A service coordinated by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust for people living with secondary breast cancer has marked its first anniversary at the Hop Farm by holding a Secondary Breast Cancer Information Day.

‘Living with Secondary Breast Cancer’ is a service delivered by the national charity Breast Cancer Care and funded by local charity, Breast Cancer Kent.

People living with secondary breast cancer attend monthly meetings which feature a range of guest expert speakers, alongside activities such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

It is the only group in Kent specifically for those living with secondary breast cancer.

Carol Jackson has been attending the group since its launch and commented:
“One year on, the group has achieved more than I ever expected. Everyone has such an optimistic attitude and we all care so much about each other. “

Maureen Hitchings from Maidstone added: “I found out about the group by reading a poster at Maidstone Hospital and have found a lot of support at the meetings. The speakers are always informative and the social side of meeting others in a similar position is invaluable.”

Chemotherapy nurse, Anthea Randell, baked a unique celebratory cake to help mark the occasion.

Claire Ryan, Macmillan Nurse Clinician, Secondary Breast Cancer, says: “We are delighted that this valuable resource has proven to be so beneficial to our patients.”

The anniversary meeting also introduced a new Macmillan Support Worker, Emily Parsons to the Group who will provide additional non-clinical support to patients affected by secondary breast and colorectal cancer

Emily’s position based at Maidstone Hospital is a new role funded by Macmillan for the first two years. She says: “I’m looking forward to getting to know the patients and being their first point of contact.”

Emily lives in Maidstone and joined Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust at the end of September from Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust where she worked as a clinical administrator.

If you want to find out more about the group please contact Claire Ryan, Macmillan Nurse Clinician by emailing claireryan4@nhs.net.

ENDS