A ROYAL Navy veteran battling with advanced prostate cancer says a service offering support has been a lifeline for him.

Retired council worker Bruce Evans, of Windermere, received the devastating news after a blood test for type 2 diabetes led to the diagnosis.

The cancer had spread to other parts of his body. He is now classed as disabled and is receiving specialist treatment at the Clatterbridge Hospital in Liverpool.

He said the service at CancerCare’s Windermere drop-in has helped him to cope with cancer and given him the opportunity to make new friends.

“As I am a single person, it gets me out of the house and we have a laugh," said Bruce, who used to work for South Lakeland District Council as a depot manager. “A lot of people have someone to talk to at home whereas I don’t. Sometimes I come to the drop-in and cancer is never mentioned. We just talk about walks in the Lake District and things like that.

“I would encourage people to come here. You don’t have to stay for the whole time - just come and have a brew and a chat. It’s very relaxing.”

The drop-in is for people who have cancer or are recovering from the disease as well as carers, friends and family. The drop-in service has been running since April 2017 and new faces are always welcome.

Bruce, who volunteers with the Leonard Cheshire charity at Holehird and with the North West Air Ambulance, said CancerCare helped him during his darkest times.

He said: “When I was first diagnosed I was very tearful. I had counselling and 20 weeks later I was laughing and having a joke with my counsellor.”

Pam Parsons from Windermere, who used to run a guest house in Ambleside and is now retired, is one of the coordinators of the drop-in.

“People can come to the drop-in and talk about anything; we keep it light and friendly," said Pam, who has also been a volunteer at CancerCare’s Ambleside drop-in for the last 17 years.

"I would like to encourage more people to come to the drop-in. People can just pop in or give us a call.”

Joan Newby, 95, has been one of the organisers of CancerCare’s Ambleside drop-in for 26 years. She also supports the Windermere drop-in.

“We have such a good laugh and we enjoy each other’s company. If anyone wants to talk about their problems quietly there is space to do that too. I have personally benefited from CancerCare and I come here snow, wind and rain.

“I would really love to see the Windermere Drop-in grow and welcome more people."

The Windermere Drop-in is open from 10.30am to noon every Wednesday and is based in the Windermere Room at the Ladyholme Centre on Lake Road.

CancerCare also offers free therapeutic services for people affected by cancer and other potentially life-limiting conditions. Counselling, therapeutic massage and other therapies are available at the Lakes Centre on Blackhall Road in Kendal.

This year the charity is marking its 20th year at the Lakes Centre.

CancerCare was originally set up in Lancaster and has been helping people affected by cancer across south Cumbria and north Lancashire for 35 years.

More information on CancerCare in South Lakeland go to www.cancercare.org.uk or call the Lakes Centre on 01539 735800.