A VERY special celebration took place on a picnic bench last month, which has been supported by the Basingstoke Cancer Charity, The Pink Place.

The charity provides free wellbeing services, complementary therapies, counselling and mindfulness to adults affected by cancer and their partners, living in Basingstoke and North Hampshire.

The celebration took place for Louise Funnell from Newbury, who celebrated her "6th Cancerversary" and has been hugely supported by the charity.

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Louise said “Turning 60 was an enormous milestone when 6 years ago I was given a terminal cancer diagnosis. I’m not clear of cancer; I’m living with it. It’s like a game of chess and while I’m on chemo I’m in the winning seat.

“After my birthday, I met with Faith Ruto, a Life Coach from Basingstoke, to discuss Legacy Projects. It focussed my mind on what I could plan for now. Whilst walking along the coastal path at Lee on Solent and reading all the plaques on the benches it reaffirmed the idea that I would have my own plaque now. The Council didn’t have any further benches in that area for me to adopt but there was a picnic table available at The Shack - a tea bar on the shingle.

“So, I’ve adopted that picnic table with views over the beach, the Solent and out to the Isle of Wight. A beautiful spot. I visited my picnic table recently to celebrate my 6th Cancerversary with a few people from The Pink Place who have been there on this journey with me. Cheers.”

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Christine Griffiths, fundraising and events manager at The Pink Place, added: “Louise is a truly extraordinary and inspirational lady who always brings so much positivity and determination to our ladies support group and her Legacy Project of a picnic bench with a plaque with the words “I made it to 60” is just another example of her exuberance and zest for life.”

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