A BROMBOROUGH dad who was diagnosed with prostate cancer has spoken out about the life-changing support he has received from Maggie's Merseyside.

George Renshaw started attending the Men's Cancer Support Group at Maggie's Merseyside at the beginning of last year after his daughter-in-law, a cancer specialist, introduced him to the organisation.

He told the Globe: "As I wasn’t getting any younger my wife suggested I should go for a routine health examination, as I hadn’t felt unwell I wasn’t worried when I went along for the appointment.

"But they quickly found something and biopsies were taken. I was later diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.

"It came as a total shock as I felt fit and well.

"My daughter in-law is a cancer specialist and she accompanied me to appointments for moral support.

"I soon became in such a state and rather stressed that she recognised I needed further support, therefore she introduced me Maggie’s.

"I initially just dropped in and I was surprised at the readily available support.

"I then began attending the Men’s Cancer Support Group which opened up a whole new world of friendship and welcomed support which I didn’t know existed. It became like a social club for me."

George says the group has since helped remove the anxiety that came with his cancer diagnosis.

He added: "What’s really special is that I no longer feel like I have cancer when I come to Maggie’s and I look forward to coming.

"I have now gone on to join the walking group at Maggie’s and have also benefited from their ‘Living Prostate Cancer Course’ which has helped with nutrition, exercise and to develop coping mechanisms.

"I will continue to visit Maggie’s as they’ve been so good and I enjoy meeting and talking to people who understand what I’m going through and to share experiences.

"Maggie’s is just a lovely place to be when you require advice, support and friendship."

Now Maggie's Merseyside are hoping to welcome more visitors and men affected by cancer to come forward and take part in the group which is facilitated by a psychologist.

Based next to Clatterbridge Cancer Center, it offers a safe place to express emotions that they may not want to share with family and friends.

Psychologist at Maggie’s Merseyside Gemma Hollington said: "The group aims to provide a safe supportive safe for men to talk about their thoughts and feelings regarding life following a cancer diagnosis, and the challenges involved in managing different treatments.

"The group is open to men of all ages, and with any type of cancer.

"One of the key aims is to normalise the experience of difficult thoughts and feelings, alongside strengths and achievements.

"By sharing their experiences and ways of coping, men are able to support each other through the process of adjustment.

"There can also be a lot of laughter and light-heartedness, and previous group members have reported looking forward to the group and the social support it provides.

"Therefore we are welcoming more men to join the group and seek the support we offer."

The group is held the first Monday of each month from 3pm to 4.30pm.

For more information about the Men’s Cancer Support Group please contact the centre on 0151 334 4301 or email clatterbridge@maggiescentres.org