Terri's Story...

A test that identifies seven classes of breast cancer could be available within two years, say UK scientists.

Writing in the British Journal of Cancer, the Nottingham researchers say it could help doctors tailor treatment better and boost survival rates.

Terri Bainbridge:

So it’s breast cancer awareness month again, but is all this ‘awareness’ actually teaching us anything?  Breast cancer hit my radar back in 2005 when Kylie Minogue was diagnosed and I thought ‘Wow, if she can get it anyone can, even me.’  After feeling my breasts and thinking they felt a bit lumpy, I made an appointment with the doctor to check if this was normal.  She gave me a thorough examination and said everything was fine.  Call me a hypochondriac but I wanted a bit more proof than that so the doctor indulged me and an ultrasound was scheduled.  This showed I had a couple of cysts in my left breast but again I was told this was perfectly fine and sent on my way. 

However, 6 years later I found a small lump in my left breast and went back to the doctor who again said that doesn’t feel like anything to worry about but come back in a month if it’s still there.  Christmas came and went with a nagging worry in the back of my mind but I tried not to think about it.  The lump didn’t go away so back I went to the doctor who then sent me to the RD&E where the breast cancer specialist also said the lump didn’t feel suspicious but he’d send me for a mammogram just to be sure.  I was also given a needle biopsy to test the tissue.

I honestly thought I was wasting everyone’s time so when a letter arrived asking me to return to the RD&E to get my results I called up and asked just to be told over the phone.  After an awkward silence and then being told I had to come in, I still didn’t twig, so I did the weekly shop and went to the appointment on my own.

Being told you have cancer is one of the most terrifying experiences of your life.  You immediately think you’re going to die.  I had two beautiful children who might grow up without a mother.  When I told my husband, Sam, we both clung to each other and cried. 

I was given the choice to have just the lump removed or my whole breast.  After breast feeding 2 kids my boobs weren’t up to much so I decided to have my whole breast removed just to get rid of it and asked for the operation as soon as possible.  What I was later told shocked me.  After the surgery they examined the removed breast and found that the lump I’d found was sat on top of a very large tumour the size of a Satsuma, which had probably started growing 10-15 years previously – in my 20s!.  “What?!  But I had a mammogram.  Why didn’t you see it?”  I didn’t even want to think about what if I’d only chosen to have the small lump removed.

It turns out I have dense breast tissue.  This shows up as white on a mammogram as do tumours.  Check out some of the images on www.areyoudense.org and you’ll see it’s no wonder tumours get missed.  I’m not a freak, over 60% of women under the age of 50 have dense breast tissue – one of the reasons mammograms aren’t routinely offered to younger women – they’re only 54% effective in this age group.  But 30% of older women have dense breasts too, you don’t just stop having them at age 50 and mammograms are only 78% effective in over 50s.  Do you know what your breast density is?  Probably not.  But it’s right there on your mammogram and your doctor knows.  Why aren’t we being told?  If you have dense breast tissue you should be told and offered additional screening such as an ultrasound.  However, by the time a tumour is big enough to be seen on these scans it’s been growing for over 8 years.

But I’d had an ultrasound back in 2005.  What could I have done differently?  More research led me to thermal imaging, which is a test of function or physiology rather than anatomy.  Thermal imaging can show the activity relating to a growing tumour 8-10 years before it is big enough to be detected by a mammogram.  If I’d had a thermogram back in 2005 when the ultrasound found the cysts we’d have probably seen activity relating to a growing tumour rather than a harmless cyst.  Research has proved that a test of function AND a test of anatomy will detect at least 95% of early stage breast disease.  I couldn’t believe thermal imaging wasn’t more widely available as it’s used a lot in America.  There are a couple of clinics in Harley St but only about 20 in the whole of the UK so I retrained and set up my own here in Exeter.

Until I was told my daughter, Billie, had a brain tumour and was probably going to die, being told I had breast cancer was the worst day of my life.  After I was told that though, 4 months after I was originally diagnosed, breast cancer became a walk in the park!  I know so much more about breast cancer now, it’s not scary.  Knowledge is power.

