In this final episode of the podcast, Mike signs off by answering rather than asking the questions during the interview slot, Alison and he round off the ‘Finding the Words’ series, and a peek behind the scenes of the podcast is provided by a selection of outtakes.

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Sarah-Jane Hogg, Chief Executive of Friends of ANCHOR, interviews Mike about his connection with Friends of ANCHOR and his experience of running the podcast over the last eighteen months or so. Sarah-Jane also explains the factors that have led to the feeling that now is the right time to bring the podcast to an end. [01:00]
• In their final ‘Finding the Words’ slot, Mike and Alison reflect on recent developments that have encouraged people to speak more openly and naturally about cancer and other serious illnesses. Alison also shares her appreciation of the way in which comedian, Mark Steel, describes cancer as being like having a leopard in your house while Mike talks about what it’s like to feel that you have ‘a number on your head’, following a cancer diagnosis and treatment. [19:26]
• The concluding ‘And Finally’ slot features some outtakes that transport listeners behind the scenes of the podcast and confirm everyone’s suspicions that recordings weren’t always safely ‘in the can’ after a single take! [27:58]

Please email us via foapodcast@freerangepodcasting.co.uk if you would like to contact us in connection with this podcast. We would love to hear from you.

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In this episode, we hear from Friends of ANCHOR Ward Assistants, Lynn Ingram and Heather Allan, about the practical support that they provide for patients, and we also find out about the news that had Erica buzzing this week!

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Erica Banks, Head of Communications at Friends of ANCHOR, expresses her delight in response to this week’s announcement that the charity has been voted by the general public to be one of five charity partners with our local newspaper, ‘The Press and Journal’, for this coming year. She also highlights a new opportunity that is available this year for anyone interested in combining a charity donation with a special, personalised Christmas gift. In addition, Erica draws attention to some of the event highlights that are in the offing for 2024. [01:25]
• Erica interviews Lynn Ingram and Heather Allan about the very significant contribution to patient wellbeing and support that they make as ward assistants. Lynn and Heather also provide an insight into the efforts that are made to spread some festive cheer across the wards at this time of the year while also being sensitive to the ongoing needs and circumstances of patients. [08:13]
• Mike lets listeners know that the podcast is taking a planned break for a few months. [22:13]

Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to foapodcast@freerangepodcasting.co.uk, and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

‘Courage on the Catwalk’ is the theme of this episode, with contributions from Sarah-Jane Hogg, Judy Alexander and Gail Rose.

The following points are among those covered in this episode:

• Sarah-Jane Hogg explains that November sees the launch of the search for models to take part in the ‘Courage on the Catwalk’ and ‘Brave’ events in May 2024 at P&J Live, prompting a takeover of the podcast to celebrate ten years of ‘Courage on the Catwalk’! [01:06]
• Sarah-Jane introduces her guests, Judy Alexander and Gail Rose. At the tender age of 81, Judy became a ‘Courage on the Catwalk Original’ when she took part in the inaugural event in 2013. Gail was the joint initiator, along with Sarah-Jane, of the fashion show events that have now become the combined highlight of the Friends of the ANCHOR calendar. With her company, Premiere Productions, Gail provides the choreography, support and inspiration that makes each show such a tremendous occasion. [05:37]
• Sarah-Jane rounds off her takeover of the podcast by providing ticketing information for the shows and by paying tribute to the ‘Red Army’ of volunteers who make the events possible. [25:41]

Suggestions or feedback about the podcast can be sent to foapodcast@freerangepodcasting.co.uk, and you can sign up to receive news and updates by clicking on this link.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.