCER CARE 

A 70-strong audience attended the launch of 

the new Chai satellite service in Birmingham, 

the result of Chai working with BJCC trustee 

Karen Georgevic and Sharon Grey, Social Care 

Manager of the BJCC. Dr David Spooner, 

Consultant in Radiotherapy and Oncology 

gave a talk on latest cancer advances and took 

part in a Q&A session. The service is providing 

counselling, physiotherapy and massage. 

Lisa Steele, Dr David Spooner, 

Karen Georgevic, Louise Hager 

CHALLAH BAKE FOR 

MITZVAH DAY 

Delicious aromas filled the flagship centre 

when Year 6 pupils from the Independent 

Jewish Day School baked challah for clients 

on Mitzvah Day. After their kitchen activity 

the children saw the Children’s and Play 

Therapy room which supports young clients. 

Mia-Sara Rosenfeld, Jacob Gibson, Max 

Lanzkron and Avital Cohen 

31


VISITING ISRAELI MINISTER 

IS AMAZED BY CHAI 

Chai’s Chief Executive Lisa Steele welcomed 

Rabbi Yakov Litzman, Israel’s Minister of 

Health, to the flagship centre where he toured 

the building to see the range of support services 

provided to cancer patients, their family and 

friends and met Chairman of Chai’s Medical 

Advisory Board, Dr Adrian Tookman and Philip 

Weinstein, Chai Trustee. Rabbi Litzman was 

certainly impressed: ‘We have nothing like this in 

Israel. It’s an amazing facility.’ 

Dr Adrian Tookman, MK Rabbi Yakov Litzman, 

PhilipWeinstein 

DECEMBER 

RAGING BULL PARTY 

Chai supporters turned out in their droves for 

the Raging Bull Club Night at Camden Town’s 

iconic Koko venue. Live music, DJ sets, a laser 

show, fire drums and stage dancers made it a 

night to remember, raising £3,345 along the way. 

JANUARY 2016 

THE MAYOR OF BARNET’S 

CHARITY BRIDGE LUNCH 

Bridge, raising money for Chai and the Mayor 

of Barnet hosting – no wonder 110 eager card 

players supported this hot ticket event at the 

flagship centre. Organised by Carol Ellman and 

Angela White, the afternoon included a moving 

32 


speech from client Wendy Hoffman who 

described the impact of hearing she had cancer 

and how Chai ‘understood every nuance, every 

shade, every stage of the path I was treading.’ 

The event raised £7,300, which went towards 

Chai’s Home Support Service. 

Lisa Steele, Carol Ellman, Councillor Mark 

Shooter, Wendy Hoffman, Melissa Shooter 

FEBRUARY 

RAISING AWARENESS 

IN ESSEX 

‘Cancer Survivorship – Living with and beyond 

cancer’ was the theme of a talk presented to 

the Essex community by Consultant Clinical 

Oncologist Dr Sherif Raouf, at the Redbridge 

Jewish Community Centre. He shed light on 

the often overlooked after-effects of treatment 

and how each patient requires individual 

support. Chai’s Essex Services currently 

support more than 70 clients. 

Rabbi Nissan Wilson, Dr Sherif Raouf 

YOUNG CHAI’S 

‘SUGAR CHAI’ 

Three of the UK’s most respected nutrition 

and food industry experts were grilled by 60 

guests at a Young Chai debate on the Sugar 

Tax at the flagship centre. Grappling with 

sugar’s reputation were nutritionist Ian Marber, 

and entrepreneurs Asher Budwig of Lola’s 

Cupcakes and Mitch Minton of Presscription. 

From media influence and the NHS to 

childhood obesity and lifestyle, no area was 

off limits to the trio. The informative evening 

raised £1,120. 

Young Chai Committee with panellists Mitch 

Minton, Ian Marber, Asher Budwig 

UPLIFTING MUSIC 

AND LAUGHTER 

More than 200 guests enjoyed a very special 

evening of entertainment including a preview 

of singer Eitan Freilich’s new album, at ‘An 

Evening of Song and Celebration’. Hosted by 

charedi stand-up comic Ashley Blaker, Eitan 

dedicated the fundraiser for Chai to his late 

father and performed a song written in his 

memory. The evening raised £1,500. 