I was actually called in for a mammogram and ultrasound a few months ago for my remaining breast and I must admit I thought well what’s the point of the mammogram?  I was curious to see what was said though so I went along with it.  After the mammogram the doctor came in to do the ultrasound and told me that everything was fine with the mammogram. ‘But did it show I’ve got dense breast tissue?’ I asked.  ‘Yes, it did.’  ‘So you can’t actually tell me for sure if everything’s fine then can you?’  The doctor looked a bit sheepish and said ‘No, we can’t, that’s why we’re doing the ultrasound as well but to be honest, as you have private health insurance you probably have a good case for asking for an MRI’.

I bet you don’t get told that on the NHS but at least he acknowledged I had dense breast tissue when I asked.  When a friend recently went for a mammogram on the NHS and asked the same question she was told ‘We’re not allowed to give you that information’.  Shocking.  Why?  Because any woman in her right mind would then insist on additional testing, costing the NHS more.  There is also evidence that you have a greater risk of breast cancer if you have dense breast tissue.  The most vulnerable are at most risk using an ineffective screening method and they don’t even know it.

There are women in America – they start annual mammograms at age 40 – who have been diagnosed with late stage breast cancer after having years of ‘clear’ mammograms.  These women have successfully campaigned for a law to be passed, that when a woman has a mammogram she must be told her breast density.  We must demand the same in the UK.  This will surely save lives.

Thermal imaging now available in Exeter at Radiance MediSpa 

www.thermalogica.co.uk

Bristol Barristers Host Charity Fundraising Conference

Members of the Personal Injury Team of St. John’s Chambers, the largest barristers set in the South West hosted an evening drinks reception held at Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel sponsored by Frenkel Topping.  This was followed by a full-day conference sponsored by Irwin Mitchell LLP on behalf of the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).  Two events raised over £5,000 in total for the charity. 

Aimed at practitioners, delegates including solicitors learned more about spinal cord injuries (SCI.) Key-note presenters addressed a range of current hot topics, including rehabilitation, disability and employment risks.  Consultant Surgeon in Spinal Injuries, Brian Gardner FRCS FRCP was the headline speaker who addressed clinician reports in spinal cord injury claims.

Derek Jenkins, Chief Executive St. John’s Chambers says: “Our Special Injury Team is recognised nationally as a leader in personal injury litigation and this is the third time we have supported this worthy cause. The Spinal Injuries Association is a national charity that supports all those affected by spinal cord injury (SCI), whether the injury is sustained by trauma or genetics, infection and disease.   The combined events proved very successful helping to raise the profile and much needed funds for the charity.”

Peter Hutchings - Peers Support Manager (West) says: “As a charity, our unique and valuable work is reliant on donations and support from organisations such as St John’s Chambers. St John’s Chambers has organised a number of solicitors training events and networking evenings with all the proceeds coming to SIA. We value our relationship with St John’s Chambers and look forward to working together again in the future.”

www.stjohnschambers.co.uk

“Taxation – a ‘moral’ issue, or a legal one?”

“Taxation – a ‘moral’ issue, or a legal one?”

 Chris Thorpe - Tax Director Haines Watts Chartered Accountants Exeter

As one of the two certainties in life, taxation is thus important – albeit one that is thoroughly disliked. Nonetheless it is accepted by society generally that taxation is a necessary part of life in order to defend our country and maintain law and order in order to provide an environment within which to live our lives. In the last 100 years an additional call upon our pockets is the provision and maintenance of public services. Income tax is the tax of which we are all aware (it was only supposed to be temporary, introduced in 1799 to pay for the war against France – hence its annual renewal by our Chancellors). In line with this legal requirement to pay income tax, the taxpayers of this country have been entitled to expect some certainty and proportionality on the part of H M Treasury. We have the right to be judged and held accountable to universally-applied laws passed by our elected representatives; those laws tell us how much tax to pay year after year, they tell us what actions are acceptable and which are not and the repercussions of straying over the boundaries of the law. Adam Smith, the founder of the theories of modern economics laid down the fundamental principles behind taxation in his “Canons of Taxation”. As well as “Equality” (payment being proportional to income) and “Convenience of payment” (collection at a time and manner convenient to the taxpayer), there is also “Certainty” (tax liabilities should be clear and certain) and “Economy of Collection” (taxes should not be expensive to collect and should not discourage business). Certainty is a very relevant point; but more significantly it has been coming under attack a great deal of late.

