"For just over a year I had been cast out of the working world and flung into a breast cancer experience that was only ever meant to be a breast reduction.

At last I had a feel-good factor; I could listen to others and, perhaps, help them, which in turn helped me. We could all chat on a weekly basis and experience our conversations develop into friendships and benefit from the support that our words provided. Sometimes we were up and sometimes we were down, but whoever’s turn it was to be worried, stressed or depressed, there was always a kind word from our virtual friends.

Hearing that others had had a similar experience helped me to feel more ‘normal’, but also taught me balance as I soon learned that there were people worse off than me. Being part of this group took the isolation out of the cancer experience.

There was an honesty that could take place during our conversations as there was no long-standing emotional attachment to those you were chatting with. You did not have to fear upsetting your loved ones as you were not talking to your carer, parent, partner or sibling. Being able to be brutally honest about how you were feeling that week was a much needed release.

For those people who are very private, or who might not feel comfortable talking to someone face to face, this environment gives them an opportunity to open up anonymously from the comfort of their own home. The shy can reach out to others for help and support, developing relationships that they, in another space and time, may not have had the courage to do."

To access the support and information available in Maggie's Online Centre simply click here.