Nurse who overcame cancer sets up support group
Posted 19 May 2021 - 11:39
Christine Plant created the online group to help others with or who have had cancer
A nurse who twice overcame cancer has set up an online support group to help others who have been diagnosed with the disease.
Christine Plant was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2017 and then breast cancer in September 2020. In January 2021 she set up a Facebook support group called Run Free of the Big C to help others living with cancer.
Extra challenges for those affected by cancer
Ms Plant, a specialist breast care nurse at Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital in Bangor, north Wales, said: ‘It’s really important you have people to talk to when you go through cancer. The online group is to provide support and a place where those who are going through or have been through cancer can share their experience and advice with others.’
She added: ‘It’s been a difficult year with COVID-19, and those who have been affected by cancer have had extra challenges around not seeing their loved ones or friends as much as they would like. This group has been open to those who need that extra support.’
The mother of two was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 46. Three years later she was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram.
She credits her recovery to her fellow nurses and doctors who cared for her after both diagnoses. Ms Plant also took up running to support her mental health.
‘The one thing that has helped me enormously is exercise. Whether it be a 100-metre walk or running 10 kilometres, the sense of achievement is the same. It is getting out and about doing something,’ she said.
‘Exercise has also helped me to recover quickly following treatments, with fewer side effects. The psychological benefits are as important as the physical ones.’
Find out more
Facebook group: Run Free of the Big C
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