Supported through cancer

We’re fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support through our Community Champions scheme, combining the efforts of our members, colleagues and customers.

Lindsey Wheeler, Manager at our Welton Post Office, is one of the many local people that’s benefitted from Macmillan’s support.

You can read her story here…

“When I first went to my GP, worried after finding a lump, they said that they would refer me for tests and gently advised me to try not to worry.

“When the appointment came around, I told my partner that he didn’t need to come with me, as they would just be running a couple of tests. Thankfully, he came anyway.

“After they ran the tests, they asked my partner and I to wait in a meeting room for a nurse. As soon as we were in that room, we looked at each other and just knew what was coming.

“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.”