A GROUP of twenty breast cancer survivors met with clinicians, surgeons, and nurses in Liverpool last month to celebrate their recovery.

As part of the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS)'s annual meeting in Liverpool on May 24, the 'Pool of Life' breast cancer survivor group came along to speak about their personal stories and organised a day of dragon boat racing on the waterfront.

At the 'Pool of Life' - which comprises of women from St Helens and across the North West - dragon boat racing has been a great exercise to assist them in their recovery while meeting other people who have been through similar situations.

The watersport is said to have played a large part in improving the physical, functional and emotional states of breast cancer survivors post-surgery.

St Helens Star: Leena Chagla, consultant surgeon at St Helens & Knowsley HospitalsLeena Chagla, consultant surgeon at St Helens & Knowsley Hospitals

Leena Chagla, consultant surgeon at St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals and President-elect of ABS, thanked the Breast Cancer survivors for setting a "great example" to the women of Merseyside.

She added that physical activity, friendship groups and sharing of experience are all "so important" to aid recovery from cancer treatment.

Kay Murphy, one of the breast cancer survivors at the 'Pool of Life' made an emotional speech to thank all the surgeons and breast care nurses for the work they do and for giving so many women the help and support to get their lives back.

The event preceded a two-day international scientific conference on breast cancer that was held at the M&S Bank Arena on the Liverpool Docks.