Cancer support group for men expands in county

Men Like Us, which brings together those going through cancer, is launching a new group in Ludlow

A project to help men in Shropshire going through cancer is launching a second support group in the county.

Men Like Us, run by Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) and volunteers, began as a pilot project six months ago in Shrewsbury, and is set to expand into Ludlow.

Since its launch, the group, based at Shrewsbury Men’s Shed at the West Mid Showground, has helped about 15 men.

The new group will meet for the first time at St Peter's Church on Henley Road, Ludlow, between 14:00 and 16:00 BST on Tuesday.

"Our mission is to ensure that every man faces cancer with all the support we can provide," said Graham Cheshire, one of the founding volunteers of Men Like Us.

"Expanding our reach allows us to make a positive difference in more lives," he added.

Fellow volunteer Mark Buchan said the group, which offered emotional and practical support and a chance to share experiences, had helped him,personally. He said he now wanted to help others.

"During my long period of treatment for cancer, I have had male friends that were following the similar path at different stages.

"We were able to talk with each other whenever we wanted, by phone or face-to-face, making the journey easier for each other."

The Shrewsbury Men Like Us group will continue to run on the last Thursday of the month.