A west Dorset cancer support has received national recognition for the amazing work it does in the community.

The Living Tree in Bridport features in a Macmillan cancer support video, highlighting the what it does, with members giving shinning testimonies of how it has helped them.

Jo Millar founded the group with Jo O’Farrell MBE, who died last year, in 2012.

She said: “Macmillan approached us and said they wanted to make a video about us because they wanted to showcase us at national conferences and just use it as an example of a support group they have helped get off the ground and where we have taken it.

“I think it [the video] is lovely. I was quite bowled over when I saw it.

“Hopefully it conveys the essence of what we’re trying to achieve, that we’re a friendly group that tries to support people in lots of different ways.

“What comes across beautifully is everybody’s testimonies, which I found quite humbling.”

The team from Macmillan visited the group and members were filmed during their regular Friday meetings and activities at The Friends Meeting House in South Street and while taking part in Stepping Out, an exercise course held at Bridport Leisure Centre.

Member Monique Pasche said: “I thought it was well put together, with not too much emphasis on certain aspects, but gave a good idea of our community spirit.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t been able to come to The Living Tree and also Stepping Out because that has been absolutely amazing for me, it has really put me on the road to recovery.

“I am 80 this year and I feel so full of ideas, things that could happen and wats of going further. That’s one of the things I’ve learnt in one or two of the workshops - life after recovery and cancer and carrying on, having a really good, positive life whatever age you are and that’s definitely what I am doing now.”

Fellow member Sherry Porter added: “The video has portrayed the friendship and common bond that we all have here.

“I’m glad that it’s shown us as a friendly and happy group because we are.”

Roz Copson volunteers at the group and says it is a really caring group.

She said: “From an outsider’s view, although I don’t think I am such an outsider anymore because they have made me feel so welcome, it really is such an all-important group for our community in Bridport and more groups throughout the country, perhaps as a result of this video, might actually happen.”

The video can be seen at thelivingtree.org.uk or on The Living Tree and Macmillan in the South West Facebook pages.