Travelling down Huyton Lane, most drivers and pedestrians have only one thing on their mind - getting to their next destination.
But nestled on the busy road is a small house that many will have passed by, which has been offering a huge service to the community for decades.
Walking into the Lyndale Cancer Support Centre in Huyton, some would envision the space to have a dull and sombre atmosphere.
But this drop-in centre breaks the stigma on what many would believe cancer support to be like.
Being welcomed into a bubbly atmosphere, volunteers Wyn Pickup, Chair of Trustees, Thelma Smith, Treasurer and Margaret Davitt, Secretary,explain the history of Lyndale and about its incredible service.
Around 40 years ago, Huyton resident Mary Davies was living with cancer and was seeking more support.
After speaking to her doctor, it was suggested she set up her own support group in the area and in 1983, she founded the Lyndale Cancer Support group.
Mary's daughter Wyn Pickup, 73, has been involved since the very beginning.
She said: "Her doctor said to her why don't you set up a support group and her response, which I've used many a time was, 'I couldn't do that I'm just an ordinary housewife'.
"The rest is history, that's really how it began.
"She roped her GP in because she said she wouldn't do it if he didn't take part and then she asked me would I come help.
"I said I wouldn't know what to do and she said I wont do it then - so I said well I'll come and make the tea.
"I got to know a few people as it got built up."
Originally based in Mary's own home, news soon spread about the support group and more people who had been affected by cancer started to attend.
And it wasn't long before the group were in need of a bigger space.
Wyn said: "'It got to about 12 people and her front sitting room was getting too small then so the council were asked for space.
"We were then given the old community centre in Huyton about 15 months down the line."
The group later were based in a house on Bluebell Lane that was open to community groups to use, but wanted to have their own identity going forward to create 'a home away from home'.
They later moved into 40 Huyton Lane, which continues to be Lyndale's base today, with a financial grant by Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council under Urban Renewal Funding and the help of other organisations.
Since the start, the independent charity has been run entirely by dedicated volunteers who do everything from administration and financial accounting to caring support and offering information.
Wyn said: "I think my mum would be immensely proud of the past and present volunteers who have continued her aspirations.
"She wanted to encourage the use of the word cancer.
"It was sometimes treated like a swear word in some areas and even some families, it was a hush hush word.
"My mum wanted it to become something that could be talked about and to take some of the fear away, because there is life with cancer and so many have survived."
Over 100 people who are affected by cancer from all different backgrounds, circumstances and areas in Merseyside and beyond visit Lyndale every week.
And whilst many would assume the atmosphere to be gloomy, the Lyndale Cancer Support Centre is in fact quite the opposite.
With around 40 volunteers, some of whom have been affected by cancer and in the past used the service themselves, people come into the centre and empower each other, making lifelong friendships and leaving feeling more confident in themselves.
Wyn said: "We are absolutely proud of the achievements of all the volunteers over the years.
"The welcome, the smile, the cuppa when you walk in - that's how it's been for over 30 years.
"We always say our hope is for Lyndale to continue as long as there is still a need for cancer support."
With confidentiality being observed at all times, Lyndale offers one-to-one, group and support over the phone.
As well as everything from complementary and beauty therapies, yoga, art classes, relaxation sessions, computer classes and more.
Open Monday to Friday from 11am to 3.30pm, the cancer support drop-in centre also organises social events, outings and rambles.
For more information click here.
