Local people coping with cancer diagnoses in Co Fermanagh have spoken of the help provided to them by a local support group.
SWELL in Enniskillen has been on the go since 2018, but in recent months has secured its first premises in the town in order to provide a base for its members and their activities.
On a visit to the new premises on Cross Street in Enniskillen, MyFermanagh caught up with some of those who are benefiting from the free local service.
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Brenda Whitley described the moment she first found out she had a tumour as an ‘awful shock’, but has found the camaraderie of those at SWELL to be invaluable.
“It was an awful shock when I had been to my local bus for a mammogram and thought nothing of it, but I got a letter to come back for extra tests,” Brenda said.
“I thought nothing about it, but when he did say you have a tumour, I never heard anything after that.
“My daughter was with me and she said he did say they’ll operate and it’s curable and they’ll take it out.
“But I never heard those words.”
“I had heard about this group from one friend who did say to me. I’m forever grateful for that girl who was going through a journey herself.
“I came along and I was welcomed. In a group like this you feel like I’m not the only person this is happening to.
“That’s the best support group feeling that you can have.”
Josie Rudden is another who has found comfort in the group founded by local women Genevieve Irvine and Lorraine Lily, both of whom have been through their own cancer battles.
“I was diagnosed with cancer back in 2014, I met Genevieve in another cancer group,” Josie said.
“Genevieve then started up her own group and now we’ve so many classes to go to.
“It has just been a fantastic help, it’s fantastic to hear everybody’s stories and it just helps you along.”
Co-founder Genevieve said the group has been established for four years now, but is keen to spread the word to others locally of the services they have available.
“We were set up in 2018 as a support group for local people who have had a diagnosis,” Genevieve said.
“We worked hard over lockdown and we secured premises here at Cross Street in Enniskillen.
“We have dedicated spaces for counselling, complementary therapies, exercise programmes and workshops.
“I was diagnosed in 2015 with a very rare type of uterine cervical cancer and I had fantastic treatment in the Belfast Trust.
“But once I had the treatment I found myself back in Fermanagh with no support whatsoever, which made me think the only person who is going to help me here is myself.
“That’s why I wanted to start SWELL and provide those services here locally.
“We’re here for Fermanagh people and all donations are benefiting local people with a cancer diagnosis, and also their family and carers.”
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