Co-op’s Lindsey shares her experience of Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support will be benefit from up to £200,000 raised through Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Champions scheme.

The fund is boosted every time a member shops using their card as well as through staff fundraising and currently stands at just over £160,000.

Lindsey Wheeler (pictured above) manager at the Co-op’s Welton Post Office, is one of the many local people that’s benefitted from Macmillan’s support. 

Lindsey tells her story and experience of getting help from the charity.

“On July 9th 2024, at age 37, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.

“Initially, I took a very practical approach; I just needed to know all the information, and how we were going to beat this. Some people say that their diagnosis was a massive blur, but I remember every single detail.

“Following my diagnosis, everything started moving really quickly; I underwent a series of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and an operation.

“The treatment really takes it out of you, physically and emotionally. 

“However, having Macmillan services available to me meant that I always had someone to talk to, or to get advice from. 

“I wanted to stay strong for the people around me, and there are some things that you just don’t want to talk to family or friends about. But thanks to Macmillan, I was able to share my thoughts and feelings without feeling guilty.

“One of the hardest things was telling my young children. I told the Macmillan nurses that this was something I was concerned about, and they provided me with boxes that had useful resources, like worry trees.

“The kids handled the news a lot better than I expected, but when my oldest had questions, Macmillan were there.

“Macmillan also advised me to make the school aware of my diagnosis. This meant that they were able to help by providing breakfast club services while I underwent treatment. 

“Through Macmillan, I was also able to talk to others in a similar situation as me, and understood exactly what I was going through, had had the same thoughts and feelings, and this was incredibly comforting.

“Now I’m on the road to recovery, I really wanted to give back and get behind Lincolnshire Co-op’s fundraising for Macmillan.

“I’ve set up two sponsored walks, one in Nettleham and another in Skellingthorpe, and hosted a bake sale at Welton Post Office.

“I’ve seen the impact of Macmillan’s services first hand, and the fact that they are a charity is incredible. To be able to show my appreciation for their support in such a way is fantastic.”

Each Community Champions’ fundraising period runs for six months and the Macmillan Cancer Support scheme ends on September 6.