A CANCER support group which has seen its membership rocket is to relaunch its Nordic walking group across the Dorset countryside.

Having struggled throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support, has received £940 worth of grant funding courtesy of South West Water's Neighbourhood Fund.

People with cancer have been hit hard by the pandemic, with treatments having been delayed and patients being unable to see family and friends for support.

Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support has been leant on more than ever by the local community with members increasing by nearly 250 per cent from 57 to 197. It focuses on offering both physical and mental support for those who are undergoing cancer treatments as well as their families and friends.

The charity is usually reliant on fundraising events or grants and has felt the effects of the pandemic. This organisation has had to adapt to the changing circumstances over the last year and has increased the number of trained volunteers who can provide guidance on cancer related matters or act as a telephone buddy for a cancer sufferer or a grieving spouse.

The funding from South West Water is being used to purchase Nordic walking poles for the group - an initiative introduced to ensure cancer survivors stay active through a gentle workout. This group is set to provide a fortnightly opportunity to meet with those who share the trauma and the experience of such a horrific illness and is already hugely valued by the members thanks to the water provider’s financial support.

Heather Burnett, grant coordinator of Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support, said: “This last year has been incredibly hard for us; we have had a huge increase in members but our income has swiftly decreased.

"South West Water’s funding has enabled us to buy new Nordic walking poles which will be used frequently as our members get out and talk to each other through a shared hobby. We have already seen first-hand the emotional impact of this funding on the participants.

"Thank you very much to South West Water for this much-needed and fantastic help.”

For more information on the South West Water Neighbourhood Fund, visit www.southwestwater.co.uk/community/support/neighbourhood-fund