GO Group Spring/Summer 2026

Portia Rees-Jones and Katy Brown are our University Hospitals Dorset Trust
Dietitians’ who will deliver a practical talk focused on supporting health and
wellbeing through good nutrition.
Drawing on their experience across the trust, they will share simple advice on
balanced eating, hydration, and maintaining energy levels, both at work and at
home.
2pm – 3pm AGM
3pm – 3.30pm Tea and Cake
3.30pm – 4pm speakers.
Please could you let Liv know by email or telephone so that we have an idea of
numbers for Tea and Cake. There is no charge for this event.

John Derricott, Emma Chester and Liv Cawthorne attended a wonderful meeting in
January, led by Emma Leatherbarrow, who is the Equality and Involvement
Strategic Lead for The Valuing Cancer Support Group.
One of the speakers from the Community Action Network (CAN) talked about Dorset
Service Finder Initiative.
CAN and NHS Dorset are working collaboratively with local organisations with a web-based
tool that has up to date information on services locally that health care
professionals or members of support groups/charity can signpost individuals too. For
example, access to food, help at home, befriending, benefits.
All services available in this tool can be configured to the specific needs.
Here is the link: https://dorset.findservices.org.uk

Tuesday 21st April – Nothe Fort, Barrack road, Weymouth, DT4 8UF.
Meet at the drawbridge for 11 am, we will be having a guided tour of the fort. There is a
large car park, you do have to pay as it is a council one not owned by the fort. There is a
café on site where we can gather after the tour for coffee.

Tuesday 19th May – Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
A lavish family home re-imagined as a Venetian Palace in the rural Dorset countryside.
Meet by the ticket office for 11am.
Please let Liv know if you have a National Trust membership beforehand.

Wednesday 24th June – The Cottage Garden, Giles Lane, Landford, Salisbury, Wilts
SP5 2BG.
Nestled on the edge of the New Forest National Park, cottage-style garden offers a
peaceful, inspiring escape. Wander three acres of beautifully designed spaces, then relax
in the tearoom with homemade cakes, cream teas or light lunches.
Meet at 11am by the tearooms.

Thursday 16th July – Boat trip to Swanage from Poole Quay.
Embark on a memorable journey from Poole Harbour to Swanage, where the beauty of
the Dorset coastline will captivate you every step of the way. This scenic sightseeing
cruise is the perfect way to experience the region’s stunning landmarks and rich history.
Meet at the Coastal Cruises hut at 10.00 for a 10.30 departure.
There is a multi story car park behind the quay. There are a few return times

Friday 14th August – Salisbury Racecourse, Nethampton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 8PN
Meet at 11.30am (details to follow). Adult Bilbury and Grandstand Enclosure Admission.
When entering the race course drive and keep to the right. ‘Head to car park 2. Then walk
towards main entrance. Before entering meet by the arch in the hedge’.

Friday 21 August – Bucklers Hard – Buckler’s Hard, New Forest, st Hampshire, SO42 7XB
Meet on the big lawn at 11 am, there is a car park and café on site also a pub and they do a
boat trip if people wanted to go on it, but they do not block book so it’s first come first
served. There will be a little treasure hunt as well to keep those little grey cells going

Friday 18th September – RSPB Arne.
Explore the heathland, woodland, mudflats, and wetland to see wildlife such as Spoonbills
and Dartford Warblers, before refuelling in the café. Join us for guided wildlife walks and
other events throughout the year with our large events programme.
Meet at 11am by the ticket office. Please let Liv know if you are a member of the RSPB.

If you would like to attend any (or all) of the planned outings please email your name and the details of what you would like to attend to olivia.cawthorne@uhd.nhs.uk or call 0300 019 2580. I will need numbers 3 weeks prior to each event. All trips £5 payable on the day. The GO Group is kindly subsidising these outings.

I’m Keith Heywood, from Poole, and my life has always been about creativity and communication. I served as a photographer in the Royal Air Force for 23 years, then went on to work at Bournemouth University in the Faculty of Media and Communication, building a career around visual storytelling and technical expertise .

But in 2020, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.

Looking back, these symptoms had been creeping in for some time. I was having trouble eating bread, experiencing indigestion and a sticking sensation when swallowing. By 2019, the discomfort became more frequent, often accompanied by hiccups at nearly every meal. After a particularly distressing “pasty incident” in October 2019, where food felt stuck and wouldn’t move either up or down. I went to see a practice nurse and was prescribed stomach liners.

By March 2020, my symptoms had worsened and I had started losing weight, which really concerned me. My GP referred me to Poole Hospital for an endoscopy. That’s when I received the devastating news: I had two tumours on my oesophagus and was given a prognosis of between 2 and 24 months to live.

There was a glimmer of hope when further tests revealed that one of the tumours was benign, meaning surgery might be possible. In April 2020, just after my 60th birthday and the start of the COVID – 19 pandemic, I began FLOT chemotherapy. In August 2020, I underwent major surgery at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, performed by Mr Cowie. A week later, I was discharged to begin my recovery, followed by a second round of chemotherapy in October 2020 – tough, but necessary.

Determined to regain some normality, I started a phased return to work in February 2021 and gradually built back up to five days a week. However, after two years of managing the after-effects of treatment, I retired on ill-health grounds in October 2023.

Now , five years on from surgery and still under monitoring. I’ve learned to adapt. Acid reflux remains an issue, especially at night, but by avoiding certain foods and cutting down on dairy, I’ve managed to improve my symptoms. Throughout it all, my wife Mel has been my rock – she truly deserves a medal for her unwavering support.

Despite the challenges, I’m making the most of life. Married for 44 years, Mel and I enjoy walking, lunches out, and live music – both locally and in London. I still pursue photography, love visiting heritage railways, and continue to play the guitar. Our daughters, Jayne and Katy, are a big part of our lives – though while Jayne has four children, Katy prefers cats!

My Journey has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of seeking help when something doesn’t feel right. Although my diagnosis changed my life, I continue to find joy in the things I love – and I’m determined to live life to the fullest.

Share Your Story

Every patient’s journey is unique, and behind each one is a story of strength, hope, and the quiet support of carers.
We would love other patients and carers to share their experiences in our newsletter. Whether it’s a moment that
moved you, a challenge you faced, or a tribute to someone who’s been there for you — your story could inspire others.
We hope to make this a regular feature, shining a light on the voices that matter most.
If you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you.

Fundraising for the Go Group