A woman is helping people in Kendal who have lost loved ones to cancer after going through the same thing.

A new bereavement group was set up by local charity CancerCare earlier this month, hosting its first session on April 9.

The 'Don’t Go It Alone' peer support group will meet every Tuesday between 2:00pm and 4:00pm at the charity's centre on Blackhall Road.

The sessions aim to provide a safe, welcoming, and confidential space for people affected by cancer or bereavement.

It was initiated by a former CancerCare client, Una Bell, whose husband Geoff died of cancer last year.

Una first started receiving counselling at CancerCare during her husband’s illness, to help her cope with her new caring responsibilities and the loss of their plans for the future.

But following his death, she continued counselling in 'a state of shock, traumatised by what had happened'.

She said: "It was during one session I expressed my frustration that there were no local bereavement support groups - I though I surely can’t be the only bereaved person in Kendal!

"My friends and family have been - and continue to be - wonderful but I longed to meet others who ‘get it’, I banged on and on about it."

It was the isolation after Geoff's death that was the hardest thing for Una to cope with.

"The loneliness has been crippling - I know I can’t be the only one feeling this way," she added.

"CancerCare has been my lifeline - right from the start I felt welcomed and comfortable, but I need to meet with others on this journey and I genuinely feel sharing experiences and being with others who truly understand is vital.”

After struggling with her present day, the group is now helping Una look to the future.

“I’m hopeful that as the group develops and we establish what those attending need and want from the group, not only will we be able to offer a friendly and inclusive support group, but we may eventually be able to offer resources, signpost to other support services and perhaps periodically ‘host’ guest speakers."