Looking again at those “canons”, how in tact are they in the UK today? Equality? Our tax system is progressive i.e. the more you earn the more you pay – but that’s not equal, 40% is a greater proportion than 20%, whereas 20% of £300,000 is much more in taxes raised than 20% of £30,000. However, out of political necessary, the UK, like most other countries adopt this seemingly fair system. What about Convenience of Payment? Most people pay income tax through PAYE, and the other through Self Assessment Tax Returns – so that one is probably a tick in the box. Economy of Collection – taxes should not be expensive to collect, but H M Revenue & Customs do sometimes seem to make it an overly-arduous task; as for not discouraging business our tax system is wonting there – but that’s for another day. Certainty – until recently it could probably be said that our tax system was certain (if not necessarily clear!); but there is a new trend afoot amongst certain sections of our society which is undermining this fundamental principle.

Our tax statutes (the growing number of them), duly interpreted by the courts, tell us how much tax we should pay. Fellow members of my profession are often called upon to clarify the law, but essentially our tax regime is still governed by laws which are available and equally applicable to all. But to some people the outcome of this is unsatisfactory. Well-advised companies and individuals will follow the letter of the law and do what they are allowed to do to minimise their tax liability. In the House of Lords, Lord Clyde famously stated (in the 1929 case Ayrshire Pullman Motor Services v. Inland Revenue) that:

“No man in the country is under the smallest obligation, moral or other, so to arrange his legal relations to his business or property as to enable the Inland Revenue to put the largest possible shovel into his stores”

i.e. as long as you are obeying the law you can do as you please to lower your tax bill – or carry out “tax avoidance”. That is in stark contrast to “tax evasion” – which is a crime e.g. lying about your income, committing fraud etc.  However, we now have the likes of Margaret Hodge MP, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee and our tax conscience, condemning individuals for engaging in tax avoidance. It is apparently immoral. If it is immoral and so offensive to the common man, then it should not have been made law. What is so offensive is to have laws in place legalising an action but then being told that what you are doing is “immoral”, “egregious”, “not adhering to the spirit of the law”, “not paying your fair share” etc. Instead of obeying the law, we are being expected to obey the opinions of certain self-righteous individuals, many of whom are ignorant of our tax system and some of whom may well dabble in some egregious and immoral tax avoidance themselves. If we are to follow their call and pay our fair share and stop avoiding tax – then what is “our fair share”? How do we quantify it? What types of “tax avoidance” are acceptable? Is getting tax-free interest from an ISA acceptable in their view? Or getting tax relief on pension contributions? Do we have to consult Margaret Hodge on each of these matters and others to get the answers? We shouldn’t have to – we have the laws of the land that tell us what we can do and we should not be forced to follow these subjective and uncertain parallel rules laid down by the opinions of a few individuals.

We have a new development now - the General Anti-Abuse Rule (or GAAR). The word “Abuse” used to read “Avoidance” at the consultation stage of this new piece of legislation which came into effect as part of the Finance Act 2013. The GAAR is now an over-riding arbiter as to what is acceptable tax planning under the law. The change from an anti-“Avoidance” rule, to one of anti-“Abuse” is seemingly an acknowledgement of the fact that tax avoidance is legal and that the purpose of this new law was to combat abuses of the system. The change in words gives this law a more-acceptable face – abuse is never a good thing. Abuse is far worse than anything deemed as being Avoidance, but there is perhaps a fine line between the two as something that is abusive is more often than not still within the boundaries of the law.

Whilst it’s a shame it’s come to this, the GAAR would seem a sensible solution to the problem of abuse. The great thing about it is that at the very least it is a law. It is on the statute books. Some uncertainty with still linger for a while before its judgments over individual actions are passed and digested and passed on as guidance, but instead of the hysterical cat calls from a few individuals, we now have a law telling us how to obey the law. 


www.hwca.com/accountants-exeter/

Marketing Agency Expands Local Services

Exeter-based marketing agency Big Wave Media announces the new appointment of local marketer Ronnie Halden to expand their marketing and creative services team and to engage a new local and regional client base.

