Successful book launch of Dochas eye opener

Dochas, the Offaly cancer support group, launched a new photography and creative writing book last night in Tullamore. The book called 'Eyes Wide Open' is a collection of photography and creative writing as developed by a Daingean-based author and an award-winning photographer with people who have been affected by cancer. In 2006 Nancy St John, Dochas co-ordinator, approached photographer Andy Mason and Daingean-based author Geraldine O"Neill with an idea for a combination of courses called 'How I View the World'. The resulting proposals from Andy and Geraldine aimed to help participants, all of whose lives have been touched by cancer, refocus and gain a wider perspective on life through the media of photography and creative writing. This book gives a sample of the talent and creativity that emerged during these cases. Dochas Offaly Cancer Support Group was founded in 1999 by the late Ann Fox and the present facility at Teach Dochas was opened in 2007. Teach Dochas is a homely, relaxing place where people who have been diagnosed with cancer, their families and carers can drop in at any time to have a coffee and a chat and explore the programme of support. The book was successfully launched in Hugh Lynch"s last night. Many who attended bought the book as an inspirational Christmas gift for friends or family members.