Eitan Freilich and his band 

Together 2016 

BATMITZVAH GIRLS BRUNCH 

An enterprising group of girlfriends, who all 

met at Hertsmere Jewish Primary School, 

decided to celebrate their Bat Mitzvah by 

hosting a brunch for 40 of their pals, now at JFS 

or Yavneh College. The girls prepared all the 

food and drinks themselves and held a raffle, 

raising more than £1,000 for Chai. 

Amalya Millan, Sofia Forman, Katy Denby, 

Allie Bohm, Isabella Becker 

MARCH 

MANCHESTER LECTURE 

The Heathlands Village was the venue for a 

talk entitled ‘Prevention and early detection of 

breast cancer’ given by Lester Barr, Consultant 

Surgeon and Chairman of the Genesis 

Breast Cancer Prevention Centre. The lecture 

covered pioneering research and the impact of 

genetics and environmental issues. Services in 

Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds continue to 

expand as the number of clients seeking 

Chai’s services increases. 

PRE-PURIM FRIDAY 

NIGHT DINNER 

Building on the huge popularity of last year’s 

event, the Chai Five Committee returned to Beit 

Hamadras Indian Restaurant in Hendon for an 

Asian-themed Pre-Purim Friday Night Dinner, 

and raised £400. 


APRIL 

‘SINGO’ 

It’s bingo but not 

THE LOVE CHAI COMMITTEE 

are delighted to invite you to 

Singo 

as you know it – 

instead of numbers 

SUNDAY 17TH APRIL 2016 

on a card, there 

Doors open 19.00 | Event 19.30 - 22.00 

Admission fee £30 

Venue 

Chai Centre, 142-146 Great North Way 

are song titles 

London, NW4 1EH 

Light supper will be served 

BYOB (kosher) 

to tick off. The 

Raffle & Auction on the night 

years 

To book please click here or 

musical evening 

contact melanie@chaicancercare.org 

at the flagship 

centre gave 75 guests some lively entertainment 

and introduced many to the breadth of services 

and support Chai can give to young families 

and newlyweds. With raffle prizes including 

a Jimmy Choo handbag and a signed Brazil 

football shirt, the Love Chai committee – 

Danielle Baron, Nikki Bloom, Miriam Felder, 

Stephanie Gerstler, Talia Savitz and Caroline 

Tunkel – raised £2,500. 

Bingo with a twist! 

GOURMET DINNER PARTY 

How lucky were the 28 specially invited guests 

who enjoyed an exclusive gourmet dinner party 

hosted by Gefiltefest founder Michael Leventhal 

and his wife Rachel Marcus. Michael’s family 

and in particular his mother who is going 

through cancer, have benefitted from Chai’s care 

recently. ‘They have provided us with wonderful, 

much appreciated support,’ he said. The evening 

raised more than £2,400. 

Rachel Marcus and Michael Leventhal 

THE OUTLOOK 

IS GREAT! 

In the last 16 years, the 

Outlook Committee has 

raised more than £400,000 

for Chai’s vital services. The 

creativity and professionalism 

of committee members 

Elaine Barnett, Sue Freedman, 

Fran Goldin, Michele Lees- 

Smith, Marilyn Myers, 

Sally Needleman, Jackie 

Sharpstone and Janis and 

Rikki Sher, always ensures 

fantastic support. 

The Outlook Committee 

These are the year’s highlights: 

the 13th Annual Outlook 

Committee 10k Walk raised 

£18,000 with the money 

going towards Chai’s 

Children, Teenage and 

Family Service. The everpopular 

Outlook Bridge 

Lunch and a fascinating talk 

from Erika Judge about her 

Kindertransport escape 

from Vienna at the age of 12, 

raised £2,610 and £3,060 

respectively. These last two 

events funded vital new 

massage equipment to help 

ease the long-term effects 

of lymphoedema. 

33

CHAI CHALLENGES YOU! 

MAY 

GLASGOW GIRLS 

BRIDGE LUNCH 

Louise Kramer, Frances Bloom, Lynda Rapport, 

Barbara Kay, Linda Reich, Linda Goldberg 

Glasgow Girls in London hosted their second 

highly successful bridge lunch at the flagship 

centre, raising £4,000 to be split between 

Chai’s Glasgow service, and several other 

Glasgow charities. Committee member 

Louise Kramer, said, ‘We look forward to 

doing it all again next year!’ 

