A charity in Suffolk is able to support more people after finding a new home at a college in Bury St Edmunds.
Make 2nds Count is a national organisation that offers monthly tea and chat sessions to anyone who has been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.
This particular (Suffolk) branch was set up by Kelly Carson, 36, from Barrow after she was given a stage four diagnosis just two weeks after giving birth to her fifth child.
Initially the group started with around six people who met up at a café in Risby.
But after the café closed down and a new location in a village hall didn’t work out, Kelly approached West Suffolk College to see if they could help out.
The college – that is part of Eastern Education Group – agreed to offer a regular space in their restaurant called Edmunds, and now the group offers support to 24 local residents.
Kelly, who has worked as an Inclusive Learning Co-ordinator at Eastern Education Group for 15 years, said: “When I received my stage four diagnosis I felt so alone.
“Then I discovered Make 2nds Count and decided to form a group in this county. Our events attract people from across the local area, from places including Ixworth, Beccles, Sudbury, and Haverhill. We meet over tea and cake to share knowledge, give support, and discuss a range of topics – not just diagnoses and treatments, but also personal life and family. We have also been on recreational trips, spa days, and meals out. We even went to Future Dreams in London for a day of relaxation and pampering.
“The number of members has grown (over the years) and the community has been invaluable.”
In terms of Edmunds being the new venue for these meet ups – Kelly added: “It’s so nice and feels more like friends meeting for coffee or going our for a pub lunch.”
One of the members is Tracy Connolly, 49 from Haverhill. She found the group two months after she was diagnosed. She said: “It was the best thing that could have happened. It literally saved me.”
Another member is Sophie Cogan, 28, from Barrow.
Sophie said: “There are so many people walking around with this and the group makes you feel less isolated and gives you hope.”
Olly Best is a front of house and events co-ordinator at Edmunds Restaurant. He said: “It’s very important Eastern Education Group supports community projects like this, and it’s our pleasure to be able to work with Make 2nds Count.”
If you would like more information about attending these events you can email: support@make2ndscount.co.uk to join the WhatsApp group.
