Finding colour in the journey: Marilyn Shenton’s story

Throughout her treatment, Marilyn endured numerous surgeries, yet she found sanctuary with Weston Park Cancer Charity’s art therapy course.

Marilyn came across a leaflet from Weston Park Cancer Charity during her visits to her GP practice in Rotherham. Following her diagnosis, Marilyn faced bouts of depression, prompting her to inquire about the art therapy course offered by Weston Park Cancer Charity

For Marilyn, art therapy wasn't just about creating; it was about reclaiming joy and laughter amidst the turmoil. "It's like having a warm hug. It took us out of the hamster wheel of negativity," she shares, about sessions where cancer took a backseat to creativity.

“The brilliant thing about the art therapy course is that it offered an opportunity for you to concentrate on something completely different and occupied your brain, so you weren’t actually thinking about cancer.”

The art therapy course at Weston Park Cancer Charity is open to anyone affected by cancer, there is no level of skill or experience required, it is simply there for anybody who would like to give it a try! It is a wonderful opportunity for people to try something new, the purpose of the course is not to produce something at the end of the six weeks but simply a few hours every Friday to be in a creative space and to chat to people in similar situations.

Marilyn has since completed the art therapy course and said: “Life has always been about love, laughter, movement, and colour."

And through art therapy, she's rediscovered these elements, and rediscovered her love of art. To those considering joining the next art therapy session in June, Marilyn offers this advice:

"Don't hesitate. This is your chance to reintroduce laughter and colour back into your life. You can get it back!"

Itef you would like to find out more, then please call us on 0114 553 3330 (option 1 ) or email cancersupport@wpcancercharity.org.uk .