We don’t want sufferers of cancer to feel they’re alone, say the women who have created a free support group

BRAVE women fighting the effects of cancer have created a support group for dale folk to share their experiences.
Startforth therapist Nicky Morse has joined forces with two of her friends to start free “Caring in cancer and long term sickness” sessions at
the SOS cafe, in Barnard Castle.
Former childminder Rachel Hanley is running the scheme alongside Ms Morse and Staindrop’s Charlotte Allison who lost her mum, Lesley, to breast cancer aged just 53.
Ms Hanley, 46, started treatment for secondary breast cancer at Christmas and has lived with the disease for five years. She said her shared experiences with Lesley had helped her through her initial diagnosis.
“Lesley was such a rock – she was such a strong source of support,” said Ms Hanley.
“It’s just to be able to offer positivity to other people going through the same thing – it’s not necessarily all doom and gloom.
“With help and support, someone can go along and talk to someone outside the confines of their own home.”
The hour-long sessions at the cafe in King Street are designed for those going through long term illness and caring for loved ones to air their experiences or just sit and listen.
Ms Allison’s mum lost her eight-year battle with breast cancer earlier this year. The 20-year-old said a support group could offer expertise beyond the reach of most families.
She added: “I really felt it was something we needed to do because there isn’t a lot out there and it’s still a bit of a taboo subject.
“It would have helped to be able to talk about it with people who know exactly what I was going through.
“Friends and family can help but they may not have that experience and we may not want to explain how we are feeling.”
Ms Morse, who already runs a number of therapy courses from the SOS cafe, will be on hand to offer relaxation therapy and nutritional advice during the sessions.
The 45-year-old said cancer could be a “massive challenge” to face alone.
“I want people to come away feeling that they are not alone,” she added.
“I’ve worked with people with cancer before on a one-to-one basis and I’ve found providing relaxation and nutritional therapy makes a massive difference.
“It can improve your immune system to fight off sickness and disease while therapy helps a person to relax and focus afresh.”
Ms Hanley said it was important for those going through diseases like cancer to care for themselves.
She added: “Nicky is a well grounded and balanced person who listens and understands.
“I think she has got a lot to offer people in my situation.”
Guest speakers and specialists are expected to attend the meetings over the coming weeks.
Sessions start next Monday, April 3, running from 11am to 12pm.
For more information, contact Ms Morse on 07792 717730.