4th February 2010

Cash boost for cancer support group

By Huw Hennessy

LIVING with Cancer, a Sidmouth-based support group for people with cancer, received a big boost to its latest fundraising plans with a £1,000 donation from Sidmouth Conservative Club.

Bill Lankester, MBE and former Sidmouth Citizen of the Year, accepted the cheque on behalf of the group, which he formed with his wife Evelyn after contracting bowel cancer in 2001.

At a presentation in the Conservative Club in early January, Don Northam, club president, thanked the members for their generous help and support.

The money was raised from a fundraising dance held at the Conservative Club last November.

Living with Cancer helps people who have cancer, and who live in or around Sidmouth.

Its purpose is to provide an informal place to meet, socialise and talk to others. For many people it is easier to discuss their personal health issues with friends and acquaintances in a social setting, than with their family at home or with health professionals.

Sometimes, when the group hears of someone with cancer who, for whatever reason, doesn’t want to join in the group evenings but who might appreciate a chat at home, Mr Lankester or another member will make a home visit.

He stresses that a key purpose of Living with Cancer is simply to help people connect and enable them to feel more positive about their lives.

Mr Lankester said: “Our members don’t talk about cancer all the time. Most of the time we just chat about everyday things, and we enjoy our lives to the full.”

He explained that far from becoming more withdrawn once they are diagnosed with cancer, many people discover a new energy in their lives.

“Many of our members actually get out more and are more active, perhaps because they enjoy living for the present,” he said.

The group holds monthly meetings in Sidmouth, with occasional talks. They also go on social outings and holidays, locally, around the UK and abroad. Last year they went on a Mediterranean cruise, as well as visiting local beauty spots in the South West, such as Morwellham Quay and Babbacombe.

Living with Cancer, which has applied for registered charity status, does not charge for membership, relying on personal donations to cover its costs.

At present, the group sometimes uses the Sidmouth Voluntary Services’ transport to drive members to and from hospital or on outings.

Having their own minibus, however, would give members much more independence and flexibility to get around more easily. A specially adapted minibus would allow access by wheelchair and stretcher, if required.

Mr Lankester has now recovered from cancer, much of which he attributes to the positive effect of helping others, as well as to his Christian belief.

“Positive thinking can help people cope with their illness and live longer,” he said.

“Since I got over my cancer - and I was in denial for a long time, much too long in fact - I really believe that I have survived for a purpose.

“Belonging to this group has been so rewarding to me, just talking and sharing and listening to others.”

Living with Cancer meets on the first Thursday of each month at Lymebourne and Arcot Social Hall, at 7:30pm.

As well as offering a varied programme of entertainment, outings and activities, the group also invites several speakers each year, and liaises with Sidmouth Hospiscare for personal medical advice.

For more information about Living with Cancer, contact Evelyn or Bill Lankester, telephone 01395 577221.

PICTURE: From left, Philip Midgley and Alan Kirk of Sidmouth Conservative Club present a cheque for £1,000 to Evelyn and Bill Lankester, on behalf of Living with Cancer

Cash boost for cancer support group

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