'Share your story' urges Cancer Support Bradford and Airedale (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

'Share your story' urges Cancer Support Bradford and Airedale

9:00am Monday 3rd September 2012 in Bradford

A cancer support charity which celebrates its silver jubilee next year is appealing for people who have been through its doors over the last 25 years to share their stories to help highlight and celebrate the work that it does.

Cancer Support Bradford and Airedale evolved from small beginnings in Little Germany in 1988. By 1990 almost 300 patients and carers a year were receiving support, and in 1995 it relocated to larger premises in Daisy Bank, opposite Bradford Royal Infirmary .

Close working relationships with oncology health professions and GPs brought a dramatic increase in referrals for services and once again the need to move to larger premises arose.

The Daisy Appeal was started in 2006 and raised £1.4 million to create a purpose-built building, Daisy House Farm in Smith Lane, Bradford, where 3,500 people a year now receive support and advice. As it reaches another milestone in its history, it has started its Share Your Story Appeal to allow people to share their experiences of the charity.

One of the first to come forward is Jack Graham, formerly of Cottingley , who was diagnosed with cancer in 1995. The 71-year-old, who received support for more than two years, praised the transport service and the group activities.

He said: “There are still so many folks out there who know nothing of what goes on behind the scenes when you are told you have cancer.

“When you come out of hospital after surgery you are so weak and down. Then there is the trauma of having chemotherapy, which can be just as bad as the surgery itself.

“I'm now retired and no longer live in the area, but almost every day I think of you all (at Cancer Support Bradford and Airedale) and how kind and caring you all were.

“I want the public to know what you do for people like me, who really need your support. You were there when I needed you and I will be forever grateful.”

Rachel Taylor, of the charity, said: “We are celebrating 25 years of supporting cancer patients and their carers and families throughout the whole of 2013 and work is beginning on a whole year of celebrations and events.

“If you would like to share your story like Jack to help highlight and celebrate the work that we do, please contact us.”

Call Rachel on (01274) 776688, e-mail support@bradfordcancer support.org.uk or visit bradford cancersupport.org.uk/testimonials /share-your-story