THE Stars Appeal is to provide a free mindfulness course for local cancer patients.

After a successful pilot last September, the Salisbury District Hospital charity is running two further courses.

The course aims to offer support to patients through the teaching of the technique which involves "being present in the moment and helping people to manage difficult emotions and difficult situations".

The funding comes from the charity’s Pembroke Unit Fund which supports projects benefitting patients with cancer and blood disorders.

Dr Effie Grand, chairman of the Stars Appeal Pembroke Unit Fund, said: "The course has been specially developed for people who have cancer and helps people explore different ways to manage ongoing issues, for example low mood, fear and anxiety, that are related to their diagnosis and treatment.

"Research conducted at the end of the course demonstrated significantly decreased scores of anxiety, depression and fatigue among those who participated."

Beth Halski, 36, a breast cancer patient from Salisbury, said the course had helped her to enjoy life and stop being obsessed by her illness.

"It is overwhelming to be given a cancer diagnosis and difficult to know what to do in order that you can go on living. This course has helped me and will help others," she said.

The next Stars Appeal mindfulness course starts on March 18 and will be free to local cancer patients. For more details contact Amber Skyring of Mindfulness Wiltshire, who are running the course on behalf of the charity on 07833 695871 or email amberskyring01@gmail.com