We've been through cancer trauma, now we're helping others
“As patients who have been through all this, it’s nice to know we can still help people and make a difference when they’re at their lowest point.”
A Fylde coast group of recovering cancer patients have seen their support group going from strength
According to latest NHS figures in the area, there are approximately 11,500 to 12,000 people across the Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde area who are living with a cancer diagnosis, with around 2,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
The KCS (Kick Cancer Away) Support Group currently has around 20 people who have all experienced cancer treatment themselves and want to help others, however possible.
Founder members of the group include Lesley Taylor (formerly Caine), 50, from Fleetwood, who has made it through gruelling treatment for an aggressive strain of breast cancer.
The mum-of-three said: “No matter how much your loved ones support you, the only people who really understand from the inside are people who have been through it themselves, and it can really help to talk to them.
“It’s good to be able to take your mind off all the medical stuff for a while. And if anyone feels lonely after they’ve recovered from cancer treatment, we can offer support.
“Cancer is also really tough for loved ones too, so we offer support to them as well.“One of the hardest things is the first time you have to tell your loved ones that you have cancer. Especially when they’re young children.
“You want to appear strong to them so they don’t worry, even though they are worried and they know you are too – and they’re also trying to stay strong!
“As a group we hold fundraisers so that we can then use the money to help cancer patients in different ways.
“On one occasion we had a lady who was terminally ill and we helped plan her wedding so it could be the best it could. That was really moving.
“We’ve escorted patients to appointments, helped some who have financial worries.
“One lady came in with the weight of the world on her shoulders and she left our meeting like she was walking on air.
“We work with GP practices and even Macmillan nurses. Wherever there’s any kind of gap in services, we can go in.
Lesley, who is believed to be in remission but is still having check-ups, added: “As patients who have been through all this, it’s nice to know we can still help people and make a difference when they’re at their lowest point.”
KCA members meet up at Trinity Baptist Church hall on Poulton Road, near the junction with Dronsfield Road in Fleetwood, every Thursday morning from 10 to noon, for a casual catch-up and to plan the next fundraisers.
They have a big Christmas one planned for December.
For more information about the KCA Support Group, phone 07918 453167. There is also a private KCA Facebook page which new members can join, at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1123613718672346/