A BLADDER cancer survivor has set up a support group to help people across the borough affected by the disease.

Annette Warriner was diagnosed with the disease five years ago after her concerned daughter encouraged her to see a doctor.

The grandmother thought it was cystitis causing her discomfort but a few weeks later, she was told she had four tumours.

She was given a six week treatment with intravascular Mitomycin chemotherapy and had three all clears over a nine month period but reoccurring bladder infections told her something still "wasn't right".

Annette eventually had to have her bladder removed and replaced with a stoma – a surgically created opening which allows stool or urine to exit the body.

Although it took time to get used to the stoma, she now looks at it as something that has saved her life.

Determined to raise awareness about the disease, which 10,000 people are diagnosed with each year in the UK, the 62-year-old from Stourbridge has worked with the Dudley Group Hospital Trust's urology team to set up a support group.

After months of hard work, the group will be launched on May 26, at White House Cancer Support in Ednam Road, Dudley, at 6pm.

Annette said: "The first meeting will be a meet and greet and we'll talk about what people want from the group.

"In future meetings, which will be held every month, we'll be giving support, having guest speakers and I hope to organise some social outings.

"From my own experience, being diagnosed is like being swept along in this wave of uncertainty. So whether you're a patient or carer, or have sadly lost someone to cancer and would like to share your experiences with others, please come along a join us."

Caroline Webb, manager at White House Cancer Support, said: "We are very pleased to welcome Annette and her new bladder cancer group colleagues.

“We have been supporting people with cancer, their carers and friends across the Black Country for the past 32 years and in that time have built up a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise.

“The new bladder group will strengthen our range of support teams for various cancers, which includes breast, prostate, gynaecological and skin.”

For more information about the group, email annettewarriner1953@gmail.com or call 07794800360.