Nicola Johnson, 59, (pictured on the right, with her sister Louise) tells us about the support she’s found at Cherry Lodge since a recurrence of her breast cancer three years ago.
Cherry Lodge came into my life just when I needed it most. I first heard about the charity in October 2022 – my breast cancer had returned after a period of remission, and I’d just been given a stage four diagnosis.
It felt as though the rug had been pulled from under my feet. Since then, I’ve been offered amazing support in so many ways. Reflexology has helped with the neuropathy caused by my chemo, and when I went in for reiki, I came out feeling like a whole new woman.
Visiting Cherry Lodge helps with my anxiety too – when I’m there, I can totally relax and switch off. I always have a chat and a cup of tea – I’m lucky to have wonderful friends and family, but it’s good to have someone else to talk to.
Sometimes cancer can feel like living in a weird bubble, but at Cherry Lodge you feel like part of a community of people who are all in the bubble with you, so you don’t feel so alone. The minute you walk through the door, the warmth and sense of caring are palpable.
At Cherry Lodge they know me as an individual – when my son was on University Challenge, they were almost as excited as I was. He hasn’t had the best of luck with my health, and I’m so happy to know Cherry Lodge is there to support him too.
I call the team behind that blue door my Cherry Lodge guardian angels. I truly feel they’ve been sent to help look after me.