SHENETWORK SHEP 21 She said " We are all at different stages of our journey having received a diagnosis between three months and six years ago. We also range in ages of receiving our diagnosis from 32 to over 60. Breast cancer doesn't only affect older ladies!" " The idea started as a bit of a giggle talking to a friend in my kitchen and then I mentioned it to my breast care specialist nurse at the unit who helped me get in touch with other patients and 9 other women joined me." Joy said that Hoole Hall kindly allowed them to use their rooms and grounds for the photographs with Tommy's Hair company providing hair and make up expertise, just like they did for Network She's cover girl shoot. " We all thoroughly enjoyed the photo shoot and felt like we were giving something back. We like to think that anyone having just had a diagnosis would feel encouraged by the calendar.' Joy was quick to praise all the help they have received with the project as they have not paid for anything and have received help with the printing costs. The calendars are due to be available to buy later this month for a minimum donation of £ 3.00. For more details of how to order your calendar please go to www. cheshireguide. com/ aliveandkicking Photographs kindly taken and supplied by Aled Oldfield Photography Tel: 01352 713426

P 22NETWORK SHENETWORK A special birthday prompted a spur of the moment decision for my sister and I to join my Mum on a luxury cruise fter extensive research we narrowed it down to three companies and finally we got what we wanted. A seven night Mediterranean cruise on NCL's Norwegian Gem in a junior suite with balcony. The Gem is one of the newest ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line stable and offers freestyle cruising with no traditional fixed dinner sittings or formal evenings. But as we joined our huge floating hotel we really didn't know what to expect. However, there was no need to worry. As soon as we walked into our cleverly designed cabin with its luxury bathroom and full size bath, opened the balcony doors and drank in the atmosphere we all felt that we had made the right decision. There was plenty of room in the suite for the three of us with two single beds and a double sofa bed which was made up for us every night by our friendly steward. We were particularly impressed with the size of the balcony which sat the three of us quite comfortably as we enjoyed coffee and fresh pancakes in the afternoon!! The Norwegian Gem is a very big ship and with such a vast array of facilities is definitely a magnet for families but there is an adult only pool and under 18' s are not allowed in the wonderful Mandara spa. Everywhere is clean and tidy and the ship is bright and stylish throughout and with 11 restaurants we never managed to eat in them all in one week. The Garden Cafe buffet is excellent but if you wanted waiter service the two main restaurants were the Grand Pacific and Magenta Dining Rooms which were excellent and included in the fare and with no set meal times you just turned up and ate when you liked. There were several speciality restaurants which incur an extra charge but we did try La Cucina Italian and on my mother's birthday pushed the boat out and went to Cagney's American Steak House where we had the best Filet Mignon we have ever tasted. Apart from the sumptuous restaurants there is a well equipped gym and spacious spa, not forgetting a bowling alley. We joined the Spa as members for the week at a cost of £ 5 per day but we did not regret a penny. Apart from it being a child free zone the relaxation area and sauna had views to die for and the hydrotherapy pool was the best I have ever been in. There is also plenty to do in the evening with entertainment in the main Stardust theatre, the Spinnaker Lounge, the piano bar and the champagne bar with reasonably priced drinks. A byJayne Thomas  It's cruising, but not as we know it…