Member's Experience - Ken
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2004, and having helped Cherry Lodge with fundraising at their plant sale with the support of my gardening club, it was easy for me to come along. I had met so many members at the plant sales before, and they have been such an inspiration to all of us.
It is not easy to come to terms with a serious problem so I started to attend the drop in sessions at Cherry Lodge. There were only 3 men attending as some men felt outnumbered by the women. We became known as the boring old men's corner, as it was mainly gardening or football that was the topic of conversation! Soon a few ladies joined us and we had many good laughs about our problems; we all had something different. One of these ladies was June. We did not realise how ill she was, and it was a very moving moment for Sidney and I when she rang the office from her hospital bed before she sadly died last year, to thank us for all the friendly chats we had with her, that is the kind of bonding that Cherry Lodge gives to us all.
Our men's corner has now increased and sometimes there are seven or more with Bill, Chrys, Les, Sidney, William, Samuel, and others. We don't just think of ourselves, as there are often others with more serious things on their minds. We would like to thank the ladies with their home made cakes, which makes a good experience even better. I thank the staff for all they do, it is very much appreciated. It is up to all of us to help raise awareness of Cherry Lodge and its needs to maintain the service they give us, so please support whenever you can any of the fund raising events that are held.
Thank you.
Ken Reynolds
Response from Fiona
Thank you Ken for writing these words for us. What struck me most of all was the emphasis you have placed on the value of companionship and support experienced at the centre, particularly at drop ins; mutual empathy is really as important as the therapies offered and I think we often forget that.
I would just like to correct you on one fact - you may think you are known as the boring old men corner - I heard that it was the grumpy old men corner!
We are delighted that after many years of only a trickle of men, this group of friends have been established and I do need to thank you for the welcome that you give new men (and women) who first attend drop in.
Fiona
