After 25 years of quietly supporting cancer patients, the Inner Wheel Club of Invercargill South has made its final delivery of handmade "silky pillows".
Club spokesperson Diane Cade said the small pillows were used by breast cancer patients to provide wound protection and ease discomfort while healing.
The pillows can also be worn under clothing or used while resting or driving, providing soft support during recovery.
In the past year, the members made 147 pillows.
The final delivery of 76 pillows to the Cancer Society last month was a "bittersweet" moment, she said.
"It’s quite a tug really, because our Inner Wheel Club is disbanding because of the age ... and health of some of our members.
She expected remaining members would join another chapter.
Southland Cancer Society general manager Gavin Booth said the society relied heavily on community groups like the Inner Wheel.
"We couldn’t do what we do without community buy-in."
With breast cancer one of the most common cancers in New Zealand, the need for the pillows remained high. "We burn through a lot in a short period of time."
The pillows are a part of a broader support system, providing practical and emotional support to improve a patient’s overall cancer journey.
"It’s part of the all-round holistic approach ... practical needs as well as emotional support.
"It’s not only about our team, but about the community ... caring for people facing cancer."
Mrs Cade said the group had received strong support from the community for its work.
However, many people were still unaware the pillows were provided to surgery patients in Southland and Southern Cross hospitals.
"Hopefully, a lot of people never get to know what they’re for."
While their group was drawing to a close, she hoped another group might pick up where they left off, she said.
By Toni McDonald
