MORE people than ever are surviving cancer. But many struggle with life after the disease, which is why there is a need for counsellors like Carolyn Langdon, who works for the Wessex Cancer Trust.

Carolyn who lives in Penn Hill, Poole, is currently based at one of the charity's cancer care centres in Hampshire where she works with anyone who has been affected by cancer.

"NHS support is rather fragmented approach, whereas the WCT centre offers a more holistic approach to people's care.

"Not only do we support the person who has been diagnosed, but we also work with any of their family members or friends. We offer one to one, couple's counselling as well as group sessions for as long as it is needed," says Carolyn who has worked for the WCT for three years.

She adds: "No one is ever prepared for cancer - it is always a shock followed by other emotions such as disbelief, depression and anxiety.

"My father had leukaemia and like most people I have had friends who have been affected by it which is why I wanted to work for WCT."

But it's not just about providing a listening ear. Carolyn says it is about helping people to make the most of the rest of their lives.

"We want to empower people which is why I designed a Survive and Thrive programme to help with their overall sense of wellbeing and their resilience. We also offer practical advice to people with life limiting conditions by helping them to prepare for the end and working through their finances."

The Hampshire centre in Winchester currently supports around 2,000 people and earlier this month the Daily Echo launched The C Change Appeal to provide a similar centre in Bournemouth.

Carolyn adds: "There is an urgent need for a WCT cancer care centre in Bournemouth because of the size of town which is much bigger than Winchester so thousands of people would benefit from its services."

PANEL

The C Change Appeal is to provide a new cancer care centre at Fairview House in Hinton Road - the first of three new centres with child focused services.

Around £10,000 is needed to equip the centre and a further £60,000 to help cover the annual running costs.

Volunteers are also needed to work in the centre and to help raise money.

For more information or details on how you can support the project, please email clare.lay@wessexcancer.org.uk or call 023 8067 2200.