AN AWARD-winning woman who survived cancer and launched a support group is now preparing for her first charitable event.

Elaine Gardner, who was given the all-clear from cancer last year, launched the Dorchester and Weymouth Independent Bowel Cancer Support Group in October.

The group aims to provide support to people suffering from bowel cancer, and to their family members, whilst also raising awareness of the disease and money for respective charities who are battling to find a cure for it.

Since its launch last autumn, the group has gone from strength to strength, raising thousands of pounds for cancer charities, and now it will host its first charity evening event in Weymouth in September, with a night jam-packed of music from local artists.

Founding members Patrick and Paulette Gill and Elaine believe the group’s success is due to the personal approach they implement and having been patients and carers themselves, they can identify with worries and be a support from that very first day of diagnosis.

The group also tries to organise fun events for those who are fighting bowel caner, such as an arts and crafts club.

Jan Merchant, part of the group and one of the organisers of the event in September, said: 'I spent a very enjoyable couple of hours at a craft group called Mrs Darlings Market and coincidentally we all had experience of either bowel cancer or crohns disease, so we chatted about our problems in an informal way while crafting.

“I for one felt the benefit of this and decided a regular meeting would be an enjoyable and helpful way of helping people that suffer with the affects of bowel problems.”

At the event at the pavilion, five local bands will be performing and there will also be a variety of different activities such as a raffle, auction and other entertainment.

Mrs Gardner said: “Local businesses including Bluebird Coaches and Betterment homes have been amazingly generous in offering items for the raffle.

“Liverpool Football Club have donated a player’s shirt and Somerset County Cricket Club are donating tickets for next season for a silent auction.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has offered their services to help us raise money for a very worthwhile cause'.

For more information about the group, visit bowelcancersupportgroup.com

The event will take place on September 18 and tickets are available from the Pavilion box office and online boxoffice@weymouthpavilion.com.

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e: lee.irving@dorsetecho.co.uk

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