Press release

Date

For immediate release

NEW SUPPORT GROUP FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH CANCER IN DISS

Secondary Cancer survivor Jay Hurley, 52, who is in remission from kidney cancer, has set up a support group with a difference in Diss to help local people living with, or caring for someone with cancer to heal and find meaning.

The group launches on Thursday 1st November at The Back Space of the Angel Cafe, 1 Fair Green, Roydon, Diss from 10.30 a.m until 1.p.m. Initially, the group meets monthly on a Thursday morning but plans are afoot to offer evening sessions for people with daytime commitments.

The Art Of Life’s holistic approach focuses on helping anyone affected by cancer to achieve a feeling of total wellness, spiritually, physically and mentally. From creative workshops, complementary and colour therapies to meditation, relaxation and gentle exercise, the group offers people a chance to get together to help regain a sense of balance and control where before, perhaps there was none.

It has been set up with help from charity Macmillan Cancer Support who provided £500 in funding along with £ 1,981 from South Norfolk Council, Neighborhood Fund.

Jay Hurley, Founder said:

“Receiving the devastating news in early 2011 that my body had cancer followed recently with a secondary diagnosis, means that I know exactly what it’s like to experience the pain, discomfort and emotional trauma that perhaps many people are going through right now.

Getting the right support was a 30 mile round trip and for me, a cup of coffee and a chat wasn’t enough to express exactly how I felt. I discovered that drawing and story-boarding my cancer coupled with mediation and relaxation, helped to find meaning where before I had none. I set up The Art Of Life, a voluntary group, for local people wishing to access support in their own community.

Jay went on to say: “Don’t worry if you can’t draw or paint. It’s not about creating a fantastic piece of art. It’s about helping you to explore your cancer journey using a variety of art materials and guided meditation to help you tell your own story when words fail”

Louise McCoy, Macmillan Involvement Coordinator said:

“Cancer is the toughest fight most of us will ever face but you don’t have to go through it alone. By joining a support group you can spend time with people who share, understand and accept your experience. Having someone to talk to can make a huge difference in helping you come to terms with what’s happening and look after yourself.”

Macmillan supports more than 800 independent cancer self help and support group and organisations across the UK, with free information, guidance and training for those running them.

For more information about The Art Of Life and to book, please get in touch with Jay Hurley, telephone 07786 833916, email the_art_of_life@rocketmail.com or register through the website www.theaartoflife.org.uk

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For media enquiries, or to arrange an interview with a member of the group, please contact Jay Hurley telephone 07786 833916

Notes to editorsMacmillan Cancer Support offers small grants to help with some of the costs of setting up and running a self help and support group – up to £500 for new groups and up to £3,000 for existing ones. Many groups cover all types of cancer, and also welcome carers, family and friends of people with cancer, however some groups are for people with a specific type of cancer. To find a support group near you visit HYPERLINK "http://www.macmillan.org.uk/getsupport" www.macmillan.org.uk/getsupport. If you have questions about cancer, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.macmillan.org.uk" www.macmillan.org.uk