A SUPPORT group set up five years ago to improve services for people living with cancer set to expand.

The County Durham and Darlington Cancer Patients and Carers Support Group, which was established in 2004, now hopes to widen its membership and is taking its monthly meetings on tour at community venues around its area.

The group is attended by people who have had cancer in the past, are currently undergoing treatment, or who care for someone with cancer, all of whom want to improve services and raise awareness of the support available for people with cancer and their families.

Group member Sandy Allan, a 62-year-old, from Belmont, in Durham City, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 and also helps run the Durham and District Women’s Cancer Support group.

She said: "We discuss items, issues and probable outcomes, which might benefit future patients and carers who are embarking on cancer journeys and feeling the emotions, trauma and uncertainties that cancer can bring."

Fellow member Clare Singleton, from Shotley Bridge, near Consett, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and underwent chemotherapy last year.

The 52-year-old said: "The group is very positive and keen to make a difference. At the moment it is a fairly small group and we could benefit from having more members.

"This would enable people who have had cancer in the past or those recently diagnosed or undergoing treatment to become better informed, to have a voice, share their experiences and use their knowledge to help patients and carers in the future."

The group’s next monthly meeting takes place at County Hall, in Durham City, on Wednesday, October 7 at 6pm.

Future meetings will take place at venues around County Durham and further information is available from Debbie Richardson on 01207 523659.