A MUM battling cancer is helping launch a new support and awareness group for other patients and survivors in Saddleworth.
Joanne Taylor, 47, was first diagnosed with primary breast cancer nine years ago, then re-diagnosed with secondary, incurable breast cancer in 2014.
Determined to help others in the same situation, the mum of two has set up an ‘After Breast Cancer Diagnosis’ website offering help and information for patients.
Now, she has teamed up with ‘Cancer Warriors’ to run a coffee morning on the third Tuesday of each month and help raise awareness and funds to support the community.
Jo explained: “It was a chance meeting at a MacMillan User Involvement induction session that I met Derrick Evans from Cancer Warriors.
“Derrick mentioned he was thinking about setting up a cancer support possibly in Mossley and I had talked about doing the same in Uppermill with a friend due to the local Saddleworth Cancer CAFE closing down recently.
“So we decided to set this up together and I suggested Scona in Uppermill as it was the ideal place as it is very community orientated and central for people.”
The group will launch on Tuesday, May 17 at Scona at Reclamation Room in Uppermill and all cancer patients and those living with or beyond cancer are welcome to come along from 10am-12noon.
The sessions will allow people to have a cuppa, cake and a chat, and there will also be talks and information about local support, holistic therapy contacts, crafts, gardening and more, as well as MacMillan.
Meanwhile, Jo is tackling a new challenge every month this year with friends to raise as much money as she can for The Christie Charity.
So far they have held sponsored walks and runs as well as hosted a Ladies Night and recently Jo and her husband Jeff raised £1,900 at their silver wedding anniversary event.
Find out more about the Cancer Warriors event on Twitter @WarriorsCancer
Find out more about Jo’s story on her website: www.abcdiagnosis.co.uk or support her by donating on her Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/Joanne-Taylor41
