Get-together a chance to help cancer support group

The weather was dreary but spirits were high at the Tauranga Breast Cancer Support Service high tea at Bella Vista Lodge.

About 45 people braved the weather to enjoy tea and cakes at the lodge in support of the service and their friends who have faced breast cancer.

Gill Collins has called on the help of the support service several times since she was diagnosed with breast cancer in August last year. She said the high tea was a "double winner" as she could give back to the service that has helped her so much and catch up with friends she has made there. "It's been an amazing journey with their support," she said.

Mrs Collins made a doctor's appointment when she noticed a lump in her breast and had met the surgeon and arranged an operation within a week.

Mrs Collins had a variety of different treatments and surgeries last year but in June she opted to have a double mastectomy.

"I've gone from a 30 per cent chance of it ever coming back to under 10 per cent. For me it's the peace of mind from having it done. I don't regret the decision."

The charity helped her make calls about her treatment and referred her on to services like the Cancer Society's subsidised massages and Helping Hands.

Tauranga Breast Cancer Support Service co-ordinator Lea Lehndorf said the high tea proved a success. The money raised through the event will go towards running services offered by the charity. Amy McGillivray