I remember coming to meet Fiona for the first time for my initial assessment and crying with absolute relief that there was support.

Fitsteps was the first thing I did and I remember being in the class and crying and trying to hide it because I was so overjoyed, I was so moved to be in a group of women together. That sense of  belonging, comradery, just the support of others was absolutely overwhelming.

This place has allowed me to take what I need from it. It has given me a space where I can be myself in whatever way that is, which might change every visit. Coming in I can be happy or miserable but either way I’m accepted.

The Nightingale is a lifeline. I know that I could rock up here any day, without an appointment and sit down with a cup of team. Even if I never do that, knowing I can do that makes me feel safe.

My medical journey not well I was struggling psychologically with my rehabilitation. I felt I would benefit from some external support and contacted a local service.

After a one hour telephone assessment, they advised me that whilst they could help me, the earliest I could access their service would be approximately 18 months. I needed help at that moment and knew I could not wait 18 months.

The Nightingale was recommended to me and from my initial encounter with them to the current time I have felt supported. I will always be grateful to every single member of staff for the caring, politeness and respect shown at a very difficult time in my life.

I connected straight away with their staff member and since then, I have benefitted from a range of services including counselling, complementary therapies, exercise classes, mindfulness and attending the Prostate Group.

There will always be a place in my heart for all the staff at The Nightingale because without their support I am not sure I would be writing my story and planning for my future.

From the moment I went to The Nightingale I felt at ease.

The services I’ve been able to try have all helped me in different ways. Reflexology has been my favourite as it’s helped me to relax and makes me feel so calm.

Going into The Nightingale I never had to worry about going in with my baldy head. No one is looking at you as if you’re different.

You feel you’re among people that are the same as you. Cancer can be a lonely journey. We all need someone in hard times and The Nightingale is the place to find that. The time you’re feeling really low, you can call and talk to anybody and they’re there to listen.

With them there’s nothing to feel ashamed of, no matter what you want to talk about or need help with.

The staff at The Nightingale are some of the nicest, kindest, considerate people I have had the pleasure to meet.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The Nightingale is a service I wish I had never had to use but in my situation I am so please I have it.

My biggest fear during this time was my family. I was especially worried about my wife; she seems to worry about everything. I tried Mindfulness. I’ll be honest, I couldn’t really get to grips with it but Lucy is so dedicated to her profession and she really encouraged me to try different coping methods.