Tyne Valley charity's calendar to support sufferers through the year

It was a Riding Mill mum of two, Maggie Ireland, who came up with the idea after her experiences of coping with a diagnosis of cancer.

She said: "I had always thought that half the battle with cancer was the right frame of mind.

"After I was diagnosed, I decided to look after myself, and everyone, including the team of doctors and nurses who cared for me, were impressed with how well I tolerated the treatment and responded to it. In fact, many of my colleagues from work could not believe that anyone on cancer treatment could look so well.

"One of the nurses looking after me suggested that I speak to another patient who was not coping so well, but I was not too keen, although I was happy to share my recipe for coping.

"As we are all different I thought getting 12 different recipes together in one place like a calendar might be a good idea. Originally, we started with just the recipes then we added in the quotes."

The quotes from each person talk about their way of coping when they were ill, and will hopefully inspire others in their fight. Each month is also illustrated by thoughtful photographs taken by renowned local photographer Shona Branigan.

Maggie said: "One of the people who was a great source of help and support was my hairdresser, Susan Crozier, who manages Reflections in Corbridge. She managed to adapt my hairstyle to what ever the chemotherapy had done to it, and advised me on the best shampoos and hair products.

"When people are diagnosed with cancer they could really do with an information pack on things like what to eat and where to find a hairdresser who has experience of managing hair during and after cancer treatment."

Manager of Lifespan, Nancy Radford, said: "This calendar is based on the experiences of people who have faced adversity and come out smiling. Very often, people affected by life-threatening conditions feel they have lost control, but the recipes for life in the calendar illustrate ways of coping and taking charge. I am confident that the calendar will be an inspiration to all, not just those facing adversity in their lives."

Lifespan was set up in 2004 and provides much-needed support to people with life threatening diseases across the North East.

Calendars are available from Lifespan - email info@lifespanteam.org.uk or phone (01434) 673 777 - or from bookshops (ISBN 9781904499336) either online or in store.

Pictured: Maggie Ireland's Recipe for Life page on the Lifespan calendar