You think about saving for retirement or holidays, but you don’t think about saving for being sick

I was completely unprepared for the wonderful kindness and warmth that I experienced

I made up my mind very early on that I would take this head-on and work my way through it in as positive and confident a manner as possible

Peter Biddulph was a reasonably fit and healthy man in his 60’s when his world turned upside down.

Sometimes you need a stranger to talk to. Someone who listens as you work through the enormous impact this disease has on your life.

 I will never forget the love and support I received during my treatment and afterwards.

Suddenly I could breathe. I felt lighter, calmer and more able to cope

It was fantastic to be around other people who had had similar experiences, especially after being isolated for so long.

I can relax and just concentrate on myself and my needs because literally everything else is done for me

To be able to relieve the stress of the day with a lovely sing along in the evening was a real joy

The rug was well and truly pulled from under me

Having a place where you can name your worst fears out loud and not scare someone to death

When we heard about the CCW bus, which takes patients to and from Mayo to CCW, it was like another gift from Heaven for me and my family

'I’m coming to see you grandad on my bike! It might take a while but I will get there.’

We get great support from the local community.

I simply wouldn’t have had access to any of these support services if I had had to pay for them myself.

I would have been totally lost without the support of Cancer Care West

There were times I really felt lost, it would have been so much worse if I didn’t have the support of Cancer Care West though

I was made feel welcome from the moment I arrived at Inis Aoibhinn.

No matter who you are and what your lifestyle, know the symptoms and check yourself regularly.

Do not underestimate the psychological aspects of this disease and the power of counselling to help

To have all of this provided for free and with it to be shown such kindness and support was really marvellous.

Cancer Care West was there for me when I didn’t know what to expect

I had a good network of family and friend’s but sessions with the counsellor helped me deal with everything at my own pace

The Cancer Care West Support Centre therefore has been an integral part of my cancer journey

From the beginning CCW have supported my psychological needs while also helping me deal with the physical side of my illness.

At Inis Aoibhinn people are kind and understanding, no-one intrudes but yet you know they are there for you.

We get great support from the local community.

The cancer diagnosis and treatment changed everything for me. I look on life quite differently now and treasure every minute I have.

Cancer Care West has made a difficult period in my life so much easier and even on occasion, with the chat and banter it’s been fun

My lights have raised over €30,000 for Cancer Care West and I know that this is helping other families

It is wonderful that I have been able to stay with Mary during her treatment

The relief of the emotional and financial support was huge

Organising the event has helped me to deal with Mags’ diagnosis and gave me a purpose during a difficult time.

I was so comfortable at the lodge and everything was done for me so I didn’t have to worry about a single thing.

The care I received at Inis Aoibhinn was so important to me. Everything was provided and if I did need anything I only had to ask