FURTHER to Annie Riddle’s column, I have suffered from lung cancer, and had an operation in January, 2017.

I first heard of Wessex Cancer Trust from a Journal article and have been going there since it opened.

I have had much help from the ladies there. I have also been greatly helped by other cancer sufferers. Whatever form of cancer has affected you, there are many after-effects and feelings that are common.

Last year I took part in a group therapy session and this helped me to talk about my problems and to listen to how others had coped.

It was a friendly chat session for a maximum of four people plus a Wessex Cancer Trust volunteer. You did not need to speak if you did not want to, and could leave at any point. Attendees only knew one another by first names.

To me the centre is a safe haven where I can relax, have a coffee, and chat to the volunteers and any other clients, knowing I am among good friends.

The centre used to open three days a week but this was reduced to two because it did not have sufficient footfall or revenue from donations.

The manager eventually resigned but the volunteers, helped by head office staff, did a wonderful job of keeping it running and building up the clientele.

Now there is a new manager I hope it will return to three days, including market day, Tuesday.

I have recently applied to become a volunteer myself.

Name and address supplied