Red carpet treatment for Yorkshire cancer patients as Leeds cinema screens their stories

A group of cancer patients from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate have starred on the big screen, thanks to a Cineworld cinema in Leeds, after they featured in a series of films to help others diagnosed with the disease.

The patients featured and their families were guests of honour at the first showing of the films, which will subsequently be used by cancer teams, charities and patient groups across West Yorkshire and Harrogate.

The series of patient education films – were shown at a special ‘by invitation only’ screening next Wednesday (February 22) at Cineworld in the White Rose Shopping Centre - include advice for patients just finishing or on long-term cancer treatment for breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer, along with general health and wellbeing advice.

A further film – produced in partnership with the patient led charity, Yorkshire Cancer Community (YCC) – reinforced the important role that patients play in supporting others facing the same fears and challenges after they receive a diagnosis and go on to treatment and rehabilitation.

The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust was one of six hospital NHS Trusts across the area who collaborated on the project, along with YCC, after they submitted a successful bid to the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance’s patient education bursary scheme – which is now in its third year.

The scheme is designed to boost services and support for the increasing number of patients living with and beyond cancer. Organisations and/or individuals working in GP surgeries or the community; in hospitals or specialist services, in voluntary organisations and charities, are invited to share their projects, apply for funding, and explain how they could make a difference.

The latest videos feature Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) and other health professionals, along with patients talking about their own experiences of cancer – breaking down barriers around subjects considered sensitive; challenging perceptions and myth busting and offering their own advice on how to deal with the impact of cancer on their everyday lives.

Keely Clawson, Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse at The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust said:

“This screening was a true representation of inspirational people sharing their lived experience. It was wonderful to hear and see this shared with the community.

It is an invaluable resource for those patients living with and beyond treatment for breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer and is a great method of offering advice to anyone living with and beyond cancer, irrespective of where they live.”

Attending the screening was health professionals featuring in the films along with representatives of NHS England, West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and the Cancer Alliance.