Registered Charity Number 1,002,652

The Fiona Dickson Memorial Trust was established as a charity in 1991 following the death from cancer of a young GP trainee,Dr.Fiona Dickson.During her short professional career, Dr.Dickson showed great interest and compassion in the field of palliative care,and in particular its provision within general practice. Tragically she lost her own battle against cancer, but through the work of the Trust in her memory, the Trustees hope to promote education and training for those individuals wishing to improve their skills and knowledge.

To date the Trust has had three main activities.Firstly has been the provision of educational bursaries for individuals attending courses and training activities, particuarly in the field of palliative care. Bursaries, up to a maximum of £500.00 per individual,have been awarded to community and hospital based nurses,Macmillan nurses,lay counsellors and also medical personnel. The trust also aim to supplement funding available from elsewhere,e.g.Health Authority and employers, rather than replace it,so that training opportunities may be increased.

Secondly the Trust has organised two educational events of its own. In 1994 a one day Palliative Care Study Day was held in Latimer Mews in Buckinghamshire, and in 1996 a further course was held at the Belton Woods Hotel Grantham for the members of the Primary Health Care Team and also Macmillan Nurses.

Thirdly, the circulation of the booklet written by Dr. Dickson during her illness,which is free from copyright restrictions,to enable reproductions at will.In it Dr.Dickson provides much helpful information and guidance for cancer patients and their families.The booklet A Practical Handbook for dealing with and coming- to terms with Cancer is available from the Honorary Secretary.

Since its creation in 1991, the Trust has received substantial donations from all over the world including the film industry and in memory of Dr. John Cosgrave, a G.P. who died of cancer. Other than essential postage and stationery costs, no expenses are paid to the Trustees or Secretary, many of whom knew and worked with Fiona.

In order for the Trust to continue its work in the future, further fund-raising is always required.If you would like more information regarding bursaries, or would like to help in any way,please contact:

The Honorary Secretary Mrs.L.D.Taffinder,
Pennycress, Chapel Lane,
Sibsey, Boston, Lincolnshire
PE22 OSN.
U.K.

Tel 01205 750496
Fax 01205 750800

Website: www.fionadickson.org.uk