Vicar “not Afraid” Of Lung Cancer (Press, 21 January 1964)

A report published in 1964 by American doctors, linking lung cancer to smoking, does not seem to trouble the Reverend J. G. Nicholls, vicar of Camberwell, London. In an interview conducted in Christchurch, Nicholls expressed a fearless attitude towards death as a Christian. He was the first participant in London's inaugural anti-smoking clinic, where he lasted only three weeks before succumbing to temptation on his birthday when he received a gift of 1000 cigarettes. He remarked that, as a Cornishman, he could not waste them, and clarified that he does not smoke more than 20 cigarettes daily. Nicholls also noted that non-smokers can develop lung cancer, sharing a poignant tale about officiating at the funeral of a three-month-old baby who succumbed to the disease. On his current visit to Christchurch, Nicholls is there to express gratitude on behalf of Camberwell's citizens for the support they received from the Christchurch community during World War II. Camberwell, a significant metropolitan borough in England with a population nearing half a million, suffered extensive destruction due to bombing raids. As part of this visit, Nicholls plans to present a film about Camberwell and deliver recorded messages from local leaders, along with a London Rotary flag. In addition to his clerical work, Nicholls has pioneered an organisation known as the Camberwell Samaritans, established about two years ago. This group consists of various professionals, including psychiatrists, sociologists, doctors, and clergy, who address pressing social issues such as suicide, sexual deviation, and alcoholism. The organisation emerged in response to the rehousing of individuals displaced by bombing and the influx of people moving to London. Nicholls highlighted three main social issues that have surfaced through the Samaritans' efforts. The first is alcoholism, with the organisation providing support to individuals at advanced stages of addiction. They assign 'big brothers' or 'big sisters' to help encourage recovering alcoholics to seek treatment and provide ongoing support. The second issue addressed by Nicholls is sexual deviation. In a densely populated area, the prevalence of homosexuality has presented unique challenges. Nicholls explains that many individuals experience feelings of isolation and a desire to conform to heterosexual norms, and the Samaritans provide a supportive environment for these individuals, ensuring they are accepted by their families. However, he specified that this support does not extend to sexual offenders. Lastly, the Samaritans also tackle social issues linked to overcrowding, aging, and family difficulties. They have established a youth committee aimed at assisting children and opened a new £30,000 youth centre designed for children aged four to eighteen, whom they term ‘latch-key children’. This initiative offers a safe space for children while their parents are at work, helping to keep them out of trouble and engaged in positive activities.

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