Cricket club plays host to help-group

SUPPORT . . . (front, from left) Oldham Mayor Councillor Jim McArdle, Pat Mackin (group chairman) and Michael Lockett (chairman of Prostate Cancer Support North-West. Back: Jane Tunstall (specialist urology nurse), group members Eric Richardson and Susan Richardson and senior clinical support worker Dorothy Shepherd

A VITAL support group which offers invaluable help and advice to cancer sufferers has relaunched at a new venue.

Prostate Cancer Support, part of the National Prostate Cancer Support organisation, regularly attracted up to 40 prostate cancer sufferers, their family and carers, at the old Pennine Lounge venue.

It now meets at Werneth Cricket Club on the last Thursday of each month at 6pm. The group, which offers practical and emotional advice, with two specialist nurses in regular attendance to deal with any questions.

Susan Richardson became involved after her husband Eric was diagnosed with cancer three years ago at the age of 58.

Eric had pioneering robotic surgery at Guy’s Hospital in London and is now in remission and feeling healthy.

Mrs Richardson said: “Luckily, all the treatments Eric had are now available in the North-West and he is happy to talk to other men in the group about them.

“There are so many different ways of tackling prostate cancer that the group is a great opportunity to discuss the many treatment options available and all their pros and cons.

“And it’s encouraging for people to see men who were diagnosed long ago and are still feeling fit.

“We also offer lots of advice and support to the carers and families of sufferers, including giving on-going support to any widows whose husbands have died of prostate cancer.”