a community self-help support group for
patients, carers, relatives and friends
a community self-help support group for
patients, carers, relatives and friends
about
Our Story

abc affected by cancer was conceived and brought to life by Beryl Bowles together with a band of enthusiastic volunteers after discussions at Swindon's Great Western Hospital in 2005. The purpose was to provide a community self-help group for patients, carers, family and friends.

In the years since Beryl laid down those early roots, abc has become a vibrant social community which enjoys twice monthly meetings, a subsidised annual holiday and many outings to interesting places and dining venues.

abc is supported by national cancer organisations and local businesses and groups such as Rotary.

Many members support each other independently as well as within our group meetings. A problem shared is a problem halved is our mantra.

We are all volunteers and work to overcome adversity.

Our Story

abc affected by cancer was conceived and brought to life by Beryl Bowles together with a band of enthusiastic volunteers after discussions at Swindon's Great Western Hospital in 2005. The purpose was to provide a community self-help group for patients, carers, family and friends.

In the years since Beryl laid down those early roots, abc has become a vibrant social community which enjoys twice monthly meetings, a subsidised annual holiday and many outings to interesting places and dining venues.

abc is supported by national cancer organisations and local businesses and groups such as Rotary.

Many members support each other independently as well as within our group meetings. A problem shared is a problem halved is our mantra.

We are all volunteers and work to overcome adversity.
Fred's Story - A Grateful Member

In January 2006 when I went for a routine blood test the nurse asked me if I had ever had my PSA level checked. I said I didn't know what that meant and she explained that it was a check for Prostate Cancer. My reply was for her to tick the box on the form, although I had no reason to think I had a problem.
The result of this and other tests confirmed my PSA level was high and I had Prostate Cancer.

After hormone treatment and radiotherapy I was rather low and not sure whether my symptoms after treatment were to be expected.

I saw a small article in the Swindon Advertiser about a group called 'abc affected by cancer'. I went to the next meeting and was made to feel at ease and very welcome. Since then I haven't looked back.

The abc group helped me learn to live with cancer at the time, as some members had been down the same route as me and I was able to talk to them and gain support.

Eventually I was able to give the same support to other new members.

As time went by, I began to feel there was a need for a 'men only' support group. Men are usually less open than women and often less able to talk about their problems. So with the help of a professional person from the hospital I applied to Macmillan for funding to set up a 'Men's Group'. This has been running for many years now.

I would recommend abc as a group for anyone who has suffered cancer, or been affected by the illness suffered by a relative or partner. We are a very happy and welcoming group.

UPDATE: Since writing this early history of my cancer journey, I have become more involved in the general running of abc.

As a committee member I have helped to organise outings, holidays, meals out and collection days at local supermarkets. I have also had several contact meetings with the local Rotary groups which has generated more interest in us and prompted them to donate much needed funding.

I am proud to have been Chair of the group for the past two years.

Fred Bassett

Fred's Story - A Grateful Member


In January 2006 when I went for a routine blood test the nurse asked me if I had ever had my PSA level checked. I didn't know what that meant and she explained it was a check for Prostate Cancer. I asked her to tick the box, although I had no reason to think I had a problem.


The result of this and other tests confirmed my PSA level was high and I had Prostate Cancer.


After hormone treatment and radiotherapy I was rather low and not sure whether my symptoms after treatment were to be expected.


I saw a small article in the Swindon Advertiser about a group called 'abc affected by cancer'. I went to the next meeting and was made to feel at ease and very welcome. Since then I haven't looked back.


The abc group helped me learn to live with cancer at the time, as some members had been down the same route as me and I was able to talk to them and gain support.


Eventually I was able to give the same support to other new members.


As time went by, I began to feel there was a need for a 'men only' support group. Men are usually less open than women and often less able to talk about their problems. So with the help of a professional person from the hospital I applied to Macmillan for funding to set up a 'Men's Group'. This has been running for many years now.


I would recommend abc as a group for anyone who has suffered cancer, or been affected by the illness suffered by a relative or partner. We are a very happy and welcoming group.


UPDATE: Since writing this early history of my cancer journey, I have become more involved in the general running of abc.


As a committee member I have helped to organise outings, holidays, meals out and local supermarket collection days. I have also had several contact meetings with the local Rotary groups which has generated more interest in us and prompted them to donate much needed funding.


I am proud to have been Chair of the group for the past two years.


Fred Bassett
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