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 Director of Retail, Mark, shares his story and experience.
Like many others, cancer has impacted my life.
I lost both my parents to cancer, and while you never forget it, you do learn to live differently.
I can recall the amazing support and medical treatment they had when they were going through their own battles, but there was nothing to support me or them emotionally.
I’ve had my own personal clashes with cancer. Having experienced skin cancer twice on my face, and needing to have partial reconstruction as they removed the melanoma.
The treatment with these things is great from the medical side, we’re lucky to have the NHS that we do, but it’s not to underestimate the impact of the ‘what’s next?’
Hospitality and retail have been the core focus for much of my career. I’ve grown footfall for stores, increased revenue and developed teams for a wide range of businesses including for well-known high street brands.
As much as I enjoyed the perks that came with those jobs, it always felt like something was missing. That’s when I started to seek out a different approach, something that would give me a sense of purpose. Cliché, I know, but you get to a point in your career where you’ve achieved what you set out to do and you’re wanting to give back in a different way.
When I came across Wessex for the first time, I realised that what we offer people is what I was looking for when my parents were going through their diagnosis and when I was going through my own treatments. It’s those in between moments and what happens after treatment that matters, that’s when people need the support the most.
As Director of Retail, my job has been to turn our stores into not just welcoming spaces for our customers, but also places which showcase what we do. In a way, we’re part of the ‘front line’ much like our cancer support centres. Each one of us represents the culture and ethos of our organisation, and I’m proud to work with a team that has not only created six amazing stores, but actively contributes towards supporting the delivery of our essential services.
Anyone who works in retail will tell you that no day is the same. From speaking with customers, to managing donations and merchandising there’s always something to do and something you can shape to make it better.
I remember this one particular day a customer had walked in, visibly upset. It turned out that her partner had passed and was donating items as part of a clear out.
After talking with her for a little while, I encouraged her to reach out to our cancer support centre. She hadn’t realised that we were there for anyone affected by cancer and by calling ahead, I was able to put her in touch with the support team. That’s when I realised this is more than a job, in that moment we were a signpost for someone who needed help.
That’s the difference we make. We’re not just a store, we also an extension of our centres, guiding people to the information they need. Our fantastic team of volunteers and staff enable us to make this happen.
We’re reliant not just on the generosity of our donors but also the time our incredible volunteers give us by helping with the day-to-day running of our stores.
In the corporate world or traditional retail, you’re often working for shareholders and the ‘bottom line’. But at Wessex, the purpose is the heartbeat of everything we do. Every penny raised and every hour spent actually changes the trajectory of someone’s life.
When you get a whole team behind a mission like ours, the energy changes. We aren’t just ‘running a shop’—we are building a front door to a support system.
If you’ve ever considered volunteering or working for a charity like Wessex Cancer Support, my advice is simple: do it!
We’re constantly looking for people who can share and develop their professional skills in selling, merchandising, logistics and more. Even a few hours a week, means you’re contributing towards a cause that is helping someone just around the corner from you.
There’s never a dull moment, and there’s no greater reward than knowing you’ve helped someone breathe a little easier today.
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 see more about becoming a volunteer here.
