Sometimes, when it feels like your whole world is falling apart, a helping hand can do so much.

That is exactly the reason behind “Helping Hand Bags”.

The Mount Gambier Breast Cancer Awareness Group provides gifts to breast cancer patients in the local area.

The bags, which contain $1000 of vouchers purchased from local businesses, are given to patients to help ease the financial burden while undergoing treatment.

One patient to benefit from the donation is Mount Gambier woman Carolyn Jones (pictured).

Almost four years ago Mrs Jones found a lump in her breast, despite being in her 30s and with no family history of breast cancer.

She underwent two surgeries just before Christmas 2016, followed by months of chemotherapy.

“It was out of the blue, a complete shock,” she said.

“But then, just after my first surgery I was referred to the McGrath Foundation breast care nurse who gave me a Helping Hand Bag.

“I was blown away. When it seemed like my whole life was falling apart there was this gift of support, I was overwhelmed.”

Mrs Jones said it was a lovely surprise in the midst of a very difficult time.

“It made a complete difference,” she said.

“It made me appreciate the small things, and it showed me just how important groups like the Mount Gambier Breast Cancer Awareness Group are, they do so much.

“This bag was to support me, and it was so very much appreciated.”

Mrs Jones said in the future she would like to volunteer for the group as a way of saying thank you and encouraged others to support their important community work.

“I can’t thank them and the businesses who support them, enough,” she said.

“They are a wonderful support network.”