All of them are in celebratory mood. And they have good reason to be for they have gathered together to mark a milestone, the 21st birthday of Calderdale Breast Cancer Care Support Group – just a couple of weeks ahead of National Breast Cancer Month.

Over the years these women have given each other support, friendship and comfort in difficult times.

But, says Mavis Burgin, one of the founder members, there have also been plenty of laughs along the way.

"We've shared each other's sorrows and bleak times but we have had some jolly times too and made such good friends. Often that happens out of adversity," she says. "It was a shock, yes, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer 22 years ago. I had a mastectomy and there are times when you wonder how you'll cope," says 86-year-old Mavis, a retired schools swimming teacher who lives in Elland.

"Through the group though I have made some wonderful friends. Some of course, sadly, we have lost along the way."

Poignantly she adds, that a collection of £200 has been raised at the lunch today which will be presented to Overgate Hospice: "In memory of all those ladies who have not been as lucky as us," she says.

The Breast Cancer Support group was the brainchild of breast care sister Jill Lawton, now retired.

Not surprisingly, Jill has been invited to the lunch as a guest of honour.

"Jill came to me and said what about forming a group and I thought well there'll never be enough of us but I was shocked to discover there was.

There were more ladies throughout Calderdale with breast cancer than I could have imagined and this group helped to bring us together, to share our experiences and support one another," says Mavis.

Jill was one of only seven breast care specialist nurses in the country at the time, who was appointed by a "forward-thinking" Calderdale health authority to be involved in every aspect of breast cancer and breast care," she explains.

"We started off with a little group of us and I'd do a few yoga sessions because I thought the exercise was vitally important, especially for those ladies who had undergone mastectomies," she explains.

"When you are confronted with cancer you face many emotions, fear, guilt – perhaps at the effect it will have on your family – concern, lack of self-esteem, grief about your body image.

"Different women deal with it in different ways but it is always good to know others have been through what you are going through or are sharing the same experiences."

Jill was involved with the group for 13 years before retiring but confesses she still keeps in touch with some of the ladies.
"I think there is a strong bond we all share and it's lovely to meet up with these ladies again today," she says.

As they tuck into a party lunch and then a special 21st birthday cake, the room is filled with chatter and laughter – something the group has earned a reputation for in the past.

"We were once up at the college having a bit of a get-together and we were all seated down this long table," recalls Brenda Holden, who has been a member of the group for 18 years.

"We were shrieking with laughter and making so much noise that someone popped their head round the door and said 'You're all having a good time, what kind of group are you?'

"And we just replied 'Well. we've all had cancer.' I think they were amazed at how full of life we all were."

Brenda, now 68, underwent a mastectomy after her cancer was diagnosed in 1989. She admits that the group has been a tremendous support to her over the years.

"When you have cancer your family is supportive but there are things which you sometimes feel you can't talk about. To talk to someone who is going through the same as you can be so helpful. I've made some wonderful friends through the group."

Present-day breast care nurse is Veronica Allinson, who agrees that groups such as the Calderdale one can be invaluable for those going through the trauma of cancer.

"Getting together with other people can really help to prevent those feelings of isolation. They can offer support at the times people need it," she says. Over the years the group has met at a number of venues since starting out originally in Harrison Road at a well-woman centre.
It has also met at the eye clinic at Clover Hill, the Laura Mitchell centre, the former Halifax General Hospital, the White Swan in Halifax and even, briefly, at Elland Working Men's Club who stepped in when no other room was available.

"We have moved around a bit," laughs Mavis.

"But we have always been determined we would not disband. The main thing has been to keep going," she says. As a result, 21 years later, Calderdale Breast Cancer Care Group is still meeting up and the group's present home is at the Macmillan Unit resource room at Calderdale Royal Hospital.

"It's more of a social gathering now, getting together for a chat and a cup of tea," says Mavis.

"But we are still caring and sharing and there to support each other, just as we always have."

Anyone interesting in joining the group can ring Mavis on 01422 251254.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. For more details ring 020 7749 4115.