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, Diane, Chair of Trustees for Wessex Cancer Support, shares her story and experience on World Cancer Day.
The statistics say that one in two of us will be affected by cancer in our lifetime. I am one of those statistics.
I went into hospital for what was considered to be just routine surgery. Little did I know that one week later I would receive a call to say the histology showed I had ovarian cancer and that I would need an immediate course of chemotherapy.
I was also told by my gynaecologist that if he’d seen me 6 months later, we would have been having a very different conversation.
To say that this diagnosis rocked my world was an understatement. As part of my treatment, and like many others, I had Chemotherapy. And like many others, I experienced the side-effects of that treatment.
‘Chemo brain’ had the effect of reducing my memory to a sieve. I couldn’t remember family and friend names when they came to visit or the conversations we’d had. My emotional resilience was at an all-time low, yet this was months post treatment, when I believed I would be getting back to normal. How wrong could I be?
Whilst reassured by my oncologist that this was ‘to be expected’ I also found it strange that she also said, “if we told you all the effects of the drugs upfront, you wouldn’t go ahead with the treatment!”
That’s the reality that many of us face when go through this experience. There isn’t an easy option, and there’s always a ‘trade off’.
I am pleased to say at this point (though I really wish it had been earlier) I became a client of the Chandler’s Ford Cancer Support Centre.
I had the warmest of welcomes and soon learned how the centre was a safe haven for me, allowing me to talk and share in an environment that was supportive and caring. The staff and volunteers had a wealth of experience in working with cancer patients and had a deep understanding of the effects of treatments which was a welcome relief.
As part of my package of support from Wessex, I had access to a range of complimentary therapies and yoga classes at the cancer support centre.
With the support of the team at Wessex, I was able to re-focus, re-energise and overtime, build myself back to the person I once was. I made a promise to myself that when the time was right and the opportunity arose, I would give back and that’s how I joined the Charity as a trustee in 2020.
As a previous client of Wessex Cancer Support, I truly do have first-hand experience of how valuable the work of the charity is.
This year’s theme for World Cancer Day is ‘United by Unique’, and I think this is what resonates with me not just as someone who has experienced the services offered by Wessex Cancer Support, but also as a Trustee as we continue to grow and promote our services.
We see every day how everyone’s experience is different. Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis; it’s a deeply personal matter. Behind every diagnosis lies a unique story, experience, highs and lows, and we’re united through sharing our stories ensuring that no one feels alone.
World Cancer Day takes place on 4th February every year. It’s an international day aimed at raising awareness about cancer, promoting its prevention, detection and treatment.
While incredible strides are being made in cancer research and diagnosis, Wessex Cancer Support has its own role to play in the cancer eco-system.
It’s not just the physical impact or the medical treatments it’s the impact on the aspects of life that not everyone sees, for those who are not always able to share. That’s where we come in.
It’s been 10 years since I visited the Chandler’s Ford Cancer Support Centre as a client – a lifeline for me and others when life is thrown into turmoil.
As a charity, our day-to-day operations are no different to running a business, with one huge exception, we are 100% reliant on the generosity of our supporters as we receive no government funding.
As a volunteer myself, I see the difference every contribution makes, no matter how small. With the challenges many charities are facing, including us with cost-of-living crisis and rising operational costs, to borrow a phrase: ‘every little helps.’
This year, we celebrate 45 years of being a pillar of support in our communities in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We want to be able to continue to support our clients for the next 45 years.
This is where you can help. You can support us by getting involved with our fundraising events, becoming a corporate partner, leaving a gift in your will, or by donating your time.
Whatever life experience you have, whatever job roles you have had, your skills will be of value to us, so please do share them. Personally, volunteering gives me a sense purpose, a feeling that I am contributing and supporting the wider community at a time when they need our support the most.
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 centre today or drop in to speak to our friendly team.
