BRIAN Holley knows what it is to survive cancer.

Now, the 73-year-old from Weobley is sharing his survival with other cancer patients as an information and support volunteer at Hereford County Hospital’s Macmillan Renton Unit.

This week Brian’s got one key tip to pass on to fellow patients and survivors alike – and that’s to get behind the first-ever health and wellbeing day devoted to their needs.

“It’s very hard to remember the information and support that you are told about when you are first diagnosed with cancer,” he said.

“We are encouraging people affected by cancer to come along to the event, so they are better informed about how they can make a positive difference to their every-day life, and hear first-hand how other people are achieving this.”

The event, a first for the county, is set for April 25 at Hereford’s Three Counties Hotel.

It is being hosted by Macmillan Cancer Support and Wye Valley NHS Trust while other backers include Halo Leisure, Macmillan welfare benefits, Herefordshire Carers Support, the WRVS and The Haven.

Elizabeth Wright, Macmillan development manager for the area, said no one with cancer should have to face it alone.

“They should have easy access to high quality care, treatment, information and support, to meet their medical, practical, emotional and financial needs,” she said.

“They should feel able to enjoy life to the full and research has shown how important health and wellbeing is to the recovery and long-term health of cancer patients.”

Alison Stemp, Macmillan cancer information and support facilitator, from Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “This is a particularly difficult time for many patients since they feel they lose the safety net of support they receive when they are attending the hospital regularly and often find it difficult to return to everyday activities.”

Guest speakers on the day include Dr Andrew Heal, GP lead for cancer in Herefordshire and Dr Ray Owen, clinical psychologist.

There will also be information and advice stands, free information packs, activity taster sessions such as tai chi and the chance to talk to health care professionals.

To book a place at the wellbeing event, by April 18, call the Macmillan Renton Unit on 01432 355444 extension 5459.