AN ANDOVER mum who was diagnosed with breast cancer has started a group for people affected to 'come and find support in each other'.

Miranda Wincott started Breast of Friends after being diagnosed in May last year, but is now cancer-free.

She said: "I went to the bathroom with no bra on, and I thought that my boob didn't look right. I thought that I should get it checked out.

"I was put on a two-week fast track and I was told that the mammogram looked okay, but they took a biopsy to be sure. Two weeks later, I was told it was breast cancer."

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Andover Advertiser: Miranda Wincott, 54, and No.78 Speciality Coffee

The 54-year-old said that there were 'things I wanted to talk to people about' as she felt 'bombarded' with information about her diagnosis, and the steps of her treatment.

The mother of two spoke to a number of her friends, who also received news that they had breast cancer, about starting a peer support group in Andover to allow people to share with somebody who 'might be going through it'.

Miranda said that during her treatment she would often prepare herself for the worst, adding: "As much as I had an amazing support group around me, they didn’t always understand why I felt the way I did. Why are you being so negative?

"It’s difficult to understand if you aren’t going through it."

The group, which meets in Andover every second Thursday of each month, describes itself as a 'friendly bunch', with Miranda saying she will 'talk to anyone'.

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"What’s said in the group stays in the group. I just want people to come and find support in each other," she added.

The name, Breast of Friends, was coined by Miranda as she wanted 'something that is quite humorous' and 'reflects what the group is hoping to be'.

The support group will next meet at No78 Speciality Coffee in Andover High Street, on Thursday, June 13 from 6pm to 7pm and on Thursday, July 11 from 6pm to 7pm.

To participate, Miranda says there is no need to sign up or pre-register, but if 'anyone is worried about going to the group' they can email her at breastoffriendsandover@hotmail.com.