A CANCER charity which helps patients and their families has opened its own specialist centre after seeing a rise in the number of referrals across the area.

CancerCare, now based in Trinity Church Centre in Abbey Road, was previously offering its counselling and massage services out of two rooms, loaned to them by Furness Carers, in Hindpool Community centre.

But, a rise in referrals meant the charity needed a bigger premises to cope with soaring demand and now occupies a much larger space within the Barrow building.

Rachel Minshull, 45, is the development officer for CancerCare and organised the centre's grand opening on Friday, September 22.

She said: "We have had over 80 referrals in six months.

"It's absolutely amazing, it really is- one of our clients said if it had not been for CancerCare they don't know what they would've done."

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"Patients can come and talk with fully qualified staff and get the support they need.

"Cancer really does affect your whole life."

The centre is open for people of all ages affected by cancer, and even includes a specialist counselling service for children as young as four.

Mrs Minshull, who lives in Ulverston added: "We see mainly older people, however we do have clients from their early thirties.

"There's children's services an offer from as young as four, but we've not had referrals yet.

"It's quite surprising for a town that's not enormous- we have a lot of people who are affected.

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"People can have very close friendships here and so if one person has cancer it has the potential to affect a range of people.

"Sometimes patients are getting help and support from specialist nurses so don't feel they need our services, but their families can struggle.

"Sometimes it takes help for people to be strong for others."

The centre has worked with patients living with some of the more common cancers, such as breast and prostate but also deals with rare diagnoses, all free of charge.

Opened by Barrow Mayor Tony Callister, the centre will be open from Monday - Friday, from 9am - 5pm and aims to help everyone who walks through their doors from medical referrals to self referrals.

For more information about CancerCare visit www.cancercare.org.uk or call 01229 836 926

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