Group all keeping their spirits high
Big support here for all affected by cancer
A new group has been set up to provide support to people who have been affected by cancer.
Volunteers launched the Harthill Community Cancer Support Group at the Harvest Centre last month and are urging patients, caregivers, survivors and those who have lost loved ones to go along every Tuesday morning from 11 to 2.30pm to share their experiences with others who find themselves in similar situations.
Volunteer Susan Clark, along with others, was inspired to start the Harthill-based group as her husband Hugh is a cancer patient.
Eighty-three-year-old Hugh has multiple myeloma, cancer of the immune system.
Susan said: “Hugh’s an inspiration. He takes everything in his stride and has a very postive attitude. I know he will be great at keeping the other members’ spirits up.”
Susan she has been overwhelmed with the amount of people from the village who have shown their support for the group.
She added: “Everyone has been very supportive. We organised a pamper night last month to raise money to kick-start the group and were amazed at how many people turned out. It was a fantastic night and we raised almost £900. We were delighted.”
At the support group, members will be provided with a free homecooked lunch, tea and coffee, food and nutrition tips, manicures and pedicures, massages, the chance to take part in creative activites and games.
Volunteer and breast cancer survivor Sandra Smith offers free relaxtion treatments to members.
Sandra is a retired Marie Curie nurse and is delighted to be able to use her previous work experience to help others.
She said: “With my previous job and my own experiences I can relate to what other people are going through. Sometimes it’s good to speak with other people who know what you are experiencing. There’s no-one judging, we all just want to help each other out and make what we’re going through that little bit easier.”
Mum- of- four Angela Cowan Moreno was diagnosed with breast cancer last November.
The 45- year- old is currently going through treatment and says being part of the group gives her a focus and helps take her mind off what’s going on in her private life.
For more info visit www. hccsg.co.uk or call 01698 264896.
Hugh takes everything in his stride and has a very positive attitude