SURVIVOR Janette Savory never required end-of-life support yet her battle with cancer has made her acutely aware of the necessity of hospice care in Swindon.

The 53-year-old, who is now in remission from breast cancer, has wasted no time in organising a fun day and darts competition, which will be held tomorrow at the Bakers Arms in Stratton.

While her condition was diagnosed swiftly, the possibility of one day needing palliative care was never far from her mind during treatment, and its importance thrown into sharp relief.

“I never used Prospect but I knew it was there,” said the care home worker from Pinehurst. “Cancer is a big thing and a lot of people go into Prospect. I know that if I had left it a bit longer and not found out about the lump when I did I would probably have needed to go. I want to help others.

“At the end of the day I’ve been lucky.”

Janette was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2009. The lump in her breast was removed and she soon underwent a course of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.

“The diagnosis was a shock,” she added. “I had seem a lump but it kept coming and going and I thought it was a bit of fat tissue in the breast. There was no history of breast cancer in my family.

“I lost my hair, lost all my fingernails and toenails, my eyelashes and eyebrows. I went through a bad time but I came out of it. I think there should be more money available for Prospect. They do a fantastic job. I’ve seen the importance of palliative care myself, working in a care home.”

The darts tournament will start at 1pm. Little ones will get to enjoy face painting, a go on a bouncy castle and at a win the teddy bear competition while their parents take part in the challenge.

A band, yet to be announced, will perform in the evening.

“It’s a darts competition but it’s also a family event, for everybody to come and enjoy themselves. I would be happy if we raised £500 and more than that would be even better. I’ll just go with the flow.”

Registration to the darts tournament is £5.