A support group for palliative cancer patients has celebrated its first year anniversary.

 The HPB cancer palliative cancer group is for people living with HepatoPancreatoBiliary (Pancreatic, Liver and Gallbladder) cancer. Jointly run by both patients and their families, it is supported by HPB clinical nurse specialists from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, and hosted by Maggie`s centre, Manchester. The group serves as an invaluable peer support for those who have had a HPB Cancer diagnosis. Patients can learn from each other on how they are facing the condition, while the professionals can offer both support and the full advice of their expertise.

The anniversary was a special day because the first chairman of the group David Hallas had sadly died just the previous week of pancreatic cancer. David’s wife Jill and daughter Laura still attended the group to thank all its members as it had meant so much to Dave during his illness. John O’Meara has now taken up the role as new chairman.

The group meets every other month at the Maggie’s Centre at the Christie in Manchester, and the next meeting is on Tuesday 6th November. Anyone who would like to get in touch can contact HPB Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist Steph Gooder at stephanie.gooder@stockport.nhs.uk or on 0161 419 4868.