“Cancer is like a stone being thrown into water. The ripples spread out and impact everyone involved. Being able to offer support to local people in a safe space, where they have access to the therapies they need, makes all the difference.”
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, Phil, Wessex Cancer Support’s Wellbeing Co-ordinator, shares their story and experiences.
I have always believed in treating people as you want to be treated. Throughout my career I have looked for roles which allow me to actively support those in need.
I’ve worked for other cancer charities, but it was the local element that really drew me to Wessex Cancer Support (WCS). As a charity, WCS is unique in that we have the ability to support loved ones as well as the person with the diagnosis.
And I’ve seen first-hand the difficulties people diagnosed, experience. When my father-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023, from diagnosis to him passing, was just 9 weeks.
While the medical team did all they could, I saw the challenges the medical system had, due to staff being overstretched and under resourced. It’s not a setting where individuals can come to terms with the situation they’re in and the impact this has on others.
“Cancer is like a stone being thrown into water. The ripples spread out and impact everyone involved. Being able to offer support to local people in a safe space, where they have access to the therapies they need, makes all the difference.”
I was close to my father-in-law, and there were times where I did see him vulnerable and scared; wanting someone to talk to. I was proud that he felt he could open up to me and that I could be there for him at that time. It brought us closer.
That’s the driver for me. Having an impact in people’s lives. Knowing that every small gesture, whether it’s talking to someone about their experiences or offering a cup of tea, it all makes the difference.
In our centres we can offer that safe space, where people are not a medical number, they are a person. They have their own story and we’re here to listen.
It’s always amazing to hear the words ‘thank you’ knowing you’ve made a difference.
I recently had received a message from a male client of ours, it said:
‘Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me. You’re a great bloke and I feel fortunate enough that our paths crossed, obviously not through these circumstances, but I couldn’t have asked for a better person to support me.’
That’s what keeps me going.
Knowing that we’re bringing people together at a time of need, giving them the space and opportunity to feel what they need to, when they need to.
“I want to empower people so that it’s not letting the cancer define them, they are defining the cancer, giving them control over the situation. Each client has a different outlook in life, they have a view on what was important before, and then they have a view on what is important afterwards. We’re here for those moments.”
I talk to many people and know there is sometimes a nervousness about walking into one of our centres. I just want people to know that we’re here for them. We give them the space to grieve, vent, but also to feel part of an extended family. We want to encourage people to be themselves.
“Don’t feel like you need to hide because of cancer, there are people there who have the lived experience and compassion to support and encourage you.”
And there are so many ways people can get involved and be part of our community, we have some amazing supporters.
Whether their raising money on our behalf, offering their time to support our clients, or support the Wessex team, everyone has the opportunity to make a difference for their local community.
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.
