Cancer survivor backs free Rotherham advice event

Ginette Steele (47), who lives in Dinnington, said the idea of the free health and well-being event at at the Carlton Park Hotel on Moorgate Road on Wednesday was “fantastic”.

Ginette (pictured) was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2016 and struggled with life after cancer but has found support with Active for Health, which helps people to get physically active after cancer.

“I was looking forward to finishing treatment and returning back to ‘normal’ life; I soon found out nothing is ‘normal’ after cancer,” she said.

“I fell apart after treatment, I found myself literally hiding away. It was heart-breaking to see it happening to my friends too.

“Events like this are a fantastic idea; you have so many questions after cancer and it’s hard to know where to find the answers. 

“I found out about Active for Health and it’s made a massive difference to me; you’re with like-minded people who’ve been there. 

“It’s made a massive difference to my physical, and mental, strength, I've got some of my confidence back now.”

Macmillan Cancer Support has teamed up with  NHS Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, Rotherham Borough Council and other bodies to organise the event, which runs from 2pm to 6pm on Wednesday.

Cancer can affect everything from work to your diet, and the event aims to address some of these practical issues that people might face.

Macmillan clinical nurse specialist Michelle Fletcher, who helped to organise the event, said: “We know that people can feel isolated after cancer treatment, you go from a series of appointments to suddenly being out on your own. 

“There is lots of fantastic support in Rotherham and we want people to know about it. 

“From help with financial worries, information on the side effects of cancer treatment and support to get active; we'll have a range supportive and specialist teams available to offer advice.”

As well as picking up tips and advise, there will also be a chance to take part in simple exercise taster sessions, run by Active for Health.

If you can’t attend the event but would like advice around cancer and its consequences, visit macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 00 00.