Our history
The Trust was formed in a portakabin on the site of The Royal South Hants Hospital in 1981 by a small group of medical professionals. During the first 30 years, the Trust focused on raising funds for major projects and research taking place throughout the Wessex region. This included funding breast cancer nurses, ground-breaking research into pioneering treatments and numerous appeals for hospital wards and equipment.
Improving the lives of people affected by cancer has always been at the heart of our work. So, in 2012, it was a natural progression for us to start delivering community-based services, close to people’s homes. This has developed rapidly over recent years and we now have four cancer support centres and online services so local people can access support in the way that suits them best.
In 2023, as part of our strategy Cancer Support For All, we evolved from Wessex Cancer Trust to Wessex Cancer Support. It’s important for local people to immediately understand what we do, and this refresh has helped us to be more inclusive and appealing.
We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved since 1981 and are very grateful to everyone who has contributed to helping us our evolve cancer support so we can always be here for everyone who needs us.
1981
Wessex Cancer Trust established in a portacabin at the Royal South Hants Hospital.
1986
We set up the first breast cancer screening service in the region.
1987
We funded the first breast cancer care nurse in Wessex.
1988
Support for Southampton General Hospital Children’s cancer Unit began. The Piam Brown Ward.
1992
Out of hospital support began in our Support Centres.
2007
We provided £250,000 to renovate the Isle of Wight Chemotherapy Unit.
2012
Waterside Cancer Support Centre Joined Wessex Cancer Trust
2013
We opened our Isle of Wight Cancer Support Centre
2015
Chandler’s Ford Cancer Support Centre opened.
2016
We celebrated 35 years of cancer support.
2016
Our Bournemouth Cancer Support Centre opened.
2017
Over 100 people took part in our first Walk for Hope event and raised over £25,000!
2019
Fundraising and work began on our new Cancer Wellbeing Centre on the Isle of Wight!
2020
Isle of Wight Cancer Wellbeing Centre opened.
2020
Covid-19 forced us to temporarily close our doors and bring our support online.
2021
We celebrated 40 years of local cancer care!
2023
We launched online services so people can access support in a way that better suits their needs.
We evolved from Wessex Cancer Trust to Wessex Cancer Support to make us more recognisable for the services we offer.