WHEN I was asked to write about HAHAV headquarters, I was absolutely dreading it.

Like most people, I don’t like to think about death, let alone talk about it, but when you get given an assignment by the editor, what can you do?

As you probably know, HAHAV has a shop in Pier Street. I’ve glanced in the window once or twice but, I’m ashamed to say, I’ve never been inside. It also has a building in Southgate; I’d never been in there either. You know the place, the former hotel, big white building that’s now been turned into a hospice full of beds where people spend their final days, right? Wrong!

HAHAV headquarters is a place where people are still very much alive and, most importantly, enjoying life!

I should have known that there was more to Plas Antaron. One look at HAHAV’s website reveals a packed programme of events there such as afternoon tea, reiki and singing for fun.

Despite her own cancer diagnosis, Gael Hewitt is a volunteer for and an active user of Plas Antaron’s services and is, in her own words, “living life to the fullest”. A volunteer for HAHAV’s Living Well group, the 44-year-old mother-of-three said: “The group meets once a month and I’ve found it extremely helpful.

“When you tell your friends you have terminal cancer, they don’t know what to say. I’ve lost friends because they don’t know what to say to me. At this group, everyone understands.

“We don’t really talk about our medical situation, although people can if they want to. They can talk, cry and get support, but what we really do is have fun! It’s not about dying, it’s about living, and it’s something that brightens the month.”

The Living Well group, which meets on the first Tuesday of the month (10.30am-12.30pm) is not just for people who have cancer.

“Some people have survived cancer,” said Gael, “while others are still having treatment. But partners and carers can join in too. It’s about giving a bit of respite to everyone who has been affected by cancer.”

The group used to meet in the leisure centre.

“We sat in the middle of all the spin bikes,” Gael laughs, “but then we moved to Plas Antaron and it’s great there.

“And there are other groups, like the art group, and people with dementia and Parkinson’s come to those.

“So despite what people think about the place and the people who go there, we’re not at death’s door. We’re living life to the fullest!”

If you know someone who would like to be featured in Julie McNicholls Vale’s First Person column, email Julie or contact her at 01970 615000