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The Southern Oesophageal Support Group was started by Jack Burrage with the intention of helping pre-op and post-op patients through counselling in the south of England.
Jack (a 22 year survivor of oesophageal cancer surgery) offered advice and reassurance gained from his own personal experience of oesophageal cancer plus knowledge gained from talking to surgeons, healthcare workers and other patients with similar diagnoses throughout the country.
With the startling increase of oesophagectomies in the South of England, Jack felt it was time to try and help those closer to home, as there were already a number of organisations and charities throughout the UK.
After many years travelling the country, speaking to professionals and offering support to patients, Jack passed away in 2005 after a short, unrelated illness. He will be dearly missed by his wife Kitty all that were priveledged enough to know him.
Jack was a very compassionate and caring person with a real commitment and enthusiasm to help other people. The work he did for patients like himself affected by oesohageal cancer was quite fantastic.
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Through the contacts that Jack made on his travels we aim to keep his support group going.
Richard Williams was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus in May 2002. Having suffered for many years with Barrett's Reflux Rick attended hospital for a twice yearly endoscopy which highlighted an inflamation of tissue.
Tests concluded that the swelling was cancerous and Rick had his oesophagectomy on June 7th 2002. The operation was a success and Rick's fears were put to rest through a variety of knowledgeable sources.
Principally; the skill and experience of his surgeon and staff at Harefield Hospital; his GP, Dr Basab Barua, for his careful monitoring of Rick's condition over the years; and of course Jack, who was such an inspiration to Rick and his family having been contacted by Rick's daughter via the internet just before his operation.
Rick would like to thank all involved and to help Jack continue the SOSG. If you would like to contact Rick, please click here.
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