45 stories for 45 years. Throughout 2026, we’re sharing the stories of our clients, volunteers and staff who make the Wessex Cancer Support community what it is.
Through our community’s lived experience of cancer, we can provide our clients with the tailored support they need.
For this edition, our very own Retail Area Manager, Alina, shares their story and experience.
For me, there wasn’t a particular moment that I decided to work for Wessex Cancer Support.
My background is in hospitality where you’re constantly on the go, and customer service is essential. Knowing how to handle difficult situations is a must, especially when managing lots of people with different experiences.
When I came across Wessex Cancer Support, I found myself in a situation where I wasn’t just supporting and leading my team, I was also speaking to people who wanted to open up and share their experiences with me as they were purchasing items from the store.
I’ll always remember working in our Chandler’s Ford store. We had just done a store refresh with new stock and merchandising which had taken most of the day. Ten minutes before closing a customer came in, with tears in their eyes.
They had been looking for our centre but were unsure to walk in so came to the shop instead. We ended up talking a little bit and they were sharing how they felt and the nervousness about what do next.
I could see the anxiety ease a little, and when I called ahead to the centre and they were met by the care team, I could see the sense of relief that someone had understood them. That’s when I realised I was doing more than just raising money for a charity through retail, I was part of a team supporting people in their time of need.
There’s always someone you know that has had cancer, a family member, a friend, or someone you know from work. It’s something that I have come across many times, and sometimes you’re left wondering what you can do to help. It feels like what we’re doing, even by interacting with our clients or those who want to share their story, is actively helping them in some way.
I love being in a community that looks out for each other. It reminds me of home in Romania, where that kind of support is just part of who we are. Regardless of the person being someone close to you or not, it’s about putting yourself in their shoes and wanting to make a difference in people’s lives even if you do it from the sidelines. That’s what drives me.
And I know it sounds cliché, but everything we do, we do with kindness and care. It’s something I instil in all my team as even a small, positive conversation can make all the difference to someone’s day.
You never know what someone is going through. Everyone has a story; everyone is trying to manage each day. Our centres are at the core of what we do, but our retail stores are where the public learn more about us. They too offer a welcoming space because you never know if the person you’re serving is also the person who needs encouragement to seek the support they need.
Through every interaction, through every donation or purchase, we’re supporting those local to us. We need look out for each other; it’s becoming rarer these days which is why we all see ourselves as part of Team Wessex.
We often have people coming in our shops that are going through a cancer experience themselves, or they know someone close to them that is and they open up to us about their journey or how WCS have helped them navigate where they are. The work we’re doing is making a difference in people’s lives and it fills you with gratitude and determination so we can help more people.
While there are many great charities out there, we don’t just work to support the individual impacted, we also support those closest to the person. Cancer’s impact reaches further than most people anticipate.
As the Retail Team, our job is focussed on creating great customer experiences, whether it’s replenishing our stock, merchandising our displays or taking in donations.
We are there to represent the charity, and sometimes we are there to encourage people to go to the cancer support centre. No day is the same!
From all the jobs I’ve had, it’s been really rewarding to apply my skills and experiences into something that is genuinely supporting our community. Plus, there’s always a packet of biscuits and a cup of tea on offer!
Our community provides a safe, supportive space for people affected by cancer. Through our emotional and wellbeing services, we provide the support to our communities in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
We’ve been here for you since 1981.
You can call or email your local cancer support centre today or drop in to speak to our friendly team.
Alternatively, if you would like to know more about joining our retail team, you can learn more about becoming a volunteer here.
