Following HRH The Princess of Wales’ announcement that she is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, Wessex Cancer Support is echoing her message that anyone facing cancer is not alone, and urges people to seek support if they are struggling.
Rachel Billsberry-Grass, Wessex Cancer Support’s CEO, said:
“We are really sorry to hear about Princess Catherine’s cancer diagnosis and send our best wishes to her and her family. Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be very difficult for the whole family. People need the space to be able to process it in their own way and there’s no right or wrong way to respond, feel or behave.
“It can still be so difficult for many people to talk about openly, but we know that getting emotional support can help and contribute positively to someone’s recovery. At Wessex Cancer Support, we encourage open conversations that acknowledge a person’s emotional, social and practical challenges. We’re here to provide free, local and personalised support to anyone affected by cancer in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, either at one of our four centres, our Andover wellbeing drop-in sessions, or online. We know that taking the first steps to cancer support can be daunting, but clients tell us that as a result of our support, they feel more in control and hopeful about their situation.”
Mum of two, Rose, says Wessex Cancer Support helped her get her life back on track when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer aged 41:
“When I was diagnosed, all I could think about was what it would mean for me and the children. Suddenly, I found myself in a world I could never imagine. After my operation and chemotherapy, I was diagnosed with a bone-weakening condition caused by my treatment. I felt like I had nothing left. That’s when I contacted Wessex Cancer Support. They looked after me. They helped me see that my body was something to be celebrated, and I began to get my identity back. Because of them, I felt that I could do anything, and the children and I celebrated by going out and doing fun things again. Thanks to Wessex Cancer Support, they got their Mum back.”
You can watch Rose’s video here: Rose’s story (youtube.com)
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