Cancer support group celebrates 10th anniversary

A service in Peterlee supporting people affected by cancer has celebrated its 10th birthday.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Feb 2016, 15:00 BST
From left, volunteers Judith Richardson, Alan Welsh, Edna Connor, Margaret Walker, Anne Sukumaran, and Cherryl Chester-Pritchard. Back left, Nick Springham, Consultant in Public Health Durham County Council, Dawn Graham, Senior Macmillan Development Manager, Professor Paul Keane, Chairman of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.From left, volunteers Judith Richardson, Alan Welsh, Edna Connor, Margaret Walker, Anne Sukumaran, and Cherryl Chester-Pritchard. Back left, Nick Springham, Consultant in Public Health Durham County Council, Dawn Graham, Senior Macmillan Development Manager, Professor Paul Keane, Chairman of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
From left, volunteers Judith Richardson, Alan Welsh, Edna Connor, Margaret Walker, Anne Sukumaran, and Cherryl Chester-Pritchard. Back left, Nick Springham, Consultant in Public Health Durham County Council, Dawn Graham, Senior Macmillan Development Manager, Professor Paul Keane, Chairman of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

Since opening, The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre in the Castle Dene Shopping Centre, has helped more than 7,600 people.

The free, confidential drop in-service provides information and advice about all aspects of cancer. Support includes financial advice, relaxation sessions, courses focussing on life after cancer, bra clinics, craft and chat sessions and bereavement support.

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In the same week, the service also learnt it had maintained its Macmillan Quality Environment Mark, which recognises high standards in cancer support facilities.

Jean Sadler, 73, from Peterlee, has volunteered for the service for nine years. She said: “I lost my mum to cancer and I felt a void in my life having cared for her for so long. Volunteering gave me a real sense of purpose. It’s so rewarding to be able to help people affected by cancer and there’s also a real fellowship among the volunteers.”

Long-serving volunteers were given certificates during the event.

Joanne Benson, Macmillan Health Improvement Specialist at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am proud of the service and support we offer in the Peterlee Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre and value hugely the commitment of volunteers and staff to the continued development and delivery of services to this community.”

The service is open Monday - Friday, 10am until 4pm. To contact the team, freephone 0800 783 4056. New volunteers are always welcome.

Related topics:Peterlee