A GROUP of people determined not to lose a dedicated cancer support association in Minehead have clubbed together to form a new organisation.

The Minehead Cancer Support Club held its first meeting last Monday, after the original cancer care support group, previously overseen by St Margaret’s Hospice, came to an end.

Trained volunteers who provide all kind of therapies including reflexology, healing and massage, as well as a listening ear and refreshments, decided to set up the independent organisation for people living with cancer.

They took the step after the hospice decided the group should support all life-limiting illness, not just cancer.

Peter Dean, a volunteer and healer at the new group, said the step was also prompted by the hospice’s decision to cease to allow any more complementary therapy at the group.

“The group visitors and its trained volunteers and therapists have all agreed to become a cancer-only support group independent of the hospice,” said Peter.

Members of the club and the volunteers clubbed together to provide replacement equipment, and are applying for funding and hoping to get sponsorship from Minehead residents and businesses.

Volunteer Ali Le-Mar, a spinal and massage therapist who has been with the support group for the past five years, said: “Our users would be unable to access the complementary therapies they find so beneficial.

“So, as a group of volunteers and residents, we have clubbed together, because it’s important people are still able to access the therapies.”

The newly formed group meets on Mondays from 2pm to 4pm at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Hall in Townsend Road, and visitors are invited to just drop in.

No charge is made for those attending the group as it is funded entirely by donations, and the Minehead Cancer Support Club is for people at any stage of involvement with cancer, and for their families and carers.

St Margaret’s Hospice will also continue to provide a support group at the same time for people diagnosed with any life-limiting illness, in addition to cancer.

Its support group will continue to be held on Mondays from 2pm to 4pm in the United Reformed Church in Minehead.

Joy Milliken, the hospice’s clinical director, said:?“St Margaret’s Hospice is pleased to be able to extend the support available in Minehead for people who have any life-limiting condition, not just cancer.

“The primary aim of the groups is to offer visitors practical or emotional support including the opportunity to talk to others in similar situations.

“Visitors do not have to be known to St Margaret’s to come along to the support groups and are welcome to drop in to see how the groups can help them.

“Complementary therapy is available for visitors to the support groups and is provided in dedicated treatment rooms at our hospice bases in Holford, Taunton and Yeovil.”

For further information on the new club, phone Peter Dean on 07712 090015 or just drop in.