COMMUNITY cancer support in the county is stronger this week with a new group for patients in and around Ledbury.

Now, Ledbury Cancer Buddies  needs a "home" to host monthly meetings and other events.

Peter Jackson, chairman and former cancer patient, said: “I have first-hand experience of being diagnosed with cancer and it can be a difficult and isolating time in your life, so it’s very important that people have access to the right support locally”.

The Ledbury group follows the setting up of Herefordshire Cancer buddies last year following an event jointly organised by Wye Valley NHS Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support, to help further develop cancer support services in the county.

Herefordshire Cancer Buddies will move to its new meeting venue from Monday 17 February at the Shirehall in Hereford.  The group meets on the third Monday of each month, except for April when there will not be a meeting held due to the bank holiday.

Ray Dunlop, who has had treatment for bowel cancer and a lung tumour, and is a volunteer at the Hereford County Hospital Macmillan Renton Unit, said: “Our support group is going from strength to strength and we’re very pleased to be able to offer local support to people living with and beyond cancer.  We’re looking for a new treasurer, so we would like to hear from anyone interested in this role”.

Alison Stemp, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Facilitator at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “We’re delighted that these cancer support groups have been established, which together with local healthcare services provide a holistic approach to empower people to feel in control of their health and wellbeing. 

To set up a community cancer support group call 01432 355444 ext 5459.”

For more on Ledbury Cancer Buddies call Peter Jackson on 07879 011948 or for Herefordshire Cancer Buddies call Ray Dunlop on 01432 760913.