A health and wellbeing event for people who have completed treatment for colorectal cancer was held by the Western Health and Social Care Trust. The event took place in Derry and was organised by colorectal clinical nurse specialists Roisin Roddy and Annie-Marie Crossan.

In comments provided by the trust, Roddy and Crossan said the events are intended to give patients knowledge, confidence and support following treatment. They said the goal is to help patients transition back to everyday life and empower them to maintain their health and wellbeing.

Professor Raafat Malek, a clinical oncologist at the trust, said the event is an important part of recovery. He indicated that it helps patients understand changes they may experience and how to access appropriate services for their long-term health and wellbeing.

Martha Magee, Macmillan Information and Support Manager for the trust, said such events help patients access supportive services, including voluntary and community sector organisations. She said these services help patients navigate life after a colorectal cancer diagnosis to improve physical and emotional wellbeing.

The event included input from stoma care nurses Debbie Brown and Mirium Purvis. A patient, Noreen Erskine, also spoke at the event.