Testimonials

I have been a recipient of the Wicklow Cancer Support services since March 2022. They have been a massive help during my most vulnerable time when I needed to attend daily hospital visits and then weekly ones. During my time Ann and Susan encouraged me to join in many of the activities from fundraising to attending classes run by the group. One of my favourite classes is the weekly Art class. There is no pressure to paint, just a little time set aside to have fun, connect with likeminded people and to support each other as we go through our own personal journeys. We are a group of about 12 people who are guided by artists to improve painting techniques if required. Some days just turning up and having a chat over a cuppa is all that’s needed, or to do your own thing in a fun and inclusive environment can make a huge difference. The class normally lasts about 2 hours or so, but I find myself losing all track of time, you know the old saying “time flies when you’re having fun”. I’m so glad to have made the initial step through the door back on that rainy day in March ‘22

In 2008 I went through the diagnosis & treatment for cancer and spent several weeks in St. Luke’s Hospital as an inpatient. I was discharged a few days before Christmas. I celebrated my 52nd birthday under the radiation machine. Thankfully the treatment was a success though I didn’t feel it for a while. The recovery for that type of cancer can be slow and not everyone responds the same way but after Christmas when I had to start attending doctors’ surgery again, I began to get panic (anxiety) attacks. That’s when I heard of Wicklow Cancer Support for the first time, so not knowing if there was anything they could do I went to have a talk with them and I was made to feel so welcome & immediately put at ease. I also got talking to one of the drivers who explained he had been through a similar cancer and was 10 years clear. That gave me more hope than I can explain. I was given a course of counselling and when my first few review appointments came up, I availed of lifts. But after a few sessions of counselling my panic attacks stopped & I was driving myself around again. At that time the WCS was only in its infancy and a lot of treatments were more experimental to see what people wanted and needed so I was lucky to be given several different sessions, reflexology being my favourite, then there were 6 people chosen to do a self-awareness course. It was during this course that I started to feel I was truly getting better than I was asked what kind of group would I like to see starting and I suggested an Art Group so that was set up in 2010 and it quickly became apparent to me that the actual art was secondary although very relaxing and a lot of fun but the real gift of the group set up is meeting people who share the same or similar illness and you can talk or stay silent but if you’re feeling a little under pressure just by being there can help you to feel so not alone. The art group today has grown and is even more important and definitely more productive. Around 2018 I got prostate cancer and again I was helped through that by the WCS. This time I didn’t need to stay in, but I went up every day for radiation and that’s when I got to meet a few of the drivers and realized how important the volunteer drivers are. They made going for treatment so much more bearable. The WCS is such an important lifeline for me. I could go on for ages but if I was to write every detail of my experience then I’d be writing a book. I have left out a lot of details, but the main thing is that I believe the WCS to be the most important organisation to ever come to Wicklow long may it last. It is run by volunteers that just have to be angels. I was asked many years ago to sum up how I felt about WCS. My reply then was that the doctors and nurses gave me another chance at life, but WCS gave me the will to live. That holds true today.

The following thoughts are dedicated to all the amazing people who give so much time helping others in the blessing that is Wicklow Cancer Support. Your generous act touched my heart every time you pulled up in your car. We drove, we talked, we laughed along the road to St. Lukes’ and St. James’. Your supporting smile gave me strength inside to stand with belief for better days. The kindness you showed gave me hope that everything would turn out okay. Your gift of time to drive us all is a blessing from God. You’re a saving grace, Wicklow Cancer Support is my new home because you’re all driving Angels.

Going through treatment for cancer is a very tough time for both the patient & family and Wicklow Cancer Support provides vital support during this time. However, after finishing the treatment I found just as traumatic, living with the effects of the treatments & surgeries on my body which in turn had a huge effect on my mental health. From the moment I reached out to Wicklow Cancer Support Susan & Ann have been friendly, supportive & approachable. The services provided such as counselling, yoga & meditation are all a great help both with the physical side effects & mental health. The drop in Thursday morning gives an opportunity to talk to others that have gone through similar circumstances. People that have not gone through cancer don’t fully understand the massive impact it has on you. Wicklow Cancer Support provides a safe space to be open and honest about how you are doing. Overall, at the worst time in your life Wicklow Cancer Support is an essential support making a horrendous time a little less stressful.

