LIFE has dealt Geoff Atkinson a few major blows, but instead of wallowing in self-pity he has decided to use his experience to help others.
Doctors told Mr Atkinson more than two years ago he had cancer – a sarcoma in his left thigh.
“It was a shock for my wife Anne and I,” he said. “I had surgery, radiotherapy went for six weeks and I got the all clear, although I was warned it could come back.”
Mr and Mrs Atkinson later moved from Victoria to Ellenbrook to be nearer to their children.
However, he got another round of bad news in October. Another sarcoma was discovered – this time outside of his left lung. It was removed during surgery and again he made a full recovery.
He is due to have another scan next month and remains hopeful it won’t come back again.
It was in between his two cancer scares that Mr Atkinson decided he wanted to help others affected by cancer. “I approached the Cancer Council and discovered there was no support group in the Ellenbrook area,” he said.
“Anne and I completed a two-day course to be able to host a group. There are now seven people in the group that have been affected by cancer.
“The purpose of the group is to develop friendships, share ideas and thoughts, and obtain information from health professionals and from each other.
“Partners of cancer survivors are also welcome and we even have a woman whose dad has cancer.”
The group meets once a month at the Parkland Villas, on The Parkway, Ellenbrook.
For more information, call Simone at the Cancer Council WA on 9382 9328, or Geoff Atkinson on 9296 8807 or 0409 299 721.