PEOPLE affected by cancer in Bolton have a chance to shape the way care services are delivered.

Macmillan is appealing for patients and families to join the Bolton People Affected by Cancer (BPAC) group.

It is based on user involvement and provides a monitoring role for Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service in Bolton (MCISS).

Jan O’Brien, from Horwich, became a member of BPAC in 2015 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive cancer of the jawbone, in December 2006.

The 41-year-old said: “I was drawn to the group because I felt extremely passionate about being a ‘voice for change’ in our town and the group provided an opportunity to utilise my experience working alongside other patients, carers and health professionals.

"As a member of the team I feel privileged to be working towards improving services and provision to support cancer patients and their families in Bolton and ensuring they never feel alone.

"Ensuring that everyone in Bolton who is living with and beyond cancer receives the very best possible help and support they can from the point of diagnosis, and beyond, is a real priority to me."

BPAC has been co-produced by Bolton MCISS, along with Royal Bolton Hospice and NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning (CCG) group.

Local health organisations, such as Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and the CCG, will also use its expertise to develop cancer services, including the Macmillan Living With and Beyond Cancer project.

Mrs O'Brien added: "I would strongly encourage anyone who has been affected by cancer in Bolton and wants to play a part in helping to shape the future of cancer services in our town, and beyond, to consider becoming a member of BPAC.

"We all bring different experiences of cancer to the group as patients and also carers. There are lots of exciting local plans and initiatives to get involved with and as a member of BPAC you can really make a difference to peoples’ lives."

The group is currently seeking new members with a recruitment day on November 29, 1pm to 3.30pm, at the Bolton Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Centre at Bolton Hospice.

It will provide information and background on BPAC, and its plans for the future, along with an opportunity to get involved.

For further information, or to book a place, call 01204 663 059.