Previous event: Preparing for end of life
This event took place on Saturday 3 September 2022.
Our 'Preparing for end of life' online support event, co-produced with Marie Curie, will cover practical arrangements, symptom control, emotional support and what really matters to you and your loved ones.
Taking place on Saturday 3 September from 10.30am-2pm on Zoom, it's a free information and support event for everyone affected by bowel cancer, including friends and family.
We know talking about end of life can be sensitive and emotional. Our event will be delivered by experts used to talking about this topic and answering questions openly and honestly.
You can join at any time to watch individual sessions and there will be short breaks throughout the event. The organisations involved will provide further information on support services for those who need it. There will be the opportunity to take part in Q&A sessions throughout the event.
Here's an overview of the sessions:
Making practical arrangements
An overview of the services available to support you when managing end of life preparations. We'll cover passing away at home, funeral organisation and demystifying and de-medicalising end of life.
Controlling symptoms
In this panel discussion our experts will openly answer questions on controlling the symptoms of advanced bowel cancer, as well as stenting and stoma care.
Emotional support for you and your loved ones
We'll offer guidance on practical tips to support you, the bereavement support available to your loved ones and how you can support each other to manage and acknowledge grief.
To join the event you'll need to download Zoom to a laptop, computer, smartphone or tablet with sound and be connected to the internet.
About the speakers
Dr Catherine Millington-Sanders
Marie Curie National Clinical Champion for End of Life Care
Catherine is Royal College of General Practice and Marie Curie National Clinical Champion for End of Life Care and Co-Founder of the Social Enterprise Difficult Conversations.
She's a practicing GP, clinical commissioner and educationalist and a specialty doctor in palliative medicine. She chairs the RCGPEOLC Advisory Group, supporting RCGP to develop end of life care focused resources. She's a regular guest on ITV's Loose Women and Lorraine.
Dr Sarah Holmes
Medical Director, Marie Curie
Born in Lancashire, Sarah studied medicine in Edinburgh, graduating in 1997. She initially pursued a career in General Practice, before discovering her vocation in Palliative Medicine.
Sarah's a Consultant in Palliative Medicine and Medical Director of Marie Curie Hospice Bradford, where she has worked since 2007.
In July 2020, Sarah became UK Medical Director for Marie Curie, and combines this role with her ongoing clinical work in the hospice in Bradford. She works with other palliative care consultants and staff within the Bradford and Craven Managed Clinical Network for Palliative Care, which won the BMJ Palliative Care Team of the Year in 2015.
Sarah has an interest in improving palliative care services for young people, including those transitioning from paediatric to adult services, and in developing and improving hospice services for patients with neurological conditions. She's passionate about ensuring better end of life care for all, especially for marginalised groups including the homeless, and in delivering truly person-centred care as part of a place-based approach.
Nadia El Gazar
Content Editor, Marie Curie
Nadia's a Content Writer and Editor in Marie Curie's Information and Support team, and prior to that she worked as a Publications Officer at Crohn's and Colitis UK. She has a personal and professional interest in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and is a member of several staff networks, including the Ethnic Diversity Network where she's a member of the Network Leadership Team.
Claire Coughlan
Clinical Lead, Bowel Cancer UK
Claire's focus is on provision of support for patients, health professional education and ensuring that the charities clinical focus remains current and relevant.
She's also a Consultant Nurse in Colorectal Cancer with expertise in bowel cancer follow up, genetics and symptom assessment. Claire's undertaking a PhD in the priorities for bowel cancer follow up care across diverse communities.
Picture above: Speakers Dr Catherine Millington-Sanders (top left), Dr Sarah Holmes (top right), Nadia El Gazar (bottom left) and Claire Coughlan (bottom right).