Steve Brine has joined forces with a well-known local author to raise awareness of a new book on diet and cancer.
The MP voiced his support for ‘Cups & Sauces’, a cook book series written by Winchester’s Penny Ericson in conjunction with Barbara Parry; a former senior research dietitian at Royal Hampshire County Hospital.
The hardback book is the latest addition to the successful Chemo Cookery Club which came about when Penny’s husband Simon was going through chemotherapy. Penny says; “I wanted to find the best way to help him through his draining and debilitating treatment and devised recipes that would help restore his taste and enjoyment of food and keep him as well as possible during his treatment and in preparation for ground-breaking surgery – and ultimate recovery.”
Barbara Parry has worked with Penny from day one and she is one of only a small number of UK-registered breast cancer dietitians. The first Chemo Cookery Club, published in 2013, is still a bestseller and has won numerous awards, remaining on MacMillan Cancer’s core-list of essential reading.
‘Cup & Sauces’ is, for the first time, a book about food and nutrition for breast cancer patients also supports them by including expert information on breast cancer-specific exercise and definitive hair, nail and skin care for those being treated. It contains a forward from Dick Rainsbury who is a nationally renowned breast surgeon formerly based in Winchester.
Penny Ericson says; “Intended to lift your spirits, the Chemo Cookery Club books are designed to make everyday food a positive part of life for people with cancer and their carers. When life is turned upside down, what we eat and how we approach it is one of the few things that we still have in our control, and a supportive diet, exercise and looking good are important for improving health and strength.”
Steve Brine, who served as Cancer Minister from 2017-2019 recently brought a Bill to the House of Commons regarding breast screening which he revealed his mother died from breast cancer in 2003.
Steve says; “I know first-hand the effect cancer has on families, and while the medical treatment is obviously the most important thing, it’s often the little things that can make us feel better in ourselves and that’s what this book is about for me.
“I think many constituents will find this book really special.”
In the coming weeks the MP will be running a giveaway of a dozen signed books, which will be advertised online and at locations including the Royal Hampshire County Hospital and the Winchester Hospice. To enter the free draw, visit www.stevebrine.com/cancercookbook before the end of May 2022.
Pictured, from left to right, Barbara Parry, Steve Brine MP and Penny Ericson.