Staffordshire mother opens own cancer centre

Sharon Fox said setting up the charity had helped her cope with months of treatment

A cancer centre set up by a mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year has opened in Staffordshire.

The Sharon Fox Cancer Centre, in Lower Gungate, Tamworth, offers support, complementary therapies and other help for people affected by cancer.

Sharon Fox, a mother of seven, said going through treatment made her realise there was a "severe" lack of such facilities in the area.

The charity is funded by donations, fundraising events and its shop.

Mrs Fox, 40, who writes a regular blog and local newspaper column about her treatment and experiences, has undergone months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a mastectomy.

Therapy sessions

The centre in Mitchells Court offers wig and dietary advice, a mother and toddler group and cleaning, ironing and gardening services for all people affected by cancer.

Mrs Fox said: "It's just somewhere we can meet, where we can feel safe and talk to other people and also have some relaxation as well as therapy sessions."

People involved in the charity meet monthly at The Fox Inn, Dostill, where events, such as family fun days, are also held.

Mrs Fox said setting up the charity had helped her get through her treatment.

"Having this to focus on mentally, it has actually been kind of my therapy," she said.

"So from a selfish perspective it has probably helped me a lot."

Representatives from Breakthrough Breast Cancer attended the open day where nail treatments and a range of complementary therapies were on offer.