"The day I started coming to the Centre, I loved it. There is a very homely atmosphere. They think very realistically. I am so thankful to them"
Member of Umeed
Asian Womens Group

Sami was two when his dad died. He was seven when diagnosed with leukaemia. it was a difficult time for both Sami - and his mum. Sami couldn't go to school or play out like other children. He enjoyed coming to the Centre to a painting class where he was a great favourite with the older members and where he also found Aromatherapy and Reflexology helped him a lot. Sami's mum came with him to the painting and was pleased she could see a Benefit's Adviser to help her with finances.

"It's the sort of place where people aren't afraid to look you in the eye"
Cancer Patient

Lilibet was working in Poland when she became ill. She left her job and her life abroad to return home for treatment. The Centre helped her sort out her benefits, make new friends and take part in new interests and activities

Brenda trained to become a volunteer in the new Cancer Information Centre having lost her husband to cancer the previous year.
"I find it very rewarding being able to help patients and relatives by simply listening as they voice their fears and concerns or helping them find the appropriate information. I only wish it had been open sooner, so that we could have taken advantage of it"

"Once I got over the initial shock of having cancer. I found there was a problem in finding out any information about support services and about the cancer itself. Finally I had to give up my job as a welder and find advice about benefits entitlement. It was through this that I found out about Bradford Cancer Support"
Colin

Seetal's parents were devastated when she was diagnosed with lymphoma when she was only twelve. Seetal found it difficult to cope with her lengthy treatment and was very unhappy that she had to miss school and all it's activities. She was anxious to maintain her school progress but this wasn't easy to achieve. A computer on permanent loan from Caltec enabled her to catch up at home with most of her school work. Seetal is now back at school and has won praise from her teachers for her progress

"I had breast cancer and a mastectomy several years ago and joined 'Bosom Friends' self-help group.
We meet together monthly to support anyone going through a bad time. we hold an annual fashion show which is a lot of fun and gives us an opportunity to remind ourselves that we can look and feel good again.
My husband Ronnie is a great source of support. He is a volunteer driver for the Support Centre"
Liz - Cancer Patient and Centre Volunteer

"From Welder and Fabricator to Community Involvement Worker, user involvement has helped me back into full time employment with a complete turnaround in career path".
"User Involvement has given me the chance to feel like I can contribute to society again, after being forced to give up work through having cancer".
"For many people, cancer calls an abrupt halt to their participation in many activities that are normally taken for granted. User Involvement can be a way of restoring feelings of self worth".