We are deeply sickened and dismayed by the widespread racist riots that have been taking place in cities and towns across the UK recently. All of us at Radiotherapy UK stand united with the radiotherapy workforce and patients affected by these terrible actions.
If you know someone afraid to attend treatment appointments, or to go to work, please check in with them and see if you can help. Check in with your teams and your friends and ask them what they need. If you are a patient, speak to your treatment team and see what support they can give you.
We would like to amplify the words of Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive Officer of the NHS:
“[But] we shouldn’t let dedication to duty disguise the fact that for many NHS workers, seeing this flare-up of racism will leave them feeling afraid and unwelcome.
“To those colleagues, my message is simple: you are welcome, you are a valued member of our community, and that community should look after you.”
Having cancer, or treating people with cancer, is hard enough already. Let’s all stand together and show we will not tolerate this behaviour.
Sarah Quinlan MBE, Charity Director