It was the loneliness of breast cancer which made Lesley Cole think about starting a local support group.
The Gisborne resident was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, and said it’s the uncertainty of the future, even in remission, which comes back to haunt her.
“I just think it’s a very lonely experience for everyone,” she said.
“Having family around is very helpful, I had that… [but] to get out and talk to other people who have been through the same experience would be very helpful for anyone that’s going through the early years of breast cancer,” she said.
She took her idea to Gisborne’s local community Facebook page, and soon after was flooded with people reaching out to say they were interested in taking part, or knew someone who would benefit.
Since last week, Ms Cole has secured a home for the group at Gisborne Golf Club and hopes to begin in late July or early August, and she’s thinking of holding it on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 10.30am.
“It’s also quite pretty, because you can overlook the course and the kangaroos coming in. It’s a nice environment for anyone to sit there and have a coffee,” she said.
Ms Cole said the group will be open to people from all over the region to bond through their shared experiences.
“I’m doing this because I would like to give cancer survivors and their networks friendship and support, and to foster their good mental health,” Ms Cole said.
Elsie Lange
