Consultant ENT surgeon Mr Paul Pracy was presented with a copy of a new book by the Cancer Laryngectomee Trust. The presentation was to thank him for his work in editing a new chapter in the book called "Laryngectomy is Not a Tragedy", which is published by the charity.

The new chapter was written by Birmingham graduate Dr Nicola Oswald who is also the granddaughter of the Cancer Laryngectomee Trust founder Sydney Norgate.

A laryngectomy is the name of the operation where the larynx (voice box) is removed. Someone who has had the procedure is called a laryngectomee.

Sydney Norgate, who was a laryngectomee himself, wrote the book over 25 years ago in order to help other laryngectomees learn to talk again.  The book is full of practical advice and information, as well as reassurance. The style is straightforward and humorous and includes cartoon illustrations to help the patient on the road to recovery. A new edition was brought out in 2013 to provide the latest information on new speech methods, lifestyle information and future developments.

The presentation was made by Rosalind Oswald and Wendy Thompson, two of the trustees of the Cancer Laryngectomee Trust in appreciation of Mr Pracy’s help and support. The book is available from the charity and is supplied free of charge to all laryngectomees and health professionals who work with laryngectomees.  The charity also welcomes applications for small grants from laryngectomees.  The book can be downloaded from the charity's website (see below).