Bernard honoured with Beacon of Hope award
Achievement...Rory Morrison of BBC Radio 4 presents Bernard Rice with his Beacon of Hope award
A MAN from Harborough has been honoured by a cancer charity for his care and support of people affected by lymphoma.
Bernard Rice, who lives in Harborough, received the award from the Lymphoma Association during their annual awards ceremony.
Mr Rice was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1968 and has been in remission for 44 years.
Although he is in remission Mr Rice spends much of his time helping others who are affected by the disease.
He received a Beacon of Hope award at the awards night in London on September 13.
Mr Rice said: “It was totally out of the blue. I was surprised naturally, you don’t do it for an award, but it was nice to find appreciation.
“Back then I was totally unaware, the Big C was never discussed. There is no doubt that support and awareness has increased since then.
“It was a very pleasant surprise and a lovely day in London.”
Mr Rice is the organiser of the Lymphoma Association’s Leicester support group which started up in 2009. He has come up with a number of ideas for fundraising events, including a fantasy football competition, banquet events and musical evenings.
The awards night was hosted by BBC Radio 4 announcer and newsreader Rory Morrison.
He said: “Bernard is very active in raising awareness of lymphoma and of the charity.
“He goes along to local doctors’ surgeries to drop in posters and leaflets and also to local schools to make them aware of the PITS campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the most common symptoms of lymphoma in the under-30s.”
Symptoms of lymphoma include a painless lump or swelling (often in the neck, armpit or groin), persistent itching, unusual tiredness and excessive sweating, especially at night.
Mr Morrison said: “Bernard is an inspiration to all that meet him and the Lymphoma Association is truly grateful for his dedication, passion and commitment to helping others.”
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Friday 24 May 2013
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