AFTER being diagnosed with cancer, Joanne Sutherland's family were left devastated and felt completely alone.
Joanne, who had six months of chemotherapy and three months of radiotherapy for breast cancer, has been in remission for 10 years now. There is a double celebration for Joanne who is also celebrating the first birthday of her support group, Charlies.
The group, which meets monthly at Capital Venue in Quedgeley, was named after Joanne's grandfather. It aims to provide cancer patients and their family with relaxation and beauty therapies.
Mum-of-two Joanne said: "It is not just the person going through cancer that is affected, but their families, too. They need support as well because they are going through it also while they look after you. There was no support around for my mother who looked after me at the time, there was no outside support. When you step away from the doctors and clinical team at the hospital you feel alone. My mum suffered a nervous breakdown after my treatment."
Mum, Edith Williams from Tredworth, said: "It felt as a family we were just coming and going when Jo was ill. We were just there for each other. When she was going for her treatment there was just no one for her to talk to.
"The worst thing for me as a parent was having to shave her hair off. It was heart breaking to see her like that. Eventually I had to start getting back to work. It has been very tough as a family as my other daughter suffers from multiple sclerosis.
"Charlies has gone from strength to strength with many new members each week. We are immensely proud of Jo. When she wants something, she will go out and get it."
Every month between 20 to 30 people attend Charlies where they can enjoy treatments including reiki, Indian head massage, manicures and have a chat over tea, coffee and cake.
Joanne added: "We have some patients who have terminal cancer. Sometimes it can get emotional but overall it is not depressing and everybody has a good time. Some people come to get away from it all, while some need a chat and a good cry."
Brockworth parish councillor John Clarke, 86, attends Charlies every month. He said: "In 2002 I was diagnosed with mouth cancer and I was in the operating theatre seven times. They told me I would only live for four months but 12 years on I am still here. It was a very tough time. If it was not for my late wife, I would not have survived; support is so vital. It was a traumatic experience. Nowadays I enjoy watercolour painting, poetry and writing novels to keep my mind active.
"When people come to Charlies many look very down but I always try to talk to them. Jo has done a great job with the group. We now want to get into the centre of Gloucester."
Jo is looking to open a permanent basis in the city so people can drop in regularly.
Jackie White, from Quedgeley, also suffered breast cancer and said: "I have attended every meeting. Last year I had reconstructive surgery and it is now nice to be pampered here. It is a lovely place to come."
Charlies will be holding birthday celebrations on March 27 at 7pm at the Capital Venue Snooker Club, Edison Close, Quedgeley.
