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The Story of the TPSA
Torbay Prostate Support Association
Three couples seriously set about forming the Association in 1999. We gathered around a pub table and with the help of the staff at that time in the Oncology Unit we managed to get under way. We are a Registered Charity. (Charity No. 1095734)
Our main objectives remain the same.
a) Creating awareness – spreading the word within the community.
b) Producing Regular Quarterly Newsletters.
c) Providing informative and interesting Talks by ‘experts’.
d) Raise funds for equipment for the benefit of Torbay Hospital patients.
Our membership mushroomed in the earlier years and we continue to hold our own with some effort. We are now able to circulate 1000 Newsletters quarterly. Our meetings are also held quarterly at the Livermead House Hotel until building work at the TREC has been completed.
Individuals from Exeter, North Devon, Taunton and Plymouth have joined the TPSA and have since gone back and formed their own Associations and have been very successful. As a result we share a great deal of goodwill. Prior to the formation of those groups our officers visited their meetings explaining how we set about things.
We regularly give talks to all groups including Rotary, Probus Clubs and Lions Clubs and anyone else who wish to approach us. We find that the interest is very great, resulting in many interesting and fascinating questions.
We are very proud to say that with the strong support of the community we have been able to present Hospital Equipment (costing in total approximately £60000) for the benefit of Torbay Hospital patients including help with ‘Brachytherapy Treatment’ a very new development approved by NICE within the last eighteen months.
Unfortunately, the people who can fill the positions as Trustees and helpers require energy, health, resources, ability and the willingness to carry out the functions and responsibilities necessary. We keep pressing on with our limited resources but would very much appreciate the help of others at local level. We would welcome all enquiries in whatever context, you may wish to join us at our meetings or functions.
Peter Hosking
Chairman. TPSA.
01803 842886
Any information can be obtained from Peter Hosking who will be pleased to respond.
A follow on from this Association saw the formation of PMS (Prostate Matters South).
All Groups now produce their own Newsletters. We have now joined forces; TPSA (Torbay),
Exeter, Taunton, North Devon, Bournemouth and Solent to produce a much more informed
centre-