One thing they identified Benalla as missing was a cancer support group, so the friends began to look into filling that gap.
“We found that within Benalla there was nowhere to go for support,” Ms Croxford said.
“My husband is a member of the Moira Benalla Club, and he suggested we meet down there where it's quiet and confidential.
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“So we started off doing that and it was just wonderful. We take our own tea, coffee and cakes, and have a nice morning
“If people want to talk about cancer they can, but we also have lots of discussions about grandkids, the weather, whatever comes up.
“My motto has always been to get them to laugh if I can.
“Laughter is the best medicine, so I try and make everyone laugh at least once before they leave the building.
“What is great is that everyone helps one another, they'll say ‘do you know you can get a transport refund?’ and a lot of people might not know that, for example.
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“We've been running it for about four years and it's one big happy family. It has been marvellous.
“Today we are meeting at the art gallery for the first time, but we will generally be at the Moira Benalla Club.”
On top of running the support group Jenny will often check in with members to see how they are going.
“I check on most of them, especially those who are by themselves, at least once a week,” she said.
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“I ask how they're doing, see if they need anything.
“Some are a bit older and can't drive, so if they a have appointments out of town, I help out.”
Recently Don and Jenny Varcoe approached the group on behalf of the Benalla Baptist Church to see if they could help out in any way.
“Don and Jenny came to us and suggested the church would like to take us out, just as a thank you for helping people living with cancer - which is nice if them,” Ms Croxford said
“There is a lady called Lee who is doing a morning tea out at Molyullah on the Friday, May 28.
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“So they are assisting with us getting out to that.
“It is a biggest morning tea - but members of the support group who would like to go need to give Lee a call so she knows numbers.”
If you are living with Cancer, or know someone who is, and would like to attend Lee's Biggest Moring Tea Garden Party on Friday, May 28, please call her to confirm on 0419 513 735.
Don Varcoe said members of the Benalla Baptist Church were honoured by the opportunity to support the cancer support group.
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“It's a privilege to be able to support them in their journey,” Mr Varcoe said.
“We as a church feel it is our calling to show god's love to our community and that it should be done in practical ways.
“We are always looking for opportunities to reach out, care and support our community.
“We hope this morning tea shows out love and support for this special group.”
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The cancer support group meet on a Monday every four weeks at the Moira Benalla Club, with this years meetings held on June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15 and December 20.
● For more information, phone Jenny Croxford on 0431 327 660. If you are living with cancer and need any extra support you can phone Cancer Council on 131 120.
If you would like to send a letter to the editor on this, or any subject, click this link
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