Oxford News
Oxford workshop eases fears before chemo for cancer patients
The Getting Started programme at Maggie’s Oxford, launched in collaboration with the Churchill Hospital, aims to better prepare and support patients before chemotherapy or immunotherapy begins.
In its first three months, 170 cancer patients and 132 friends or family members attended the sessions.
Of those, 98 per cent felt the information provided was ‘just right,’ while 95 per cent rated the sessions as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.
Jane Willoughby, who has mucosal melanoma, said: “The session provided valuable information and reassurance ahead of my treatment, and a helpful introduction to the ongoing support Maggie’s offers.
“For us, Maggie’s has become a safe haven we know we can return to.”
The sessions have also eased pressures on NHS staff by reducing the need for extended pre-treatment explanations, with patients arriving better informed and more relaxed.
Liz Mellish, oncology nurse at the Churchill Hospital, said: “The sessions at Maggie’s have made a difference to both patients and staff, and we can really feel their positive impact in the Day Treatment Unit.
“The feedback has been incredibly positive, and patients appear much more relaxed when they come in for their first treatment.
“It is such a daunting time for people, and anything that can help ease that experience can only be a positive.
“Now that we’ve been running the sessions for a few months, it’s hard to imagine why we didn’t do this sooner.”
The workshop includes practical advice about what to expect during treatment, likely side effects, and available support.
It takes place at the Maggie’s centre on the grounds of the Churchill Hospital and includes a bespoke video featuring clinical staff, Maggie’s personnel, and patients currently undergoing treatment.
Claire Marriot, centre head at Maggie’s Oxford, said: “Being diagnosed with cancer is frightening and starting treatment can be overwhelming, which is why Getting Started is such an important part of the support we offer at Maggie’s.
“Getting Started brings together the clinical expertise from staff at Churchill Hospital and the professional team at Maggie’s to help people feel more informed about their treatment and what lies ahead, and less alone with their worries and concerns.”
Maggie’s is calling for emotional and practical support to be embedded in NHS cancer care nationwide.
Maggie’s Oxford is based in the Patricia Thompson Building on the Churchill Hospital grounds and provides free, no-referral-needed emotional and practical support to anyone affected by cancer.
The charity, which began in Edinburgh in 1996, now operates 27 centres across the UK, offering professional advice and a supportive environment at every stage of cancer.
Oxford News
Police have new weapon to stop e-scooters and e-bikes
SmartTag – a traceable solution developed by DeterTech UK – can be fired from a handheld canister over distances of up to 10 metres, coating riders, clothing and bikes with an invisible marker.
The spray is only detectable under ultraviolet light and carries a unique forensic code linked to the specific canister used, allowing investigators to match a suspect to a particular incident weeks or even months later.
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In Southampton, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary says the technology gives officers a safer tactical option when dealing with motorcycles, e‑bikes and e‑scooters being used in crime or anti‑social behaviour, reducing the need for risky pursuits or close confrontation.
The move comes amid growing complaints about riders using powered two‑wheelers on pavements and in public spaces, and follows similar trials by Dorset Police and other forces to tag offenders rather than chasing them through busy streets.
A BBC report in April said Thames Valley Police is now deploying SmartTag spray as part of its own response to the rising criminal use of e‑bikes and e-scooters.
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The force, which covers Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, has already seized more than 100 illegal machines in recent operations and warned that privately owned e‑scooters used on public roads risk fines, penalty points and confiscation.
According to the report, Thames Valley officers use SmartTag to mark suspects and their vehicles during incidents, with anyone stopped later subject to UV checks to see if they carry the forensic code.
A briefing to the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel states that the spray remains on skin, clothing and other surfaces for extended periods, strengthening the evidential link between offenders and specific crime scenes.
Oxford News
TV presenter sells £3.25m Cotswolds mansion with six bedrooms
Joe Wicks, known as The Body Coach, is a British fitness coach, TV presenter and bestselling author whose Lean in 15 cookbooks have sold hundreds of thousands of copies.
He fronted Channel 4 series Joe Wicks: The Body Coach and has built a huge following through his Body Coach TV YouTube workouts.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he became “the nation’s PE teacher” with his PE with Joe livestreams, which drew millions of viewers and earned him an MBE in 2020.
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The house in Oxfordshire has now sold. (Image: Savills)
Back in 2023, it was revealed that the personal trainer had bought the country house for £2.9million near the residences of the Beckhams, Jeremy Clarkson and Amanda Holden.
Near Chipping Norton, the Grade II-listed home has a guest cottage and the River Swere running through its grounds.
It was then reported by The Sun in February of this year that Mr Wicks was “quitting the Chipping Norton set” after listing his Oxfordshire home on the market.
The mansion has six bedrooms as well as a spa, sauna, snug and home office, accompanied by a wildflower meadow, orchard and herb garden, which is all set within 2.5 acres.
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The house in Oxfordshire has now sold. (Image: Savills)
Now, the house has “recently sold” according to the property listing on Savills’ website, but the official sale price was not revealed.
At the time of the initial report earlier this year, The Sun added: “Period features include open fireplaces and exposed timbers with a separate two-bedroom thatched cottage for weekend guests or holiday lettings.
“Joe bought the pad after planning permission was granted for a double-height extension, including an open-plan kitchen with glass doors leading directly out to the garden.
“The personal trainer and influencer’s pad has three bathrooms, an oak-framed garage, study and playroom for his three kids.”
Oxford News
New care home manager welcomed at Witney care home
Regina Topalli has taken up her new role at Madley Park House in Witney, managed by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), which operates 18 care homes and six extra care housing schemes in Oxfordshire.
She brings experience since 2016 in residential and dementia care, with a strong focus on person-centred support and team leadership.
Ms Topalli said: “I am thrilled to join Madley Park House.
“It is clear that this is a home filled with warmth, pride and a genuine commitment to providing excellent care.
“I look forward to getting to know our residents and families, and to working closely with the team to ensure we continue to be a great place to live and work.”
In her new role, Ms Topalli will lead the day-to-day running of the home, support staff, and continue to deliver high standards of care.
Renata Crisostomo, divisional director for Oxfordshire at OSJCT, said: “We are pleased to welcome Regina to Madley Park as home manager.
“She joined OSJCT nearly ten years ago and has worked her way up through the organisation.
“Her knowledge, passion for high-quality care, and dedication to supporting residents to live well make her a fantastic addition to the Witney community.
“We are confident that Regina will help Madley Park House continue to thrive.”
Madley Park House offers residential, dementia and respite care services and is known for its welcoming team and community connections.
A new day care service for over-65s will launch in July.
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