Wessex Cancer Support has been the Law Society’s Charity of the Year since 2022.

Wessex Cancer Support has been the Law Society’s Charity of the Year since 2022.

What does Wessex Cancer Support do?

Wessex Cancer Support provides free, local and personalised emotional support to anyone affected by cancer in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. Clients may have cancer themselves, be adjusting to life after cancer or supporting someone with cancer.

Through its four support centres in Chandler’s Ford, Bournemouth, Hythe [Waterside] and Newport [IOW], the charity offers a drop-in service, one-toone support, professional counselling, complementary therapies, activities and community groups. It also runs weekly drop-in sessions in Andover and provides online services so people can access support from the comfort of their own home.

The charity runs groups in the heart of your community and transport on its Daisy Buses to help Isle of Wight and Channel Island patients get to hospital appointments on the mainland.

Wessex Cancer Support receives no government funding and relies entirely on charitable donations and fundraising to provide its services.

What does Wessex Cancer Support do?

“I don’t know where I’d be without Wessex Cancer Support. Because of them, my children have got their Mum back and I’m ready to rebuild my life.”

When 41-year-old single Mum, Rose, felt too tired to cook Christmas dinner, she put it down to stress.

“My Mum died at the start of the year and then my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. A few weeks later, I got my dream job as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. It meant juggling work, going back to University and caring for my children, who were eight and five.

I wanted a great Christmas after a tough year.

I was doing really well at University, but started to feel tired. I put it down to the stress and pressure I was under. Later that year, I failed the course.

I tried to concentrate on giving my children a great Christmas after a tough year, but it passed in a blur because I was exhausted. When the New Year arrived and I was still really tired, I saw my GP. Test showed it was likely I had Crohn’s or coeliac disease.

Everything changed.

I had routine cans and when I saw the screen, I knew it was serious. I was told I had aggressive bowel cancer and needed an operation. Further scans showed the cancer had spread to my ovaries and womb. I needed surgery and chemotherapy. I was shocked. I walked to collect my children from school feeling numb. Explaining to them that Mummy had cancer was hard and it really upset my daughter. Chemotherapy affected my nerves badly and I struggled to walk or talk. Eventually my treatment ended, but that Christmas was very quiet as the enormity of the year sunk in, and I struggled to cope with ongoing health conditions.

I knew I needed support.

I wanted a fresh start after a tough year, but I was diagnosed with a boneweakening condition as a result of my cancer treatment. My friends and family struggled to support me. I felt so lost and isolated, and I still needed to complete my University assignments. I didn’t know where to start.

Wessex Cancer Support was there for me.

II asked Wessex Cancer Support’s centre in Hythe for help. Together, we put together a package of support, just for me. I spoke to their befrienders, had counselling, massage and Reiki. Some days I just popped in for a cup of tea and a chat. They’re so kind and compassionate – the best people I’ve ever met. They were there for me again before my check-up and we celebrated together when I was given the all-clear. I have three years of check-ups ahead and I know they will be there for me, whatever lies ahead.

My children have got their Mum back.

Cancer has changed my outlook on life. When I was poorly, the only gift I wanted was time. I didn’t know if I would be here to see my children enjoy Christmas or their birthdays.

Wessex Cancer Support has given me the gifts of their time, compassion and kindness. Thanks to them, I can look forward again.”

How can I get involved?

There are so many ways you can help. Beyond the fundraising events organised by Hampshire Law Society, your own organisation could choose Wessex Cancer Support as its Charity of the Year, sponsor a fundraising event, provide auction prizes, or allow staff time to volunteer.

On a personal level you can raise sponsorship through one of its organised events, hold your own fundraising event or make a financial contribution by donating.

No act of kindness is too small and there are also ways to get involved without spending a penny. You could volunteer at events, in support centres or any of its shops, donate your preloved items or follow the charity on social media.

For more information on how to support, visit www.wessexcancer.org.uk or email Jo Merrett, jo.merrett@wessexcancer.org.uk

The charity is always pleased to speak to employees about the cancer support available and hopes you can raise awareness of the services it provides within your own organisation.

Whatever your contribution, it’ll make a huge difference to local people affected by cancer.

Contact

Wessex Cancer Support, 91-95 Winchester Road, Chandler’s Ford, SO53 2GG

Tel: 023 8067 2200, www.wessexcancer.org.uk