Cancer support group going from strength to strength

The Go Girls Support Group was launched earlier this year and in just over three months has nearly 100 members and is making a real difference to people with cancer and their families, members say.

The group was set up by Dorset County Hospital’s gynaecology nurse specialist Hilary Maxwell and patient Gill Harler in response to the growing number of women affected by gynaecological cancers and is now set to be rolled out nationwide.

Gill, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2011, said that the group was ‘unique’ and was really valued by members who meet regularly to offer support.

She added that efforts were now also focussing on fundraising and raising awareness of gynaecological cancers.

Nicky Dillon, who was diagnosed with cancer in March last year, said that while she found the group was good for sharing any concerns, it was also about women and their partners getting together and having fun.

She said: “We actually do laugh a lot, which is great.”

Nicky also praised the work that Hilary did to support the group.

Paul Case, whose wife Karen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer two years ago, said the group was also a great forum for husbands and partners of women suffering from gynaecological cancers.

He said: “It gives you a forum to meet people who are going through or have gone through similar or worse situations.”

Paul added: “It gives local girls and their partners opportunities to get together and provide that emotional support.”

The group was launched by Philippa Clunes, wife of actor Martin Clunes, who lost her grandmother to ovarian cancer. She said: “It is so important that the partners of women dealing with any gynaecological cancers get the chance to come and support their wives and girlfriends.

“Go Guys gives husbands and partners the chance to both give and receive support in a safe environment – the stronger and more emotionally equipped the men feel the more they will be able to help their partners through this difficult time.”

Hilary added: “Since the formation of our gynae cancer support, we have gone from strength to strength. We are adding new members all the time.

“Our meetings are open to both Go Girls and Go Guys – so often the partners and husbands of women suffering from these devastating gynae cancers are forgotten and we need to ensure that they too receive our special hugs./ “The Go Girls are determined that both Go Girls and Go Guys receive all the necessary support they rightly deserve.”

The group is holding its first fundraiser, a virtual race night, on Saturday, June 27 and has sold all the tickets for the event.

For more information about Go Girls contact Hilary on 01305 255719 or visit facebook.com/groups/gogirlssupportgroup