Local people feature in series of new videos to raise awareness of charity CancerCare  

Cancer support charity CancerCare launch a series of videos featuring real life stories of local people affected by cancer talking about the difference their support has made to their lives. 

Local cancer support charity CancerCare are launching five new online videos this week designed to help raise awareness of the free support services available for people affected by cancer and other life limiting illnesses. 

Each video provides an insight into some of CancerCare’s free therapy services and feature interviews with local people who have previously accessed them. 

Mum of three Andrea Partridge from Lancaster was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer two years ago and underwent a treatment plan that included a course of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a double mastectomy. Andrea talks candidly in her video about what impact her diagnosis and treatment had on her family and how CancerCare helped her cope. Andrea says: 

“When CancerCare asked me to feature in their new video and tell my story I jumped at the chance - I want to shout from the roof-tops about how much they’ve helped me and my family!” 

“Getting behind the camera and talking about my experiences came easy to me - I just spoke from my heart. But I will admit that the first time I watched the video I got very emotional – it brought everything back to me. But two years on I’m still here. I’m a survivor!” 

“I’m so happy that I’ve been given the opportunity to share my experience in such a positive way to help get the message out there about the amazing support local families can access at CancerCare. They don’t have to face cancer alone. CancerCare are here for everyone who needs them.” 

Fraser Smith from Bolton-Le-Sands features in a video exploring the ‘Alexander Technique’ – a unique therapy that helped him recover after cancer treatment.  He says: 

“After all the medical treatment I received I felt very weak. I just lay on my couch for months and wasted away. But after accessing Alexander Technique sessions at CancerCare I’ve started to gain some of my strength back. CancerCare is a really welcoming place and I was very happy to be involved in the video. If it helps other people then it’s a really good thing.”

Caroline from Carnforth features in a video alongside her CancerCare Therapist and talks about how Hypnotherapy helped her come to terms with her father’s death last year. 

“It was such a massive shock when he died. I kept busy at first making arrangements and helping my mum which helped me cope. But I later realised I wasn’t actually dealing with my grief. I was just trying to keep a lid on my feelings. I started having Hypnotherapy sessions at CancerCare and they really helped me.” 

“I wanted to share my story with others to highlight the support CancerCare can offer to people who are struggling with bereavement and loss. They’ve helped bring back a sense of calm to my life and given me the ability to deal with my emotions more effectively. They’ve helped me put my life back together.” 

In her video, local mum Sarah Abbot talks about how aromatherapy massage helped her manage some of side effects she experienced after chemotherapy and also how she developed new friendships at CancerCare. 

“Having something to look forward to when you’re going through treatment and building a network of support around is so important. My Aromatherapist was so lovely – we became real friends. Having someone to talk to that understood what I was going through really made a difference to me.” 

Whether as a patient, a carer, a friend, neighbour or family member, CancerCare provide a place to talk, therapies to help people manage the physical effects of cancer treatment and professional support to deal with anxiety and emotional distress.  They also work with people affected by other life limiting illnesses including M.S and Motor Neurone Disease. CancerCare help local people of all ages living in North Lancashire and South Lakeland, including children as young as three through their dedicated Children and Young People’s Service. 

CancerCare’s Head of Client Services and qualified Children & Young People’s Therapist Emma Jan also features in one of the videos. Emma says; 

“At CancerCare we understand that facing cancer or a life limiting illness is more than just a physical issue. The videos give a real insight into some of our therapies and how they help people cope with the emotional and psychological impact too.” 

“People will be able to see first-hand how we can help and how easy it is to access our services. I’m so proud of all the clients and therapists who took part. Hopefully people will be able to relate to their experiences and take something positive away from them. There are hundreds of local people experiencing similar issues every day - help is just a phone call away.” 

To watch the videos please click here. 

To speak to a member of CancerCare’s support team call 01524 381 820 or email tct@cancercare.org.uk. You can also follow CancerCare on Twitter @CancerCareLocal or on Facebook at ‘CancerCareCharity.’

This article posted by David Morgan thebestof Lancaster. For information about the Lancaster and Morecambe area visit www.thebestof.co.uk/lancaster or contact David by telephone on 07877 346450, by email Lancaster@thebestof.co.uk

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