A full service marketing agency with a team of creative designers, digital developers and marketers housed under one roof Big Wave Media provides innovative and cost effective PR and marketing support to over 200 clients across the UK and Ireland.  The agency specialises in the leisure, tourism, local government and Business to Business sectors.  Well known in other parts of the UK, the Exeter based agency is now looking to develop an expanding Westcountry client base.

Established in 2007 in Tudor Street the company started with 16 members of staff recruited from the local area and since THEN it has grown to a team of 34.  In the last two years Big Wave Media has invested heavily in the latest cutting-edge technologies and systems and can now also offer an extensive range of digital services including mobile apps which has expanded their marketing services.

Benn Davis Managing Director Big Wave Media says: “The Company has seen a positive growth and demand for digital marketing services and a recent resurgence in traditional media. This has led to an internal restructure and creation of new roles to create a central hub for all online marketing services as well as print and design. As a result we can offer local businesses a full marketing package.   Ronnie has a very high profile and an excellent reputation for delivering which fits with the ethos of the company.  He brings with him a loyal client base and a wealth of experience and I am delighted that Ronnie is joining our growing team of professionals to fly the flag for Exeter.”  

www.bigwavemedia.co.uk

L – R: Simon Beer / Debbi Moore / Ronnie Halden / Tom Gozna – (and the rest of the Big Wave Media Team)

Photo by Glen King.

Building Contractor hands over Project to Exeter Housing Association

South-west based building contractor, C G Fry & Son hands over Bevan House to Sovereign Housing Association in Whipton, Exeter.  The project combining 9 new apartments was built to PassivHaus Principles with a construction value of £1.1m.  Funding of £690,140 was made available through Recycled Capital Grant Funding and £124,360 provided by Exeter City Council.

The six, 1-bedroom and three, 2-bedroom flats based in Whipton was the first of its type for both C G Fry and Sovereign Housing and reached air integrity below the objective of .75 with some test results achieving more than the original expectation. Purely through passive design elements, the new flats at Bevan House will use approximately 90% less heating energy when compared to a standard UK building (2010 Building Regulation requirements). 

Bevan House was named after the late Tony Bevan, a Property Surveyor who worked for Sovereign who passed away in 2011 whilst still in service with the housing association.  Well-liked by staff and residents alike, Bevan House is named in his memory.

Sovereign Housing is well-known for its ethos of making a real difference by making 
sure the homes they build and the services they provide allow residents to live the best
life they can.  It is the first housing association to deliver apartments to PassivHaus Principles on infill land in Exeter.  

Jason Walker, Sovereign’s Development Officer, says: “It’s very pleasing to see these homes completed, particularly as it is the first project of this type for us. We have been working closely with the city council to support its ambitious plans to provide more high-quality affordable homes and free up larger family homes for people on the housing waiting list. CG Fry did an extremely good job in respect to the quality of the build and they exceeded the overall air tightness of the scheme which is a very important aspect in relation to PassivHaus developments.”

C G Fry site manager Aubrey Harris, an air-tightness champion, was a driving force behind the successful completion of this innovative project.  

Kevin Murch Construction Director C G Fry & Son says: “This was the first project of its kind that C G Fry has built.  It had its unique set of challenges in both design and management which the construction team met head-on.  The turning point was Aubrey getting the team to grasp a new concept of building a very different type of project and move forward with it.  Naturally there were inevitable problems, however, we worked closely with Tomas Gartner of Gale & Snowden and came up with solutions which were well received. Part of the success of the project was as a result of employing a ‘no-blame’ culture with the sub-contractors and we all worked together as a team for the successful outcome of building to PassivHaus standards.”  

The employer’s Agent was Exeter-based Quantity Surveyors Taylor Lewis and the scheme was designed by Exeter architects Gale and Snowden who were also employed by Exeter City Council to ensure the building was compliant. 

