Rhys' Story

Rhys Williams, 55 from Llantrisant was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

this is his story:

"When I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, the nurse at Velindre Hospital suggested straight away that I get in touch with Tenovus. At first, I didn't feel the need to because I was doing okay with my visits to Velindre and support from my family. But after my treatment finished, it was like I had nowhere to go. All of a sudden, it was like I lost the spark. So I contacted Tenovus and set up an appointment with a counsellor.

Going to counselling was a big thing for me as it wasn't something I would ever have considered before. I went there for 20 sessions once a week on Wednesday morning. By talking about my experiences, where I wanted to be and how to get there, it really helped put things in perspective. You start with just getting out of bed in the mornings, then you begin to plan things and to look forward to them. It puts all the pieces back into place of the picture of your life that you have in your head.

I started volunteering with Tenovus' Cancer Support Team in May 2011. I help out with admin support, research, proof reading and whatever else is asked of me. Volunteering has helped me a great deal. Being on long term sick you lose your social identity and your self-worth takes a bit of a hammering. Coming to Tenovus every week gives me focus and a purpose. It's given me more confidence and allowed me to come back into the world. It has also made me more confident in myself and has allowed me to focus on the rest of my life and realise there is a life after cancer. I've also recorded a radio advert for Tenovus, talking about how they helped me.

My advice for anybody who has retired and needs something to do or to someone who has overcome a long-term illness is, firstly, to volunteer. And, secondly, to volunteer for Tenovus. Everybody is needed here."