Paul Gold, son Elliot and joint winner Juliet Kent 

CELEBRATING 

SIMONE’S LIFE 

When Paul Gold hosted a packed bridge 

event at the Ace of Clubs Bridge Club at Mill 

Hill Golf Club, he did it wearing the purple 

wig his late wife Simone wore during her 

chemotherapy treatment. ‘I wanted it to be 

a happy event and this was the wig Simone 

wore to the bridge club to put people at ease,’ 

said Paul. The event raised £3,460 for Chai. 


JUNE 

GOLFERS HIT GOLD! 

The 11th Club 18 Chai Golf Tournament took 

place at Dyrham Park Country Club where 

nearly 100 golfers teed off on the testing 

6,428-yard course, competing for one of 

four prizes. Despite the cold, grey conditions, 

spirits remained high throughout the day 

and into the evening when the golfers enjoyed 

a cocktail party, dinner and raffle, with prizes 

from Hummingbird Motors and Osprey. The 

event raised more than £40,000. Michael 

Lubliner and Ronnie Gottlieb, said: ‘The 

atmosphere was great and the day’s scores 

were quite remarkable.’ 

Michael Lubliner, Ronnie Gottlieb, Lisa Steele, 

Louise Hager, Jack Galaun, Trevor Berkowitz, 

David Joffe, Jennifer Cohen 

JULY 

‘COME DINE WITH ME’ 

There was a novel approach to Shabbat dinner 

hospitality when more than 40 guests enjoyed 

a meal in five different venues across Hendon. 

The event, organised by the Chai Five 

Committee, was generously hosted by Rebecca 

Attar, Laura Beer, Aviva Braunold, Brochy 

Forta, Shoshy Lerner, Richard Lewis, Lauren 

Rosettenstein, Hannah Smith, and Maya 

Zippel and raised over £900. 

JENSON’S ON THE MONEY 

10-year-old Jenson Blankstone organised a 

table sale in his driveway to raise funds for 

Chai’s Liverpool satellite service. Jenson, a 

pupil at King David Primary School, raised 

£35 selling all the books and toys he had 

grown out of. 

Jenson Blankstone 

AUGUST 

GOODIES FOR GOOD 

It was a case of ‘flour power’ when friends, 

Ella Frankfurt, Atara Fachler, Tehilla Rome 

and Liora Dewinter from the Independent 

Jewish Day School and Hasmonean Primary 

School, put their baking skills to deliciously 

good use for Chai. Their baking sale raised 

an impressive £150. 

Ella Frankfurt, Atara Fachler, Tehilla Rome, 

Liora Dewinter 

Turn to p39 to see how you can easily 

donate to Chai 

34 


24 

24 

PEAKS IN 

HOURS 

LIFE CHANGES COMPLETELY WITH A 

CANCER DIAGNOSIS – IN JUST ONE DAY 

Chai Challenges You! to make a difference – in just 24 hours. 

The ‘24 Peaks in 24 Hours’ challenge invites you to become 

a ‘Chai Climber’ and scale a total of 13,986 feet of the 

most beautiful, rugged and demanding terrain in the Lake 

District, including Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain. 

Every penny raised by the ‘Chai Climbers’ will go towards 

Chai’s Home Support Service, which brings our services to 

those unable to reach our 11 centres across the UK. 

Are you tough enough to become a ‘Chai Climber’ 

and take the challenge? 

Women only, minimum sponshorship £2,400 

25th-27th June 2017 

To find out more visit: tinyurl.com/jg3hahp 

To register your interest and to attend our information 

evening on Monday 7th November 2016 

email: alexandramaurice@chaicancercare.org 

or call Alexandra on 020 8457 3394


You’re 

amazing! 

Thank you to all the sponsored runners, riders, 

climbers – and quirky challengers whose 

commitment, effort and generosity to Chai ensure 

our services reach everyone who needs us. Your 

kindness and loyalty is never taken for granted 

Jason Lipman & 

Joel Hilton 

Lionel & Ben Davis 

Jonathan Barr 

RELATIVE SUCCESS AT 

THE ROYAL PARKS 

Brothers-in-law Jason Lipman and 

Joel Hilton completed the Royal 

Parks Half Marathon in memory 

of their Grandpa Ray, who used 

Chai’s services, raising £1,960 

and £1,580 respectively. Also 

running were Lionel and Ben 

Davis in memory of friend and 

godmother Debra Persey who 

benefitted from Chai before she 

passed away last year. The father/ 

son duo raised over £4,900, for 

Chai and Macmillan. 

