A FARMING charity has recently taken on a new staff member to help support people in rural communities living with cancer. 

The Farming Community Network (FCN) has recently appointed Jade Chidgey as the south west FCN and Macmillan programme officer. 

This partnership between FCN and Macmillan Cancer Support is to help raise awarness of the of the signs and symptoms of cancer and to help build referral bridges to and from Macmillan’s services.

Jade has worked in the agricultural sector for 12 years and most recently worked for Mole Valley Farmers in sales. She was also a member of Somerset YFC for more than 10 years.

"When I saw the job advertised and read the job description I knew it was an opportunity I had to go for," said Jade.

"I saw the link FCN had to Macmillan Cancer Support and after having my dad suffer with lung cancer in 2022 it struck a chord with me. I felt I could put some personal experience towards this opportunity, whilst also taking on a completely new and exciting challenge.

"My aim is to get out in the community and talk about the types of cancer members of the rural community might be more at risk to; and making sure they are signposted in the right direction - whether that be to a GP or directly to Macmillan - whilst also getting all the information they require."

Stephen Dennis, regional director at FCN, said the role will be varied but will include helping to understand the terminolgy associated with a cancer diagnosis and being present at livestock markets and shows to help make people aware of the support FCN can offer. 

He added: "I can see this role being a real plus for those families who are going through cancer challenges. Anything that can aid and benefit someone during those difficult times has to be good for the farming community in the south west region." 

FCN can be contacted in confidence on 03000 111 999, 7am-11pm, 365 days of the year. The Macmillan Support Line is available on 0808 808 00 00, seven days a week, 8am to 8pm.