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Recently named as Jersey's Inspiring Woman of the Year, Cheryle Raphael says we are "so lucky to live on this beautiful island," but shares with us the few things that "niggle" her about Jersey.
She has been fighting cancer herself since 2009, but still finds time to support others through chairing the After Breast Cancer charity for the last five-and-a-half years.
Jersey Women's Refuge Chair, Ben Robins, who was one of the judges of Jersey's Inspiring Woman of the Year, described Cheryle as "truly inspirational."
He said: “Cheryle’s dedication to support others despite her own personal difficult circumstances demonstrates great resilience and generosity of spirit.”
Drawing from her personal experiences, here are the five things Cheryle would most like to change about Jersey...
1. Local Radiotherapy Department
We desperately need a Radiotherapy Department in Jersey, where local cancer patients can undergo their treatment locally. The hardest part of my cancer treatment was being away from my family and friends when I was feeling most vulnerable and exhausted. You need support around you throughout your cancer treatment.
Pictured: A local Radiotherapy Department would allow patients to have family and friends nearby.
If Jersey were to put a Radiotherapy Department in the new hospital, this could be shared by patients from the other Islands. I hate to think how much money is spent on Jersey cancer patients to not only have the treatment in the UK, but the travel and accommodation expenses as well.
Having helped at a local Dance School for several years, it disappoints me that Dance isn’t considered for funding to enable them to compete around the world in the same way as for other sports. We fundraise all year around, but the cost to take part whilst representing Jersey sometimes means that local dancers miss out due to affordability.
Pictured: Local dancers competing internationally at the Dance World Cup. (Senergy Digital)
These children train and work so hard at what they do and want to further their talent by competing off Island and they should be given that chance. The experience is invaluable, not to mention the international promotion.
It frustrates me that Fort Regent has been basically left to rot over the years. Some of the happiest times of my childhood were spent at this venue with the huge variety of activities available. We need a family entertainment venue again as there is a lack of facilities and activities for families and youngsters on the Island.
Pictured: Renovating Fort Regent could provide new facilities for local families and youngsters.
I know that this is mentioned time and again but the price of our local bus fares compared to Guernsey is outrageous. If the States of Guernsey can subsidise their bus service then why can’t we? Buses should be free for all pensioners and school children, if we want to cut down on CO2 emissions this is where we should start.
Pictured: Cheryle calls for free buses for students and pensioners.
Lymphoedema sleeves should be available on prescription in Jersey, as they are in the UK. At present these are supplied locally by Jersey Hospice Care for people who have developed this condition after breast surgery. If however you are a non-cancer patient, you have to pay for these garments yourself which can be very costly. Patients attending the Lymphoedema Jersey clinic also pay for their appointments, albeit at a subsidised rate, as Lymphoedema Jersey is a charity run service.
Pictured: As in the UK, Cheryle believes that Lymphoedema sleeves should be available on prescription in Jersey.
Lymphoedema is a little recognised condition but actually affects approximately 2% of the population. Patients often require treatment over extended periods of time as it is a chronic condition. There isn't a cure yet however, with tailored treatment and teaching the patient to perform self management techniques, the condition can be managed to improve quality of life.
Compression garments are very costly but are one of the essential components of treatment. If these garments were available on prescription as they are in the UK, patients in Jersey would benefit greatly.
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