Andy

When Andy’s partner was diagnosed with Cancer he really needed someone to talk to. Cancer Support Yorkshire was there to help, support and to offer a little bit of Hope…

My journey with cancer began when I found out that Kate (my partner) had breast cancer. To begin with I was OK, but when it really began to sink in it was very upsetting – your mind begins to think of all the bad things that can happen. I mean, how can anything good come from your partner getting cancer?

To start with Kate had surgery, then radiotherapy, and began attending groups at Cancer Support Yorkshire in Bradford. Initially, I felt I was coping, but, I think it was starting to get to me, and I really needed somebody to talk to and they gave me hope. This is when Kate told me that Cancer Support Yorkshire, support carers as well. I had Counselling, which I’ve never had before, and was initially a little reluctant to go, but after the first couple of sessions I really felt it was helping me cope with the distress. I had 10 sessions in total and felt much better. Following this I attended Meditation classes, where I met some lovely people who were very supportive.

In the end what I really got from this, was that Kate was really getting the support she needed, and anything that made her happy, made me happy, you can’t ask for more than that.

Kate and I now run a regular craft workshop at the centre as a way of giving something back.

When Andy’s partner was diagnosed with Cancer he really needed someone to talk to. Cancer Support Yorkshire was there to help, support and to offer a little bit of Hope…

My journey with cancer began when I found out that Kate (my partner) had breast cancer. To begin with I was OK, but when it really began to sink in it was very upsetting – your mind begins to think of all the bad things that can happen. I mean, how can anything good come from your partner getting cancer?

To start with Kate had surgery, then radiotherapy, and began attending groups at Cancer Support Yorkshire in Bradford. Initially, I felt I was coping, but, I think it was starting to get to me, and I really needed somebody to talk to and they gave me hope. This is when Kate told me that Cancer Support Yorkshire, support carers as well. I had Counselling, which I’ve never had before, and was initially a little reluctant to go, but after the first couple of sessions I really felt it was helping me cope with the distress. I had 10 sessions in total and felt much better. Following this I attended Meditation classes, where I met some lovely people who were very supportive.

In the end what I really got from this, was that Kate was really getting the support she needed, and anything that made her happy, made me happy, you can’t ask for more than that.

Kate and I now run a regular craft workshop at the centre as a way of giving something back.