A LEFTWICH couple have already started to make a real difference to people’s lives with their new group.

Steve and Eileen Sharman, of Kingsley Drive, held the first meeting of their new brain tumour support group in August and have a second one planned for November.

The couple have been determined to set up a Northwich group since Eileen had a tumour removed 15 years ago.

At the time there was no real support available until a group was set up in Liverpool 10 years ago.

The Sharmans were keen to get involved in the Liverpool group but could not muster any interest in establishing a Northwich group until recently.

Eileen said: “The first meeting was very successful, we had three patients and three carers.

“When they left they said ‘we’ve been needing this for some time’ and I said ‘I’ve been trying to get it going for 10 years’.

“They definitely got something out of it and said they don’t feel alone any more and that it’s nice to know there’s someone out there going through the same thing.

“It’s nice to know there’s someone at the other end of the phone.”

The meeting, held at Northwich Carers’ Centre, in London Road, was opened by town mayor Clr Bob Robinson and representatives from the Mid Cheshire Benevolence Fund, which is funding the project.

The Brain Tumour Charity is working with the Sharmans and Sue Wrigglesworth, from the charity, was also at the meeting to provide some expert advice.

Eileen said: “We don’t just tell people things off the top of our heads, we have the charity working with us and Sue comes to the meetings to make sure everything’s above board.

“One of the members said you can go and talk to the doctor but they only know what they’ve read in books but when you’ve actually been through it you know first hand what people are going through.

“I’m just glad I’m in a position to help other people.”