At Pendleside Hospice, we often witness the most remarkable stories of friendship and resilience.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are honoured to share the incredible journey of seven strong women, who met at different stages of their breast cancer journey. They first came together at one of our Health, Wellbeing & Rehabilitation programs ten years ago and have remained close ever since. 

Gemma Seed, along with her friends Linda Curtis, Janet Halstead, Joan Lakeland, Jean Austin, Patricia Watson, and Janet Smith, attended one-day-a-week sessions at the Hospice in 2014, which were designed for individuals diagnosed with cancer. The group offered a variety of activities including yoga, relaxation techniques, counselling, and educational presentations on treatments like chemotherapy, providing a sanctuary for people to share their experiences, support each other, and temporarily escape the pressures of their diagnoses and treatments.

Gemma added, “I found out about Pendleside’s services through my friend, Alison, who not only worked as a Reflexologist at the Hospice back then, but had just founded Ribble Valley Breast Friends - the first breast cancer support group of its kind in the area - and just weeks before my own diagnosis. From the moment I found out about my cancer and throughout my treatment, both Pendleside Hospice and the Ribble Valley group provided me with an immense amount of support.”

“The weekly sessions were a great way of connecting with people who were going through something very similar. They understood how you felt and it helped knowing that I wasn’t alone. The group was educational and practical, but aside from all that, it was a distraction. Switching off from the outside world and getting away from the continuous appointments and hospital treatments was a blessing, and it's where I met some life-long friends. The yoga classes, meditation and reflexology sessions, as well as the delicious lunch provided, were brilliant.”

“We have been meeting up every month for lunch, for the past 10 years, calling ourselves the ‘Hospice Ladies’! At the start of summer, we celebrated our 10-year ‘­friendiversary’ with Linda baking a fabulous ‘boob cake’ to mark the special occasion. Some members of my friendship group have recently finished their breast cancer treatment, but a few of us are still on medication. Meeting up each month is a lovely way to catch-up, offer support, talk about the wonderful things going on in our lives and to remind ourselves of just how far we’ve come.”

Gemma was diagnosed at 28 with aggressive Grade 3 breast cancer and faced a year of rigorous treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment. The sudden change in her life was challenging, but it led to profound personal growth and the chance to advocate for others diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. Gemma acknowledged that life gets put on hold, but learning to adapt to these changes and going with the flow can make the experience a little bit easier. Her breast cancer journey also brought about a change in her career.

“During my chemotherapy, I had some sort of epiphany!” shares Gemma. “Having no idea where to even begin, I decided there and then that I wanted to become a burlesque performer! After undertaking some research, I began a burlesque course the following year, once I was fit and well enough. Eight years on, I am now a professional burlesque performer and teacher, and I have headlined international burlesque festivals, won multiple awards, performed my acts on television and had my work internationally published. I’m a great believer that everything happens for a reason and that there’s always a silver lining.”

Gemma, Linda, Janet, Joan, Jean, Patricia, and Janet’s story embodies the importance of community support during life’s toughest battles and Pendleside is proud to have played a role in their journey, providing a space where they could find solace, strength, and friendship.

“My advice to anyone who finds a lump or anything that is unusual on their own body, is to book an appointment with the GP as soon as possible. Early detection is key to treating cancer.” advises Gemma.

Pendleside offers a range of morning and afternoon support sessions and complementary therapies for those recently diagnosed or undergoing cancer treatment, as well as providing care to those living with other advancing, long term and life limiting illnesses. To learn more, please visit our Services page.

Making a referral doesn’t always need to come from a health care professional. If you wish to self-refer or refer on behalf of a friend or family member, with their consent, please visit our Referrals page.