Volunteers and people who access the support group often develop strong bonds, particularly when being driven for chemotherapy or radiotherapy appointments.

Tomaree Breast Cancer Support Group president Taurie Lalor said that in many instances when people who have been driven to appointments daily for five or six weeks no longer require that service, the patient experiences a real void in their life.

One of the group’s volunteer drivers suggested a monthly get together for people to renew these acquaintances.

The additional benefit came when current patients were introduced to people who had had similar medical experiences – this led to an exchange of information and telephone numbers encouraging mutual support.

To start the year off the group met for a delicious lunch at the Sri Malaysian in Nelson Bay hosted by Jade Lim, a staunch supporter of the group, on Friday, February 1.

Jade and her husband have donated more than $2000 from a fundraiser they held at their restaurant not so long ago and intend to hold another later this year.

The group made approximately 30 trips to Newcastle in January alone with four newly-diagnosed ladies making contact with Taurie.

If you wish to learn more about the group, please call Taurie on 0431 864 778 or Jenny on 0423 602 243.