“BEFORE the group was set up I felt so alone, but without them I would never have been able to go through with the treatment.”

For Hepatitis C sufferer Angie Dalquen, 37, of Royal Wootton Bassett , the formation of the Hepatitis C Positive support group in Swindon last year has been a lifesaver.

Yesterday, the group, which was set up by former sufferer Phil Spalding and meets at Broadgreen Community Centre, was visited by the Hepatitis C Trust for a Health Day Workshop to help improve patients general wellbeing.

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease affecting primarily the liver, caused by the Hepatitis C virus.

Angie was just one of the Hepatitis C patients and members of the local support group taking part in the day, which involved discussions and workshops in healthy eating, de-stressing, exercising and meditation, as well as informative sessions on how to manage the symptoms of the disease.

Angie, who was diagnosed in 2007, said: “I have been coming to the support group since it started and I have only missed one or two sessions. They have been absolutely brilliant to me and so supportive. I don’t think I would have been able to do it without the support I have been given. “My husband isn’t Hep C positive but he has been made really welcome at the group as well – everyone has such a strong bond.”

The day was led by Catherine Corr from the Hepatitis C Trust, who was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in her early 20s following her drug use.

Catherine, who is now 57, said: “To be able to go into work every day and help people means I never don’t want to get out of bed and go to work.

“The reason we came to Swindon was because we knew the support group was doing so well and the response has been brilliant.

“The aim of the day is about looking after your liver, healthy eating, exercising, all of the ways you can make living with Hepatitis C a better experience or manage the symptoms and get the right information.”

Phil, who set up the group last year, said: “The workshop has helped to introduce us to healthy living and we can take the information away and pass on to others in need.”

The group meets every Monday from 6pm at the Broadgreen Community Centre.

For more information call 07580025116.