A CANCER support group celebrated its 20th anniversary with a very special dinner.

The Basingstoke Breast Cancer Self Help Group held the celebratory evening at the Ark Conference Centre on Thursday, April 13.

The group held its first meeting on January 14, 2003, and has continued to meet monthly at the centre.   

The group is open to anyone who has had breast cancer no matter how long ago.

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Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast tissue. The treatment you need depends on the type of breast cancer you have as well as your general health. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiotherapy.

Around three in four (75.9 per cent) women diagnosed with breast cancer in England survive their disease for 10 years or more, it is predicted, according to the Breast Research Cancer Uk website. 

Founder of the group Angela Bennett said: “Little did I realise when I started the group we would still be in existence 20 years later. This is a tribute to all the ladies past and present who have supported me and made this Group so special.”

She went on to say the centre "created a wonderful evening" with "a delicious three-course meal and lovely settings".   

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Angela continued: "The highlight of the evening was a surprise visit by Mr Mervyn Rees the consultant surgeon at the North Hampshire District Hospital who, in 2003, was instrumental in agreeing to the group holding our meetings at the Ark.

“The group is looking forward to continuing to offer help, friendship and support to anyone at such a difficult time. 

"Please look for more information on the group website basingstokebreastcancer.org.uk."

The group's running costs are met by public donations and events organised by group members.