Tomas Gartner, Senior Architect at Gale & Snowden, says: “Building to PassivHaus standard requires high levels of workmanship, rigorous attention to detail and site supervision. I was particularly impressed with CG Fry's attention to detail, not only during the design but also construction. The site management was exemplary and it was a real joy seeing it all coming together and the outstanding air testing results speak for themselves.”

www.cgfry.co.uk

L – R: Tomas Gartner – Senior Architect, Gale & Snowden Architects Ltd / Gary Stenning- Housing Development Officer, Exeter City Council / Cllr Rob Hannaford (Portfolio Holder for Housing & Customer Access) / Kevin Murch – Construction Director, C G Fry / Aubrey Harris – Site Manager, C G Fry / Jason Walker - Development Manager, Sovereign/ David Gale – Gale and Snowden Architects

Local Chartered Accountants Expand Corporate Team

L – R

John Edwards and Louisa Roberts

Haines Watts North Devon

Bideford-based chartered accountants Haines Watts North Devon LLP announces the new appointment of 29 year old Louisa Roberts as Senior Commercial Manager.

Experts in analysing commercial challenges and opportunities, Haines Watts North Devon offers practical solutions in accounting, tax planning, retirement and succession servicing an extensive portfolio of over 500 owner managed businesses including corporate, professionals, small businesses and sole traders across the South West. 

Born and bred in North Devon, Louisa was a former student of West Buckland School.  After a University education she joined her parents in their thriving electronics business based in Bideford giving her real life experience of how a family business operates. Louisa then went to work for a local accountancy firm and became a Chartered Accountant in 2011.   

Louisa joins former colleague Matthew Melksham to strengthen the growing corporate team.  She comments:  “I am looking forward to taking on this new role and working with Matt again as well as the other partners.  Haines Watts has a client-centred approach which means that we can take the time to really understand the client’s needs. My role is to look after owner managed businesses of any size and my experience has given me a good grounding in what is important to business-owners.  With a strong audit background I believe as a team we can really add value to the larger corporate businesses in North Devon”.

Matthew Melksham – Partner Haines Watts North Devon LLP says:  “It is great to work with Louisa again as she brings her enthusiasm and vast experience in the sector. Louisa will fit very well into our team as she understands that as a practice we are here to help our clients prosper and grow”.  

www.hwca.com/acccountants-north-devon

Downton Abbey goes to Gidleigh Park’ & Lord Julian Fellowes speaks at charity dinner

Photograph shows L-R: 

Lord Julian Fellowes; Michael Caines MBE; 

Richard Pike Divisional Director – Brewin Dolphin; 

Ally Colton, Families for Children; 

John Casson, Event Organiser

 On Thursday 10th October a charity dinner, organised by The John Casson Foundation, took place in aid of South West adoption agency Families for Children. 70 guests attended the sell-out event at Gidleigh Park, generously sponsored by wealth Management Company Brewin Dolphin and independent wine merchant Private Cellar raising £23,000 for the charity.

Guest enjoyed an entertaining and memorable talk from the award-winning actor and writer of Downton Abbey, Lord Julian Fellowes which was made even more special as the fourth series is currently showing on ITV.   This was followed by a mouth-watering gourmet dinner created by Gidleigh Park’s two Michelin Star Chef, Michael Caines MBE, who was himself adopted through Families for Children and a Patron of Families for the charity. 

Photograph shows Lord Julian Fellowes
during his talk

Ally Colton, Families for Children Fundraising and Publicity Co-ordinator says: “All the guests had a fabulous evening and we would like to sincerely thank Lord Julian Fellowes and everyone who sponsored and attended this event.  All of the money raised will be used to support our adoptive families who parent children from abusive backgrounds and together we can change these children’s lives, giving them the tools to become responsible, loving adults.”  

During the evening BBC Broadcaster and Vice Patron of Families for Children Judi Spiers addressed the audience explaining the work of the charity, her emotional speech obviously struck a chord with the audience who gave generously during the auction. This was a lively event with some amazing lots including a VIP experience and diamond pendant donated by Michael Spiers which sold for £1,400 and contributed to an incredible total of just under £23,000 being raised on the night.

Richard Pike, Divisional Director - Brewin Dolphin Exeter Office says: “We were delighted to once again be the main sponsor for this wonderful charity fundraising event. John Casson works extremely hard to make these events highly-successful and raise substantial monies for worthy causes”.

