"The team have been an absolute godsend" | One year of the Big Purple Bus

Wendy was diagnosed with thyroid cancer just before Christmas and has been visiting the Big Purple Bus on Mondays when it is at Manor Park Centre. Here she shares her experience...

Can you tell us about your cancer journey?

“I got my diagnosis two days before Christmas. I keep my cards close to my chest and I'm not really somebody that opens up. We had just lost my Dad, so it has been a rough year.”

“The recovery has been a lot better this time with my second op. I come and have a laugh with Wendy and the team on the bus. I’m getting there.”

How did you hear about the Big Purple Bus?

“My sister told me about the bus. She lives locally and often comes down to the Co-op so she saw the Big Purple Bus. She had been here two or three times, and she kept saying to me to come along. It sounds silly, but I have met friends through visiting the bus.”

What help has the Big Purple Bus team provided you?

“The team have helped me with everything. They booked me in for a Citizens Advice session with Dean, he's given me some good places to go and talk to for more information about finances.”

“The team told me about the complementary therapies, which I wouldn't have known about without the bus. I have tried the Reiki, the Hot-stone Massage and the Swedish Massage. I needed something that was going to force me to relax and just switch off. I have a lot of back pain and the Hot-stone Massage was nice. I have built up a lovely relationship with Nicky, the therapist at the Support Centre.”

Has it been useful to have the bus in your local community?

“It's handy just being able to pop by. If I were trying to get into town, it would take more time and I might not feel able to with my anxiety. Because my sister only lives round the corner and I haven’t got far to come, I feel confident coming here and doing it on my own.”

Would you recommend this bus to other people?

“Yes, definitely. Also for family members. When my Dad had prostate cancer, something like this would have been handy, just to talk to somebody and to know what to expect.”

“The team have been an absolute godsend, they deserve medals! They all just make you feel so welcome. They've all been fabulous.”

Find out when the Big Purple Bus is visiting your local area here.