Bosom Pals, a Dumfriesshire friendship group for women going through breast cancer, is providing a lifeline in the community.
Just over 10 years ago, women who had completed treatment found there was very little in the way of ongoing support for those who needed it – short and long term.
Two ladies, Linda and Marion, got together and initially started a Tuesday walking group. It grew into asking Heathhall Garden Centre if they would mind setting aside a table in their cafe for 12.30pm each Tuesday so they could chat over lunch or coffee.
Bosom Pals was born and has been going from strength to strength ever since, growing in number over the years.
The group is keen for new members to join them on Tuesdays for their lunchtime treat at Heathhall Garden Centre.
A spokeswoman for the group said: “The Barr family and staff’s continued support is very much appreciated.
“Although Macmillan and the NHS did provide short sessions of valuable exercise classes for ladies in the same situation as ourselves, we felt there was no continuous support and the walking group with the cuppa afterwards helped us get together and share our experiences. We’ve all gained valuable friends.
“We share our experiences of life, not just breast cancer, through mutual respect and support.
“We’ve seen ladies recover well from treatment, finding the confidence to return to work or try new life skills and actives.
“Some of the group also attend more structured meetings with Macmillan Cancer Support periodically until Covid, which allowed ladies from a wider area in Dumfries and Galloway to meet, chat and enjoy various speakers specialising in the different aspects breast cancer can pose.”
Some of the group’s users have spoken on how much Bosom Pals has encouraged them.
One woman, Ros, said: “Finding Bosom Pals at a time when I felt so vulnerable was a lifeline for me. I have made lifetime friends who completely understand what you are feeling and experiencing. Anyone who has faced a breast cancer diagnosis needs a Bosom Pal.”
Another member, Margaret, said: “The group enabled me to voice worries and receive support and encouragement that other friends couldn’t understand if they haven’t been there. Friendship, support and laughter is what Bosom Pals means to me.”
Mhairi said: “It is the camaraderie that is very important, everyone in the group has been there and understands what you are going through or have been through because the journey doesn’t end when the treatment has stopped.
“Special thanks to Marion and Linda for coming up with the idea of the group, for organising it, and for their continued support – not just on a Tuesday – and commitment to the group.”
June, who was introduced to the group by Mhairi, said: “I must admit I was a bit wary as I thought I wasn’t one for support groups but three years on I don’t regret it one bit as the support, understanding, laughter walks and lunches have been very much appreciated and kept me sane. Thank you ladies for just being there.”
While Ann said: “I found the group informing and supportive because we all understand what we were experiencing. Sometimes I didn’t want to worry my family with my fears and low points but always felt I could speak freely within our group.
“I have made friends for life and I know we will always be there for each other. Bosom Pals is a fantastic supportive group.”
Dumfriesshire community charity champion, Dougie Smith, is also full of praise for Bosom Pals which was very supportive to his late wife, Ashley, himself and family.
She passed away on June 20 last year with secondary cancer after having breast cancer more than seven years ago and Dougie has been fundraising in her name.
Bosom Pals has a small painted stone at the table in the garden centre in Ashley’s memory.
Dougie said: “I am totally grateful to these ladies as they were always there for advice and a general chat.
“Even now they are still on the end of a phone if needed. These ladies will get my support whenever they need it after all they have done for us.”
Tracy Ross at the 1.1 Cambridge Diet Club in Dumfries is running a raffle with the proceeds to be split between Bosom Pals and Dumfries Veterans Garden.