Independent Developer and New Home-Owners Raise Funds for ‘The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’

Family owned independent developer C G Fry & Son, renowned for their part in the prestigious Poundbury development with The Duchy of Cornwall, helped to raise over £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support as part of 'The World's Biggest Coffee Morning'.  The staff at the Dorchester-based Head Office together with colleagues from various sales offices around the South West region joined forces to help this worthy cause.

Local residents from the adjoining C G Fry development, Old Kelways at Huish Episcopi joined staff members to raise money with donations in the newly opened Show Home at Fern Green, Langport.  A large selection of delicious home-made cakes baked by residents, Elaine Cooper, Jane Prescott and the wife of David Pillinger, the development site manager was washed down with copious cups of coffee which helped to create a real community feel.  

Also at the coffee morning was Sally Scribbins, the first resident to move into Fern Green and Mr and Mrs Small who will be moving in to their new Fry home in the very near future. They were interested to see how the show home was furnished and were happy to join in the fundraising spirit. 

Fern Green show home and sales centre is open from 10 - 5 weekdays, 10 - 4 weekends.
Tel: 01458 259595.  
www.cgfry.co.uk

In the picture Sales negotiators Linda and Rose - (Linda at the front, Rose front right).

Care Interior Designer Appointed as ‘Dementia Friendly’ Champion

Access 21 Care Interiors who work exclusively for the care sector has been appointed to the growing network of champions of Dementia Friendly Surrey.  Created in support of the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge, the partnership project aims to develop dementia friendly communities where people with dementia, their families and carers are understood, valued and can enjoy life.

The project advocated by Surrey County Council and three of Surrey’s Clinical Commissioning Groups, focus on the main areas for action: driving improvements in health and care, creating dementia friendly communities and improving dementia research.  In England there are an estimated 670,000 people living with dementia and with an ageing population this is only going to rise

Surbiton-based Access Care 21 Interiors works with clients across the UK designing across a full range of care schemes including general/extra care, nursing, learning disabilities, supported living, palliative and dementia.  In their role as Champions, Access 21 Care Interiors are offering free telephone and email advice to individuals who want to make their own homes more dementia friendly.  

Eda Brooks Projects Director, Access 21 Care Interiors says: “We are pleased to be supporting Dementia Friendly Surrey as we believe in the ethos of improving standards for individuals with dementia.  We are delighted to be publicly recognised as local champions for this worthy cause and  with a specialist knowledge of dementia design and audits with many years’ of experience, we as a company understand the importance of creating a safe and stimulating environment whilst encouraging independence. This campaign is a great way to raise awareness of dementia and how local communities can gain a greater understanding and support.”

www.a21interiors.co.uk

City Centre Restaurant Caters to Exeter’s New Growth

A local restaurateur is making a major investment to meet the discerning Exeter market.  City-centre based Lloyd’s Café and Bistro is re-branding and undergoing a dramatic and high-end refurbishment to create a London-feel restaurant.  

The plans are to create a ‘mini-convent garden’ on Catherine Street which encompasses the open Piazza offering alfresco dining located parallel with the High Street and adjacent to the Roman ruins; popular as a meeting place for shoppers and visitors to the city.   

In a survey of nearly 40,000 people undertaken by on-line retail estate portal Rightmove, Exeter has been named the 4th happiest place to live. This is reflected in recent economic growth resulting from the arrival of retail giant John Lewis attracting customers from all over the South West and the forthcoming Ikea store.

The restaurant re-launch is being championed by 26 year old entrepreneur Lloyd Gardner who bought the city-centre business in 2012. He comments: “We are very excited about the new-look restaurant and brand. It has been a very successful 18 months since the acquisition and we have established a strong and loyal customer base, however there is a noticeable vibrancy and buoyancy in the city which is attracting a new clientele.  With the recent upsurge of growth in the city we felt this was the right time to go to a different level to meet customer demand. As a result we are creating a unique dining experience using locally sourced produce where possible whilst maintaining an excellent customer service without an increase in prices.”


Lloyds will be closing temporarily on September 15th for the re-fit. The unveiling of the new brand and official restaurant opening in aid of the restaurant’s designated charity Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) will take place on Thursday 26th September at 10am in a ribbon cutting ceremony by City Centre Manager John Harvey. Radio Exe will be joining in the celebrations from 10 am – 2 pm with representatives from the designated charity ELF.