RAISING THE BARR 

IN NYC 

Last November’s New York 

marathon was an especially 

meaningful challenge for Jonathan 

Barr. It came just 10 weeks after 

he finished chemotherapy for 

testicular cancer and a few months 

after his mother Val passed away 

from breast cancer. Val, who 

volunteered at Chai, and Jonathan, 

both used Chai services. ‘Our 

family was surrounded by such 

kindness and support at Chai. 

I’m delighted to give something 

back.’ Finishing in 5 hours 5mins, 

Jonathan raised £3,230. 

Joel Anderson 

Tapnack family 

Anderson family 

WHAT A HAIR DO CAN DO! 

Brothers Simon and Max Misrahi raised a staggering 

£13,427 when they went platinum blonde to raise 

awareness of the impact of breast cancer, and to 

support Chai. Hairstylist Robin Pawloski (centre) 

transformed their brown locks at Chai’s Image 

Resource Room at the flagship centre. The idea came 

after their mother Joyce was treated for breast cancer 

four years ago. ‘I’m so proud of my boys!’ she said of 

the amount raised. 

JOEL REACHES HIS PEAK 

Twenty years after losing his father to 

cancer, Joel Anderson embarked on 

the challenge of a lifetime, climbing 

Kilimanjaro. ‘Chai’s services were not 

available to my family all those years ago. 

Now they offer great support.’ Describing 

it as ‘gruelling’, Joel’s reward was scaling 

all 5985m and raising more than £5,660. 

MACCABI GB FUN RUN 

A bumper turnout of more than 180 

supporters raised more than £12,500 at 

this family-friendly event. Among them 

the Tapnack family: Dani, Jonny and 

children Josh 10, Jacob 7, and Talia 4, 

who raised an incredible £1,500. Also 

participating were Vered and Marc 

Anderson and children Ethan 12, Lia 7, 

and Aiden 5. ‘I recently lost a close friend 

who was only 42,’ said Vered. ‘She left 

behind a husband and four girls. Chai did 

a lot for all of them.’ The Fahidi family, 

too, came to Chai when mother Nicole 

had breast cancer. They raised £1,200. 

David Abramson, 

Sammy Weinbaum 

Emma Borkin 

Josh Rom’s 

sponsored back 

wax – ouch! 

David with Ruby (in 

buggy) and supporters 

Jessica, Ella & Romy 

36 


VITALITY NORTH LONDON 

HALF MARATHON 

Many people have personal reasons for 

supporting Chai. David Abramson’s was 

his friend David Goldschmidt. ‘Watching 

David’s illness progress was devastating. 

Chai made his last year a bit easier. I’m 

delighted to run in his honour.’ Friend 

Sammy Weinbaum ran in tribute to the 

care his mother-in-law received from Chai. 

‘It allowed her to be an individual and not 

be defined by cancer.’ David and Sammy 

raised over £4,650. Also running was 

Emma Borkin who raised £500. 

THANKS ALSO TOO… 

Mitchell 

Stanton’s 

Capital 2 Coast 

cycle raised 

£856 

Trekathon’s 

Suzanne Gold with 

her father, brother 

and son Ethan 

RUNNING FOR LAUREL 

By the time Laurel Cohen gave birth to 

daughter Ruby in 2015, the joy she and 

husband David had at becoming parents 

had been shattered by the news that Laurel 

had terminal bowel cancer. Laurel was 

visited by a Chai counsellor and David 

continues to use its services. A year after 

Laurel’s death in July 2015, David began a 

series of fundraising runs with baby Ruby. 

‘We’re doing 10ks as it’s really challenging 

when you’re pushing a buggy,’ says David 

whose inspiring initiative has raised £2,350. 

SINAI GIRLS SWEET IDEA 

Sinai school friends Jessica Harris, 

Ella Baskin and Romy Lever, all nine, 

organised an after-school sweet sale and 

raised £90. What a yummy idea! 

Middle-Aged 

Men in Lycra 

BAR AND BAT MITZVAH STARS 

Thinking of Chai at the time of their simchas, our wonderful young supporters 

Aryeh 

Birnbaum 

Brook 

Goldenberg 

Chaim Ostreicher, 

Jakob Silber, Yanki 

Wolff, Moshe Fachler, 

David Regal 

Chana & Yitzi Weisz 

‘MAMILs’ IN THE SADDLE FROM 

LONDON TO PARIS 

Middle-Aged Men in Lycra (MAMILs), 

Chai physiotherapist, Graham Silas, with 

friends Jonny Goldberg, Gideon Kay 

and Richard Stephens took on the 350km 

London to Paris bike ride in August. 

