A woman who underwent major surgery to treat cancer of the gullet has told how she had to learn how to eat and drink again.

Verena Smith is still not able to manage a full-sized meal a year after having an operation.

And when the 63-year-old discovered the nearest help group available was in London, she decided it was time to create one for Sussex.

Mrs Smith, of Warren Road, Woodingdean, suffered for years from gastric reflux, a condition which increases levels of acidity in the gullet, also known as the oesophagus.

She was later diagnosed with Barrett’s Oesophagus, where high levels of stomach acid makes cells pre-cancerous.

Mrs Smith had regular check-ups at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton so when the cells eventually became cancerous, it was picked up early.

She said: “I realised there was a problem because whenever I swallowed something I could feel the food or drink going over a lump.

“When I was told it was cancer and I needed major surgery I was left in shock.”

The operation involved removing Mrs Smith's oesophagus and part of her stomach and moving the rest of her stomach up into her chest cavity.

She said: “I literally had to teach myself how to swallow again.

“I could only have very small meals that were high in calories and protein because I had lost a lot of weight because of the operation.

“It took a very long time to get back into the habit of eating properly. I still tend to graze, and eat little and often because that is easier for me to manage.

“Things are gradually improving and eventually I will be able to eat properly again.

“The operation can affect what you like to eat or drink. I used to enjoy drinking a lot of tea but now I can only manage one a day. I'm more of a coffee person now.

“I want to get the group up and running because the number of people being diagnosed with this type of cancer is on the increase and they need help and support from others who are in the same situation.

“It is also a good way to raise awareness of the cancer.”

For more details about the national oesophageal and gastric cancer awareness campaign go to www.augis.org.

Anyone interested in learning more about the support group should email siobhan.ryan@theargus.co.uk and the message will be forwarded to Mrs Smith.