Our Services Team

Wellbeing
Co-ordinator

Phil Warner

Prior to working at Wessex Cancer Support I spent over 11 years working for a national cancer charity.

I joined Wessex in January 2021 as a Wellbeing Co-ordinator covering Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight supporting patients and loved ones who have been affected by Cancer. I feel privileged to know that I support people when they can be at their most vulnerable.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, attending British Truck Racing with my son and going to the gym.

Wellbeing
Co-ordinator

Laura Evans

I’m a complimentary therapist and Wellbeing Co-ordinator with over 10 years’ experience supporting people affected by cancer, my specialist therapy is Reiki, which I have studied and practiced for more than 12 years, offering gentle treatments that support relaxation, balance, and emotional wellbeing during challenging times.

Alongside my therapy work, I’ve been one of the centre’s Wellbeing Co-ordinators for the past four years. I also bring over 15 years of previous experience in the NHS providing mental health, women’s health, and cancer-related pastoral support, which has given me a deep understanding of the emotional and physical impact of illness. Supporting people through difficult moments with compassion and care is something I value deeply.

Outside of work, I love walking in nature and spending time by the trees and the sea, and time with people dear to me.

Centre Support Manager – Bournemouth

Steffi Colbert

Prior to my role at Wessex Cancer Support, I had many careers including running my own business, working as a qualified counsellor in Primary Care and even being a dance teacher.

I hadn’t heard of Wessex Cancer Support prior to my head and neck cancer, but as a previous client, I’ve experienced first-hand what a difference our services make and wanted to give back. One of the best things about this job is meeting new people and working with our community to support those when they need it most.

Centre Co-ordinator – Bournemouth

Kim Garwood

I’ve been the part‑time Centre Co‑ordinator in Bournemouth since November 2024. After moving to Upton in 2014, following the loss of my husband in 2010 and later supporting my partner through cancer treatment in 2021, I felt drawn to this role and the chance to support others.

Our new Poole Hill centre is a lovely place to work, and I really enjoy spending time with our clients, volunteers and staff. It’s rewarding to see the difference we make. Outside of work, I love walking my rescue dog ‘Waffle’, doing Pilates, painting, playing board games and going on holidays.

Centre Support Manager –
Chandler’s Ford

Andrea Lodge

Centre Co-Ordinator –
Chandler’s Ford

Sonja Gundry

As Centre Co-Ordinator for Chandler’s Ford Cancer Support Centre, my role involves meeting and greeting clients and supporting them with their care plans, and as a qualified Sound Therapist, I also facilitate sessions to support recovery and wellbeing. It’s great being part of a team that creates a safe space for individuals to share their stories, their worries and their laughter.

I’ve had my own personal experience with cancer and know how important it is to have the right support. It’s through this experience that it’s given me a purpose to ensure others have the support they need.

When I’m not in the centre, you’ll find me on my motorcycle, ‘Tilly the Triumph’, or enjoying the tranquillity of fly fishing; I’m also the only woman member of The Wessex Fly Dressers’ Guild!

Centre Support Manager –
Isle of Wight

Liz Tapsell

As the Isle of Wight Centre Support Manager, I oversee the day-to-day running of the centre including meeting clients and managing the support team and volunteers. Working within the community, I liaise with other health professionals to ensure our clients received the support they need.

As a previous client of Wessex, I’ve experienced first-hand the great work we do and wanted to be part of it and worked my way from being a volunteer to my current role. When I’m not working you may find me exploring the outdoors playing Pokémon Go!

Centre Support Manager and Data Officer – Waterside

Onize Okhiku

I am passionate about people and numbers, ensuring we get an accurate representation of the impact we have for our clients, and we continue to deliver the quality of services our clients need in our Waterside Cancer Support Centre.

I enjoy meeting members of our community and seeing the real-time difference our work makes. It’s a fulfilling role and gives me a sense of belonging. When I’m not working, I enjoy the outdoors, especially stargazing at night. If I’m not outdoors then you’ll find me with a good book and a cup of tea.

Cancer Support Centre Co-ordinator – Waterside

Cheryl Soffe

I have been working with Wessex Cancer Support for over two and a half years as the Waterside Cancer Support Centre Co-ordinator. I have always lived in this area, and I’m lucky enough to have my family living close by and have two wonderful children.

Previous to working at Wessex Cancer Support, I had a career in finance before becoming a parent, and then worked as a teaching assistant supporting local schools. These skills enabled me to support clients coming into the centre everyday. In my spare time I like to walk, get involved in crafts, gardening and spending time with my family.