A CANCER support service described as a “lifeline” and “a second home” has doubled its opening hours.

The Hummingbird Centre in Launton, near Bicester, has supported those affected by cancer – either patients themselves or family members – for just over a year. It will now operate four days each week instead of two.

Ellen Jeacock, of Ray Road, Bicester, is in remission after being diagnosed with a type of leukaemia in February last year.

She said: “It will be great because at the moment I can only come up on Tuesdays, so it will be good to have an alternative day.

“It has been my lifeline. I could not get myself motivated after the cancer, then I saw this leaflet and thought it would just be a day out each week. I walked in and it is like a second home.”

Since launching in April last year, the centre – also a registered charity – became the first to offer this type of cancer support all under one roof in Bicester.

The facility was opened by surgery dental service administrator Mechelle Harris and complementary therapist Rebecca Fletcher, who also worked at Sobell House Hospice.

Mrs Harris now runs the support centre, which relies on volunteers and donations. She said: “It came about because there was demand. Tuesdays are really popular and when out talking to people they said they would love to come but it’s only open two days a week.

“The dream has gone beyond the dream. Now it is the reality of it and I find that very humbling. The guests are dictating what is happening to The Hummingbird Centre and they have been over the moon.

“We would not have been able to do this without the support of [taxi firm] Alpha Cars which continues its transport for guests free of charge.”

Services provided include massage therapy, counselling, arts and crafts, make-up and hair styling, plus the cuddly companionship of the pet labrador, Lola.

With its expanded hours, the centre will also now be implementing further therapy and group therapy, sewing, knitting and embroidery sessions as requested by guests.

Susan Paton, 54, of Kings End, Bicester, said: “It is going to be amazing to be able to enjoy the option of extra days.

“They have completely given me my life back and they do that with so many people.”

Mrs Paton turned to the centre when experiencing cancer through family members.

Living far away from many of them, she needed somebody to talk to and it provided an outlet.

She said: “People think it is touchy-feely and like a hospital. It is not like that.

“I walked through the door and breathed a sigh of relief. It is like a second home and helps me so much.”

The centre will now be open 10am to 4pm from Tuesdays to Fridays.