Brighton resident Finlay McInally believes the support he had from Macmillan helped him rebuild his life after cancer.
“When I was first diagnosed with Leukaemia nine years ago I had little idea what was in store for me. My type of cancer was acute and this meant that the treatment had to happen very quickly. It was the beginning of a very long journey.
Tough times
I endured months of treatment in hospital isolation rooms, had several relapses and many secondary illnesses. At times it was a real struggle to keep going with the grueling treatment and side effects. I was referred to a Macmillan Nurse Counselor who helped me deal with the emotional impact of the illness on myself and on those close to me.
It was during this period that I began to draw and make artwork. This led to the idea of me using my skills and experience to help others affected by cancer.
Help at hand
With the help of a Macmillan grant, I set up a support group where the focus was on making artwork and sharing our stories. I felt it was important to create a place where we could have a break from hospitals and treatment and to try out something new.
Living with a life threatening illness can be very isolating. It makes a difference to be with people who have also experienced cancer, either as a patient or as a carer. There is a common purpose and understanding.
“The support I have had from Macmillan has helped me rebuild my life.”
The support I have had from Macmillan has helped me rebuild my life after cancer. I am now involved with the planning of the new Sussex Macmillan Cancer Support Centre, opening in Brighton in
2014. It is reassuring to know that there will soon be a designated place where people in Sussex can go to get support with the affects of cancer on their lives.”
For more information about cancer support groups in
Sussex contact Jill Corbyn, jcorbyn@macmillan.org.uk
For information, support and counselling visit our Information and Support Centre in Worthing Hospital. MDCU Waiting Room, North Wing, Lyndhurst Rd, BN11 2DH. Tel: 01903 205 111 extension 5827.
Open: Mon and Wed 10am–12pm, Thurs 1pm–3pm
For Specialist Macmillan Welfare Rights Services contact
Central and South Sussex CAB:
Arun and Chichester.
Tel: 01903 725 960.
Open: Mon to Thurs 10am–3pm.
Adur and Worthing.
Tel: 01903 532 234.
Open: Mon to Thurs 10am–4pm, Fri 9am–12pm
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