A weekly art group for people living with cancer has proved a real winner, as Kate Thompson discovered when she visited the class at the Countess Mountbatten Unit...

FOR a few hours every week, mother-of-two Carol Fell can forget about her worries and lose herself in creating her latest masterpiece.

She has been coming to the art group run by Pam Mele at the Countess Mountbatten Unit at Moorgreen Hospital for three years - and the experience has proved a real tonic for her.

"It's like having a second family. Everyone is so friendly. I really look forward to coming here each week.

"I like doing quite intricate pieces - and if it doesn't quite go as I expected, I just say it's an abstract," she said.

Four years ago Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer and it has since spread to her spine. At one time she was given only six months to live.

"I had pneumonia recently too - it was a very bad time for me. I have a 14-year-old and 19-year-old and I have to be strong for the family.

"When I come to the art group, I can talk about my problems with people who really understand how I feel and, by the time I get home, I can be normal again," she said.

"I am younger than most of the people who come here but I am never made to feel different in any way - coming here has given me the confidence to have a go."

Sitting nearby is Bill Weller, 73, from Alresford. Up until two years ago, sprightly Bill was still working as a builder clambering on to rooftops.

But prostate cancer put paid to that and now Bill busies himself with his artwork. Prior to coming to the group, the last time he drew or painted was as a schoolboy - but he has developed new skills.

"It's so nice coming here - you don't have to be that good to enjoy it and we always have a laugh," he said.

Ron Leach, 75, from Bitterne Park, has been given a fitting nickname by his fellow artists.

He's known to one and all as the 'Mars Bar Kid'. Every week he turns up with copious supplies of his favourite chocolate bar to share with his mates.

"I've been coming here for just over a year and I really enjoy the company," he said. Janet Frankham, 57, of Shirrell Heath had to give up her work as a music teacher when she became too ill - and she has found substituting art for music has helped.

"I am a qualified music teacher but when the cancer came back I had to give up my work - I missed the contact with the children very much.

"Coming to the group gives me something else to think about. We support each other and certainly don't mope about," she said.

Joyce Briant, 75, from Sholing has developed a love of silk painting since coming to the group.

"I did a bit of oil painting in the past but I have really taken to silk painting.

"I really look forward to coming here and I have kept a note of what we have done at every class in my little blue book," she said.

Sitting close by is Susan Carter, 58, from Winchester. She discovered she had ovarian cancer when she felt a lump as she lay on the floor doing yoga.

"I have always been quite fit and it was because of that I discovered the lump. I am a three-and-a-half-year cancer survivor and I find coming to the group is a great way of relaxing," she said.

Calligrapher Graham Hill, 71, from Southampton indulges his passion for intricate architectural drawing - his pictures of The Tudor House Museum are a big seller.

"This is something a bit different for me to do and it gets me out of the house," he said.

Activities organiser Pam, who runs the group, said the benefits of picking up a paint-brush or pencil were clear to see.

"Everybody has some creativity within them and it is a great way to relax. Having the art class gives them another focus in their life. It helps improve confidence and raise self esteem.

"The people who come here have had to deal with a lot of losses in their lives," she said.