On the third Thursday of every month Maggie’s Lanarkshire hosts a prostate cancer support group, allowing men affected by prostate cancer the chance to come together to talk about what they have been through and what they are going through.

Neil Armstrong, chairperson for the group said; “Everyone living with cancer is going through their own personal experience, yet when we come together as a group we find that we can help each other. Some of us may have been diagnosed years ago, while others have recently joined the group, so we can all help each other.”

Neil added; “We may be going through a challenging time in our lives but we are just like normal guys when we get together. We do spend a lot of time discussing football so it is brilliant that Craig has come along to meet us. As manager of Motherwell FC and one of Scotland’s most successful managers, Craig appreciates the value of teamwork and that is what our group is all about. Although there are times when we’ll be laughing and the banter will be flying around the room, the discussion can be very serious and emotional and everyone feels comfortable about that as we all know what each other is going through.”

Motherwell manager Craig Brown said: “It has been very interesting to meet the lads from the prostate group and hear how they help and support each other. I have learned more about prostate cancer, the impact a diagnosis can have, treatment and the support required in an hour than I had previously learned in my life."

Craig continued: "There is a real sense of friendship and teamwork within the group, they are all there for each other and that is the case in the best teams. Maggie’s offer help and support to anyone affected by any type of cancer as well as family and friends and having seen what they do I would encourage people to visit. There are many ways Maggie’s can help people to live with, through and beyond cancer.”

Gaye Paterson of Maggie’s Lanarkshire said: “The prostate cancer support group is evidence that men do open up about their feelings. It’s good to talk and the group environment allows people to have a laugh and also discuss incredibly serious and personal issues. We are delighted that Craig has come along to help highlight the group. There are other groups at Maggie’s to suit all types of cancer.’

The Maggie’s Lanarkshire prostate cancer support group meet on the third Thursday of every month between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Anyone can stop by to take part in the group discussion on the day, or they can speak on an individual basis with Maggie’s staff.

For further information about Maggie’s visit www.maggiescentres.org or to discuss the prostate cancer support group call the Lanarkshire Centre on 01698 358 392.