Origins

Chrissy

During and after my journey from Breast Cancer, I found it really helpful to be able to chat with other ladies, who had been on the same journey as me at Frimley Park Hospital. I picked up tips and ways of navigating life in a whole new way from them and the amazing, caring and helpful medical staff. This was especially appreciated since we had all come out of Covid. I unfortunately had to stop teaching after everything as well. The support of my amazing family, school colleagues and friends got me through.

We moved to Frinton to have a fresh start for me to start healing. I saw an advert for a Breast Cancer group run locally. Joining it helped me integrate into my new community. From that group I drew inspiration to start Touched by Cancer to provide support for all types of Cancer.

I felt anyone, who had gone on a cancer journey, still is and their family and carers etc might benefit to be in a group environment to chat. Since Covid 19 many places have closed down and others have long waiting lists. So having a safe place within the community would be a nice start.

In life we all face storms. Sometimes, the best gift you can offer someone is your company — not advice, not opinions, just you. Be a safe place when the winds are strong and their umbrella when the rain feels unending.

During this time I met Sue and we became firm friends. She trained as a State Registered Nurse and spent several years on medical, surgical and coronary care units, within the NHS. We felt she was the perfect fit for our support group, based on her experience dealing with patients in a caring and understanding manner. She happily accepted our offer and is great at dealing with all our members. Though Sue hasn’t been on a cancer journey, she got very ill during Covid and survived through sheer determination, with her amazing family by her side.

We have both been on a journey and have the experience to help others through theirs.

From there I joined Sue at our local WI group. Where we were given and still are given amazing support from everyone involved. They were one of our many foundations that helped us build the support group we have now. Our ambassadors are from our church and WI, a great team. We certainly couldn’t do it without them.