Skip to content

Activities news

  •

    Age UK North Craven Advice Surgeries

    There will be three new Advice and Information surgeries opening next month, in Bentham, Ingleton and Burton in Lonsdale.  These will held every month at Pioneer Projects, Ingleton Library and Burton in Lonsdale Village Hall.

    For times and further details please contact us on 01729 823066.

  • My name is Molly

     When I was diagnosed with primary breast cancer in 2015 there was no designated support group that I can remember other than the Breast Cancer Nurses and the team at the hospital.

    I got through surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy with the help of family and friends. Many do and will never need the help of a third party. When my cancer returned in 2020 in lockdown, we didn’t have the luxury of seeking help other than online. Because my cancer was now secondary and had moved to my bones sharing my feelings with those closest to me felt like a burden and that’s the last thing I wanted.

    The internet and the various groups became my lifeline but to have actual face to face contact was something I often sought. When we were allowed, I used the services of Maggies at St James in Leeds, but this can be a long journey, especially when treatment makes you fatigued.

    To find out last year that Settle was having its own Cancer Support group at the Place seemed like a godsend. Since they were on different days, I could attend both when I felt well but not feel as though I was missing out if I did only one.

    But I needed to know was it suitable for me?

    The definition of Secondary Cancer is that it has spread from the original site and moved to another part of the body. It is not curable. Treatment focuses on controlling the cancer and managing the symptoms. Could I manage being in a support group with people who had been given the all clear? Did other people want to be with me when I showed them the worst-case scenario- it could come back?

    To start with it was a small group of people with varying types of cancer. I always say knowledge is a virtue and what we take from each other helps make the road much easier. Over a cuppa and biscuits, it’s the time to join in or sit and listen, take what you want or give as much as you can. 

     A relaxing hand massage? That’s there as well, they have thought of everything and as the saying goes ‘What happens in Settle stays in Settle’

    The answer to my question is it suitable for me? A resounding yes, having something in the area fully funded should be supported.

    Where? The Place, Commercial Courtyard Settle BD24 9RH (Opposite the Ruchee Restaurant - Nr Ashfield Car Park When?  The 4th Monday of the month except for Bank Holiday’s.  Time? 10.30am to 11.45am

    The group is fully funded by Well Together NHS Bradford Trust and free for anyone to attend.