‘Each of us is connected to Chai through 

work or because loved ones have used 

its services. We wanted to support it and 

prove to ourselves - and our wives – that 

we still had it in us!’ says Graham. They 

found their three days of effort ‘hugely 

inspiring’ and raised more than £7,500. 

Joel 

Toledano 

Pearl 

Maurice 

Zack 

Lovat 

HASMONEAN’S FIRST GIVE 

A team of five schoolboys from 

Hasmonean Boys’ School scooped second 

prize in the First Give competition, 

winning a £250 donation for Chai. The 

initiative encourages young people to give 

their time, tenacity and talents to improve 

their communities. The boys chose to visit 

Chai’s flagship to learn about its work. 

TZEDAKA GIFT 

Chana and Yitzi Weisz brought their 

tzedaka money into Chai in January, 

along with a truly touching message: ‘We 

had no idea how much a simple donation 

can help the kids at Chai. The team thinks 

of the best toys to buy for the children.’ 

37


4 FOR THE CHOP 

Who knew plaits were so valuable? Talia Robeson 

raised £3,708 and Abigail Benaim almost £1,200 with 

their sponsored snips for Chai. Both girls donated their 

hair to Zichron Menachem, which makes wigs for 

children with cancer. Aurelia Hodes’ new bob made 

£1,750, and when Aviva Myerson’s mother, Esther, 

began losing her hair because of chemotherapy, she 

showed solidarity by being shorn too, raising £900. 

Talia Robeson 

Aurelia Hodes 

Aviva Myerson (right) 

and mother Esther 

Abigail Benaim 

THE BEST WAY TO 

RAISE MONEY FOR US 

Did you know Chai has its own fundraising 

platform? For Chai is a platform dedicated to helping 

you publicise your challenge and lets you post 

photographs, tell your story and update your sponsors 

on your progress and results. Best of all, unlike other 

fundraising platforms, it takes no cut from the money 

donated so every penny goes direct to support Chai’s 

services. It’s simple to get started and absolutely 

secure. Just go to chaicancercare.org and click on the 

For Chai link in the top right hand corner of the page. 

CHAI WOULD LIKE TO 

ACKNOWLEDGE OUR WONDERFUL 

SUPPORTERS WHO HAVE SET UP A 

FUNDRAISING PAGE IN AID OF CHAI 

David Abramson 

Julie Alexander 

Joyce Alexander-Black 

Joel Anderson 

Gerald Barc 

Jonathan Barr 

Abigail Benaim 

Daphne Berkovi 

Henny Bernstein 

Russell Black 

Emma Borkin 

Olivia Bucci 

Ian and Linda Burns 

Lorraine Burns 

Sara Canning 

Plateful of Love Cookbook 

Committee 

Hazel & Laurence Cohen 

David Cohen 

Jonathan Connick 

Karen Cooper 

Max Curtis 

Melanie Daniels 

Sandra Davis 

Lionel & Ben Davis 

Fahidi Family 

Benji Field 

Anthony Field 

Michelle Finesilver 

Zara Finestone 

Libby Fisher 

Jo Fishman 

Frankfurt Family 

Suzy Gold 

Lesley Gordon 

Joel Hilton 

Aurelia Hodes 

Susan Hyer 

Nicola Josephs 

Jackie Kramer 

Kramer Family 

Suzanne Langham 

Amber Rose Levene 

Michael Leventhal & 

Rachel Marcus 

Adam Lewis 

Jason Lipman 

Janine Lowy 

Hannah Mark 

Adam Marks 

Middle Aged Men in Lycra 

Hannah Martin 

Simon and Max Misrahi 

Shelley Molyneux 

Aviva Myerson 

Olivia Naylor 

Evie Nicholls 

Gabby Niman 

Roger Nyman 

Malcolm Persey 

Shelley Poll 

Lorraine Raphael 

Eleanor Richman & 

Charlotte Silver 

Talia Robeson 

Joshua Rom 

Linda Rose 

Natalie Rosen 

Fiona Scott 

Andrew Selzer 

Noah Shulman-Miller 

Judith Spevock 

Vivien Spevock 

Mitchell Stanton 

Tapnack Family 

Nikki Tapper 

Karen Treep 

Sammy Weinbaum 

Martin West 

Geoff Wynne 

10K Walk - Outlook 

Committee 

How YOU make 

the difference 

When you come to a 

Chai event or sponsor 

an intrepid trekker, take on 

a challenge or organise a 

fundraiser, you’re making a 

difference to many lives – 

and many generations. 

