Buddies help cancer fight

A cancer charity is using terminally ill Jade Goody’s decision to live out her final few weeks in the media spotlight to highlight its message.

Cancer Buddies Network operates in Rochdale and throughout the country to help people find strength from others as they fight the disease.

It believes most people have a much more private and lonely experience with cancer than former “Big Brother” housemate Jade.

The network is there for anyone who feels they are battling through alone, allowing people to get support from others who know exactly what they are going through.

A spokeswoman from the charity said that anyone who has been touched by cancer is likely to have many thoughts running through their mind — from anger, panic and dread, to fear and sorrow, regardless of whether it is themselves or a friend or relative that has been diagnosed.

She added: “As every woman knows, talking things over with your friends always helps get things into perspective.

“A problem shared may not always be a problem solved, but it can certainly help calm jangled nerves and the constant internal chatter.”

One woman who was terrified by her thoughts and fears when she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago is Jan Rutter.

And it was the huge impact of finding another woman who was going through the same experience to share her thoughts with, that prompted her to set up www.cancerbuddiesnetwork.org — a website that aims to join people together for mutual support.

“We became firm friends, spending almost every day on the phone to each other, comparing notes, laughing and crying together and even experiencing exactly the same treatments on the same days,” said Jan.

“By bringing people together online everyone benefits. Whether it’s the middle of the night or because you feel you can’t burden your family any more, Cancer Buddies Network is there so no-one ever need feel alone.”