We have had the privilege of volunteering with this incredible Cancer Support Group for a number of years now. We are involved in the Weds afternoon art group, and it is an absolute pleasure to be involved with such an organisation and witness the support WCS provide. In our time here, we have witnessed the incredible strength in each and every one of our friends in Wicklow Cancer Support, from staff to service users. Everyone’s journey is different, but there is a common thread of courage, hope, and sheer determination that you can feel as you walk through the door. As volunteers, we have had the opportunity to witness the transformative power of mutual support and understanding. Thank you to WCS for providing the sanctuary where people can get the help and support, they need, and also the space to get together to laugh, talk and share their trials tribulations and triumphs amongst people who genuinely understand the needs and challenges faced. We look forward to the continued growth and strength of our amazing Cancer Support Group. Pat & Caroline

I am honoured to have driven for over 14 years for this wonderful and well organised Charity. After my own business was petering out, I sought volunteer work, and the local Wicklow volunteer group introduced me to Wicklow Cancer Support. Little did I know that I would meet so many special people, all of whom have serious illnesses. I am fortunate that I can help. I also hope that we together enjoy our chats on some of the myriad of trips and to new medical facilities apart from the main cancer centre’s. Michael Leonard

I am glad to be part of Wicklow Cancer Support where I can converse with others about similar situations, take part in activities such as reflexology, support services and much more. Wicklow cancer support was so helpful to my husband and I during his treatment and we were able to avail of the driving service for appointments to hospital. The drivers are an amazing group of people who give up their time to help others. On good days my husband was able to take part in Art classes to allow him to focus on other things and learn a new hobby. He made such good friends through this. Thank you, Wicklow Cancer Support, for all you do in the community. Anne Bunn

I started driving with Wicklow Cancer Support last July. I had retired at the end of October the preceding year and while attending the coffee morning for cancer I met some of the committee. They advised to get in contact with the terrific staff in Wicklow cancer support. I went in and following Garda vetting I got my first phone call followed by an email with details of who I was collecting and where they were to be brought to. I have to say driving has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Yes you are a little apprehensive before you start but it soon evaporates when you bring the person to their appointments The clients we drive talk without pressure and I have assured them of the confidentiality that no one else knows who I am driving and anything said is private. We have good chats, laughs and also quiet times. It has been a pleasure to date to aid someone who needs a lift and gives their families a chance to continue their day job or time out. I look forward to continuing to drive and would highly recommend to anyone considering it.

A cancer diagnosis is a very traumatic experience, it causes high levels of stress and worry not only for the individual with cancer but also for their family & friends. After my diagnosis of lung cancer in 2022, I found I could not talk about my worries to anyone close to me. I was afraid to say how frightened I was because I didn’t want to cause them any more pain. My friend suggested I contact Wicklow Cancer Support. I didn’t really understand how they could help me as I didn’t need lifts to the hospital. I didn’t realise that WCS provides a lot more than help with transport. I will never forget the friendliness, professionalism & empathy I received from the first time I stepped into the WCS office. Through WCS I received professional counselling, which was exactly what I needed at that time. I joined the coffee morning where I met other women who were at different stages of their cancer journey. As well as coffee & biscuits the coffee morning provides much needed support; a place to laugh & cry, a space to talk about things you may not be able to discuss with those close to you. Sometimes all you need is to hear how others coped with the everyday practicalities of their cancer journey. WCS also run an art class, however, not being a Picasso or Rembrandt, I was a bit unsure about joining but decided to give it a go. It has been a wonderful experience, plenty of laughs and an escape from the everyday. For me the most important thing I received from WCS was support. I have also made some lovely new friends & as an added bonus & with a lot of help, I have completed a couple of paintings that I am happy to hang in my home. No two people will experience their cancer journey in exactly the same way, but we all need support of some kind. I am glad I decided to contact WCS & will be forever grateful for the support they have given me. WCS provides services that are very much needed without them I feel my cancer journey would be very different. Margaret