People like Nikky Schofield, 

her mother Lucille and 

daughter Izzy, who came 

to Chai back in 2012, when 

Nikky was diagnosed with 

breast cancer. 

A cancer diagnosis rarely 

affects just the patient. 

Children, parents, partners 

and siblings also have their 

world turned upside down. 

‘I’m not sure how we would 

WAYS TO GIVE 

On special occasions 

Nominate Chai to mark an event 

or celebration, in lieu of gifts 

Contact Jacki Stanton 

jackistanton@chaicancercare.org 

or call on 020 8457 3231 

Leave a legacy 

An enduring way to support 

Chai is with a legacy in your 

Will. Visit Jewish Legacy Giving 

(jewishlegacygiving.org.uk) to 

find out more. If you wish to tell 

us of your intention, we would 

have got through everything 

without Chai’s practical 

and emotional support,’ 

says Nikky. 

The rising numbers of cancer 

diagnoses in those under 40 

and more people living with 

the effects of treatment, 

mean our services are 

continuously expanding and 

developing. And it’s thanks 

to you that they can. 

Your donation gives a child 

somewhere to explore their 

fragile feelings, you enable a 

person to regain their fitness 

and feel positive again, and 

you help ensure a husband 

can cope with his loss. 

be honoured to recognise your 

generosity during your lifetime. 

Contact Lisa Steele: 

lisas@chaicancercare.org 

or call 020 8457 3392 

Donate online 

The simplest and quickest way 

to donate. Click on the Make a 

Donation yellow tab on the top 

right hand side of our website. 

Call us 

For donations over the phone 

Call Jacki Stanton 

on 020 8457 3231 

or Janet Lloyd on 020 8457 2072 

Nikky (centre), mother Lucille and daughter Izzy 

– three generations supported by Chai 

On behalf of each generation 

who benefits from your loyalty 

and generosity, we give our 

heartfelt thanks and gratitude. 

By Post 

Send cheques or charity 

vouchers to: 


142-146 Great North Way 

London NW4 1EH 

Gift Aid your donation 

If you are UK taxpayer, 

Gift Aid increases your 

donations by 25%. Tell 

us when you make your 

donation, or download a 

Gift Aid Declaration form 

from our website. 

38 


39

How 

does 

Chai 

care? 

Thanks to the generosity of the 

community, Chai Cancer Care 

provides specialised support to 

thousands of people across the 

UK who have been affected by 

a cancer diagnosis. 

To find out more please call our 

Freephone Helpline on 

0808 808 4567 or visit 

www.chaicancercare.org 

Advisory Services 

Advocacy & Information 

Advice Bureau 

Financial & Legal Guidance 

Image Resource Service 

Jewish Perspectives on Cancer 

Medical Connections 

Nutritional & Dietary Advice 

Resources & Information 

Counselling 

Counselling for Individuals, 

Couples & Families 

Counselling for Genetic Issues 

Music Therapy 

Relationship Counselling 

Telephone & Skype Counselling 

Children, Teenage 

and Family Service 

Art Therapy 

Music Therapy 

Play Therapy 

Therapies 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage 

Physiotherapy 

Medical Outpatient Rehabilitation 

and Palliative Care Service 

Complementary Therapies 

Acupuncture 

Aromatherapy 

Foot Care Service 

Healing 

Hot Stones 

Hypnotherapy 

Indian Head Massage 

Reflexology 

Reiki 

Therapeutic Massage 

Home Support Service 

Group Activities 

Art Workshop 

Computer Lessons 

Israeli Dancing 

Jewellery Workshop 

Knitting 

Meditation 

Music Workshop 

Open/Supervised Gym Sessions 

Pet Therapy 

Pilates 

Table Tennis 

Walking Group 

Yoga 

Support Groups 

BRCA Group 

Bereavement Groups 

Breast Buddies 

Groups for Cancer 

Patients/Carers 

Lifestyle Group 

Volunteer Service 

Services are available at: 

North West London 

South London 

Essex 

Hackney 

Southend 

Birmingham 

Leeds 

Liverpool 

South Manchester 

North Manchester 

Glasgow 

Clients’ Homes 

Chai Lifeline Cancer Care Registered Charity No. 1078956 

Together 2016

LIFESTYLE

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