The cause of Wessex Cancer Support resonated with me and it’s a cause I felt like I could really help with.
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.
In this story, volunteer China, shares why she wanted to do something meaningful.
The decision to volunteer for Wessex Cancer Support came when my visa renewal was taking longer than expected. Rather than wait around, I wanted to do something meaningful and looked at volunteering opportunities
I looked at other local charities but Wessex was the one that stood out to me as I’ve had direct experience of cancer in my life, losing close family members and very close friends who were like family.
The cause of Wessex Cancer Support resonated with me and it’s a cause I felt like I could really help with.
My best friend and I were just 16 and coming to the end of secondary school when she lost her Mum to breast cancer. We were really close and it felt like I had lost my Mum, too.
We left the hospital that Friday morning whilst my friend stayed back with her Mom on her Mom’s request. When we returned later in the day to bring some food for them, her Mom had passed. She wasn’t in pain anymore though but her death left a deep pain in us all.
Of course, it was so difficult for my friend. Her parents had been separated for a long time at this point and, although she had split her time between them both, she was much closer to her Mum. Going through the funeral process was particularly turbulent, too. I could see that she sometimes wondered, as she journeyed through life without the guidance of a mother, if she was doing the right thing, whilst also trying to look after herself.
Even after all these years later, I don’t think my friend has really gotten over it because you never get over the pain of losing a Mother or a loved one. You just learn to live with the pain.
I had another friend who had cancer but caught it early and survived, and I couldn’t understand how one person survives but my friend’s Mum had died.
Looking back, it just shows how important it is to get yourself checked. My friend’s Mum had done all the right things of exercising and eating well, so it was difficult to understand.
It makes you realise the impact cancer can have, even many years later, and why having support at these moments is so important.
Since I started volunteering with the Fundraising Team at Wessex Cancer Support, I’ve seen the difference the support makes to people coming through our doors.  I have seen how donations can provide essential services that our clients really need, from the counselling to the direct one-to-one support.
It makes me think how much my friend and I could have benefited from this kind of help all those years ago.  I’m from Nigeria so, when my friend’s Mum died, except for the church, there was nowhere to go for this type of support.  I think the impact lasted longer for my friend because we didn’t have that counselling available to us.
Of course, family members, like her aunts, were able to step-in for my friend to an extent, there was still this void, and she struggled. My friend was a very sporty person but, due to how she felt, she wasn’t engaging in physical activity and it had an impact on her.
It’s amazing to see things like the walking groups and how this benefits people both physically and mentally.
When I first enquired about what voluntary opportunities were available, I was told there was some sort of admin’ role. When I explained my skillsets and what I could do, I was quickly given the volunteering role I have now.  I help with supporting the financial and fundraising obligations, and it’s the highlight of my week.
I also get to support other departments and have even got involved in putting up decorations – I was in charge of the Christmas tree last year! After my other job, it’s so nice to come and be part of a team that is so welcoming.
And working to support the fundraising, even in as a support volunteer, I see how every penny makes a difference, helping to fund the services our clients need.
If anyone is thinking about volunteering for Wessex Cancer Support, I would say ‘Just do it!’
Whether it’s making a cup of tea, photocopying or processing Excel documents, you’re making an impact.
I’ve been part of the team for a while now and it’s great that we constantly engage with and appreciate all of our fundraisers and supporters. Every activity helps and we are so reliant on our Wessex community.
It’s like a family. Helping not just our region but, with all the amazing online resources, the charity is making a difference beyond its local borders.
I’m always telling people to visit our amazing charity shops. You can pick up a bargain you love and know that you are supporting a charity that supports individuals and families through some of the darkest times.
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.
And if you would like to learn more about volunteering and becoming part of #TeamWessex, you can find out more and apply here.
