Join The Big Letter Write to Tackle Patients' Social Isolation
There are few things in life worse than a cancer diagnosis but add the debilitating effects of treatment and the loss of your usual social life and a very difficult time quickly becomes very lonely and even more upsetting.
A cure for cancer may be in the hands of researchers but social isolation is something everyone can take action to remedy and it’s the aim of a new campaign from cancer charity From Me to You.
The Big Letter Write will coincide with World Cancer Day on 4th February and hopes to create a wave of warmth via the written word for cancer patients across the country.
“We are asking people to put pen to paper on World Cancer Day to connect with a patient via a letter. You could write to someone you know or you could donate a letter for us to deliver to a patient who has asked to receive something from us,” said charity co-founder Alison Hitchcock.
“It’s a great way to support people living with this awful illness and can really brighten their day. It’s also a great way to build a connection with someone you know if a face-to-face conversation feels too daunting.”
To join The Big Letter Write, just decide who you would like to write to, choose your stationery and then visit From Me to You’s website at
htpps://www.frommetoyouletters.co.uk
for tips on how to start your letter, possible pitfalls and to read some sample letters for inspiration.
People can also follow From Me to You on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and stay in touch with campaign news via the dedicated hashtag #thebigletterwrite.
Alison and fellow charity founder Brian Greenley will also be giving a Lunchtime Lecture at Bristol Library on World Cancer Day, followed by being letter-writers in residence for the afternoon.
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About From Me to You
From Me to You is the letter-writing charity which seeks to end the social isolation felt by people living with a cancer diagnosis.
When words don’t come easily, From Me to You encourages connections through letters, cards and postcards — to brighten a patient’s day and let them know they are not alone.
From its early days of helping to maintain connections between loved ones, From Me to You has grown to distribute letters from well-wishers to oncology ward patients throughout the UK — and recently celebrated delivery of its 2,500th letter this year!
The charity was launched in 2016 by Brian Greenley and Alison Hitchcock following their own experience of developing their friendship via letters following Brian’s diagnosis with bowel cancer in 2010.
Now cancer-free, Brian and Alison are dedicated to helping others find the right words, running letter-writing workshops and sharing guidance on how to bring a connection and comfort to those made lonely by their illness.
You can find out more about From Me to You via its website at www.frommetoyouletters.co.uk, via Twitter @frommetoyou01, Facebook @FromMeToYouLetters, and Instagram @frommetoyouletters
Media Contact
Paul Smith Associates (PSA) Tel: + 44 (0)1420 22532;
Email: newsdesk@paulsmithassociates.co.uk
PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
17th January 2019