Gill Woolven is a cancer patient at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital, and it was there where she was told about the cancer support group run by the Trust, now named ‘ABC Cancer’.
The group is open to anyone affected by cancer, that being patients themselves or their families, offering support and care, allowing participants to socialise with people in similar situations.
Recently winning the ‘Community Awareness Award’ from the Trust on the same day she was told her cancer had returned, Gill describes how the group has transformed her life while fighting the disease.
She said: “It’s saved my life. When I was first diagnosed, I only had six months.
“They’re there for the families as well, the people that are caring and go through traumatic times. People don’t see that.
“The Trust encourages those people as well, it’s not just for us (patients), it’s for the families as well. I don’t think I could describe in words what it means, or thank them enough for what they’ve done, Tony (Lormor) especially.
“He understands it from both sides. I could never pay the people back for what they’ve given me, they’ve given me the confidence to fight.
“You could go to any member of the Trust and they are so warm, friendly and helpful, nothing is too much for them.”
Sadly, Gill was told last Friday that her cancer had returned, however she remains positive with the knowledge that the group will be there to support her.
She added: “I know from this group and the people here, that they’ll get me through this and support in every single way.
“I can’t describe to anybody what a fantastic Trust this is, it makes a big impact on our lives, it really does. The people behind it are tremendous, they’ll do absolutely anything to help us.”
After the positive impact the group has had on her, Gill urges anyone who is affected by cancer to attend the group.
“I understand the nervousness of first going to the group. But please just try it, everything is confidential in the room and we’re all one big family.
“They will encourage you to have the confidence to carry on. I was nervous when I first came but it has changed my outlook on life.
“It started off with six members, now it’s around 60 within a year. It’s because we have new people every month and we always try to make them feel part of it.
“Just try and make that first step, because you’ll never look back. It’s about having fun and forgetting why we’re there in the first place.”
The group has a diverse range of members, bringing people together who may not normally socialise.
Gill said: “Cancer has no age limit; we’ve got young people in the group. It’s an awful disease that affects so many people.
“Until someone close to you is affected, that’s when you understand. It has no age limit, the young ones make us laugh and we make them laugh.”
The ABC Cancer group is run monthly in the 1866 Brampton Brewery Lounge at the SMH Group Stadium, with the next one taking place on Friday, August 18, from 10am to 12pm.
For more information, please contact Andrea Parkinson: andreaparkinson@spireitestrust.org.uk. Alternatively, flyers with more information can be found in the HUB at the stadium.
