A NEW cancer support group has been launched by a kind-hearted group of friends. 

Wotton Area Breast Support aims to give emotional and pastoral support to women at all stages of the disease for anyone living in the town and surrounding villages.

The new group will allow attendees to speak informally about living with the effects of a cancer diagnosis. 

It has been launched by Gillian Hayward, 64, a breast cancer survivor who lives nearby. 

“I’ve found meeting and speaking to other people who have gone through the same experiences as me really helpful,” she said.

“Having those friendships is so important in the cancer journey, to have someone to turn to who have been through those same experiences 

“I had a wonderful team in Cheltenham looking after me.

"It was a gruelling treatment, I lost my hair and my life was completely on hold. 

“I’m just grateful that the treatment was available and I had people to talk to. 

“We just hope that the group empowers people and encourages friendships to form. 

“We never expected a large group immediately but it takes courage to come forward and walk through the doors. 

“After treatment you appreciate and value each day. 

“This group is absolutely open to anyone, there is absolutely no commitment. 

Another organiser is Tina Le Coyte, 64, who was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and chose to undergo a double mastectomy without reconstruction. 

She said: “Personally I'm hopeful I can help anyone living with breast cancer to see that there is life and hope after diagnosis. 

"I am currently 'living flat' so not wearing any prosthesis and didn't opt for reconstruction for a number of reasons.

“But I now weight train, run, practice yoga, make sea glass jewellery, am learning how to be a silversmith and I am also an active member of the Wotton Area Climate Action Network."

The group meets on the third Thursday of each month from 10am to 11am at The Keepers, in Symn Lane. 

Their next meeting will be on Thursday, December 15.
For more information about the group and resources for anyone experiencing the effects of cancer see - www.thekeepers.org.uk/health-and-fitness

For more advice and information about having a mastectomy without reconstruction see - flatfriends.org.uk