The recent coffee morning held at Rainford Parish Church Hall on 25th May was a great success, well attended by the local people of Rainford. Our thanks go to them for attending in such good numbers and being so generous with their donations in aid of the St Helens Cancer Support Group.

The home-made cakes were very popular, as was the bric-a-brac stall.

 A wonderful food hamper, kindly donated by World Foods, ensured that the raffle winner was eagerly awaited, and the bonus ball competition was also sold out.

There was great interest in the hand made cards and jewellery all of which were made by members of the St Helens Cancer Support Group.

New this year was a photography exhibition of local landscapes which also provided interest for a lot of viewers.

Home Made Cakes for Sale.

Customers enjoying the morning.

Angelo, Anne and Kevin organising the Raffle

Pat and Peter on the Bric a Brac Stall.

After a lot of hard work and organisation by Denys and the crew, the bus arrived bang on time to take us all to Cleveleys for lunch at the fantastic Briardene Hotel, close to the seafront of this lovely seaside resort. It was a sunny, if breezy day when we arrived and were made very welcome by the Hotel Staff with coffee and biscuits and time for a chat and relaxation. Some then decided to walk round the town and take advantage of the many shops open and offering various bargains, some walked along the beautiful seafront to take in the bracing air and views of the extensive beaches. A tram ride to Fleetwood was also completed on the wonderful new tramcars.

But the main event of the day was the fantastic lunch put on by the catering staff of the Briardene, which was up to it’s usual high standards, with the Lamb being the favourite dish, with doggy bags provided. The Yorkshire Puddings and Roast Potatoes must have been the biggest in the county!

Thanks to Denys for organising the day out, which was enjoyed by all. Here’s to next year!

I had been diagnosed with metastatic melanoma cancer which had spread to my lymph nodes. I was already exhausted and suffering from severe fatigue and the chemotherapy that was discussed had some side effects which involved tiredness and fatigue. After my second chemotherapy treatment I was so tired that I realised that all my hobbies were out of my reach now. No more hill walking, cycling, socialising. What was I to do? Time spread out before me with nothing much to look forward to.

Then, fortunately I was given the details of the St Helens Cancer Support Centre from the Macmillan contact at St Helens Hospital, made an appointment with Jay and called in a few days later.

My wife and I saw Denys and Jay who were both excellent and made us feel really welcome. Jay arranged some counselling for me and my wife, at very short notice, which was very very useful to help us cope with the situation we were in.

I regularly call in at the Centre in Corporation Street for a chat and I’ve met a lot more people who also pop in regularly. There’s always a great atmosphere, and always some good humour flying around.

No doom and gloom here, even though a lot of the people here are in the middle of chemotherapy treatment. And lots of cancer survivors so it’s very encouraging to be with these people who’ve been through it and come through it surviving. It’s been a great way for me to come to terms with my prognosis.

A friendly smile
A listening ear
That helps to take away some of the fear
Emotion so raw
Freinds always with an open door
Some laughter and some tears
A chance to talk and share
Understand and be aware
Be true breast friends who truly care

Written by Len Banana
For The Breast Friends Support Group

When put upon a long road
of apprehension, pain, the unknown
For you, loved ones a heavy load
Step by step
Some forward, some back
Tears and laughter, light and black
Those you trust say go forward don’t look back
We are here to listen to your voice
We understand
To take this journey you had no choice
Those final steps
A room, a silent chair
Across a desk those who care
Words that say you have a life
A future, without uncertainty
The strife

The St Helens Cancer Support Group is based at 93 Corporation Street, St Helens.

Opening times are Tuesday and Thursday 11:00 until 3:00.

Telephone :  01744 21831

Prostate cancer group meeting, the first Saturday morning each month, 10:00 until Noon.

Further details:

contact@sthelenscancersupportgroup.org

OR

Denys on 01744 884097

OR

Peter on 01695 632233