A TRURO woman who passed away from breast cancer in April is funding several life-changing courses to help other Cornish patients and their carers for free.

Mum-of-two Karen Shaw, of Truro, was ‘so impressed’ by Penny Brohn Cancer Care’s flagship Living Well course at its National Centre in Bristol in 2014, she started fundraising.

Karen, 67, worked determinedly to fundraise so Penny Brohn could run the courses in Cornwall and, close to her death, was happy knowing her work would come to fruition.

Penny Brohn is delighted to run Living Well courses in the county, including Karen’s home city, in September and October – thanks to her relentless fundraising.

Event co-ordinator Viv Morris said: “Karen was a remarkable woman, who passionately believed in a whole person approach to cancer care.

“We’re extremely grateful to Karen, her family and friends, who’ve helped raise enough money so others in Cornwall can benefit from a free Living Well course.”

Courses take place at The Queens Hotel, Penzance, from Wednesday-Friday, September 23-25, and Epiphany House, Truro, from Wednesday-Friday, October 21-23.

They run from 10am-4pm, with lunch and refreshments included.

Viv added: “The course is designed to complement medical treatment by providing a range of self-care information.

“It explores the impact of cancer on the whole person – mind, body, spirit and emotions, before, during and after medical treatment.

“People can make simple lifestyle changes to areas including healthy eating, exercise, and managing stress and emotions through relaxation, meditation and imagery.

“Importantly, people with cancer and their carers can meet others in a similar position and share experiences.”

Penny Brohn Cancer Care’s St Austell-based Living Well proved popular and inspirational in June.

One attendee said ‘I was feeling down and bleak, but it renewed my optimism and reminded me of all the things I can do to help myself’.

Another said ‘the course was brilliant, I learnt so much, which will help me in my cancer journey’, and a final added ‘I now feel empowered to take more control of my life with cancer’.

Penny Brohn is the UK’s leading charity offering a Whole Person Approach – focused on the person and supporter’s mind, body, spirit and emotions, before, during and after treatment.

With over 35 years’ experience, it wants to reach as many people as possible, but relies on donations.