An incredible cancer support group in Goole has celebrated its ten-year anniversary recently.
The Macmillan Cancer Support Group has come together over the past decade to support local cancer patients and their families in monthly meet-ups at Oddfellows Hall. Over the years, the group has provided solace for those struggling to come to terms with a heavy diagnosis and in need of a chat with those who can relate to their situation. Visitors are welcomed, irrespective of their cancer type, age or circumstance by volunteers Meryl, Tracy and Joan. Together, the volunteers have worked to make the two-hour gatherings upbeat and stress-free for the attendees - with those in need of a heart-to-heart able to talk to Meryl, a trained bereavement councillor in the area’s quiet room.
The group celebrated its ten year milestone in a similar fashion to its ordinary meet-ups. Guests were entertained with bingo, play your cards right and delicious home-baked treats made by volunteer Joan, who has recently been praised for raising a tremendous £42,000 for the cause and the wider Macmillan Cancer Support charity. There, one of the visitors, Maria Marring spoke candidly about the group’s importance to her. She said: “This support group is really unique. A cancer diagnosis never leaves you mentally, and for meeting up with the group regularly has been priceless. “It has taken me from some really dark places and has lifted my spirits.” Maria was diagnosed with an extremely rare bladder cancer four years ago. She explained: “It took so much from me and my family. The invasive surgery took a toll and I have struggled to adjust. “I look forward to coming here though and know that the kind volunteers are always here to lend a supportive ear or help any way they can.” The support group continues to meet on the last Friday of the month, between 12 noon and 2pm at Oddfellows Hall. For more information, please visit www.cancercaremap.org/care-provider/goole-cancer-support-and-social-group-gcssg/.
Goole’s cancer support group enjoyed a ten year anniversary celebration at Oddfellows Hall. (02-02-207 GT/AB)