Sudden Weight Loss – What Would You Do?

Published on: 23 May, 2013
Updated on: 23 May, 2013

By Victoria Lazarevic

Gordon Bridger

If you notice that your clothes have become loose what would you do, presume they had stretched or be pleased that you had lost some weight? Either reason could be true but the cause could be something more sinister.

Gordon Bridger, a former borough councillor and Town Mayor encountered this scenario six years ago. He said: “My wife bought me a new striped shirt for my birthday and a month later it had become very loose”. He was prompted to see his GP due to the unexplained weight loss.

The GP arranged for an endoscopic examination which detected oesophageal cancer for which he underwent successful surgery. Mr Bridger is pleased to still be with us and has a simple message: “If you get a diagnosis in time you survive: it is very important to get an early diagnosis”.

As a result of his experience the Hon Alderman Gordon Bridger, to give him his full civic title, became a trustee of the Oesophageal & Gastric (OG) Cancer Project. It was set up as the result of a generous bequest from Ruth Evelyn Smith in 2012 by trustees at the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

This Saturday, May 25 between 2pm and 5pm, Guildford Castle Gardens plays host to a fun afternoon to raise awareness for this kind of cancer. The  charity wants to increase the number of patients that come forward at an earlier stage so that more may be offered the chance of cure.

Castle Bandstand

To attract people to the event they want it to be a fun event where those who come can also learn.  Ann Myers, a patient and trustee of the charity, said: “People need to be wise to the symptoms.”

The OG Owl

Mr Bridger said: “One of the objectives of the charity is to provide welfare support if it is required. As the Cancer Unit is a centre of excellence, people come from far and wide.”

Local MP, Ann Milton, the Mayor of Guildford and hospital consultants from the Royal Surrey will join the trustees in supporting the charity to raise awareness and enjoy an afternoon listening to the band, Grandpa spells Jazz in this oasis of calm in the centre of Guildford.

Cream teas and balloons for the children should not to be missed nor the perfect opportunity to wander, (or run if you are little) around the glorious grounds of the castle. Keep your eyes peeled for the very special fundraising Owls that are made and donated by the Grayshott Pottery in Hindhead reminding us all to: “Get wise to OG Cancer.”

See also: Castle Grounds Fun Day – In Aid of Cancer Charity – May 25

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