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, Ann, a volunteer for our Waterside Cancer Support Centre, shares their story and experience.
When I retired, I didn’t just walk away from a career, I walked toward a purpose, that for over 30 years, I had subconsciously been preparing for.
I had spent years in the corporate world, being part of the team where the numbers and shareholders are everything. While the perks at the time were great, I reached a stage where I wanted to do something with more meaning.
I loved working with people and actively pursued roles which benefited the community and engaged in courses and research to expand my interests and skillset. What I didn’t realise at that time was that these were more than just jobs, they were a form of training, helping to develop a toolkit that I would use many years later.
However, my ‘real’ training didn’t happen in an office or a classroom, it happened in the quiet moments of life’s rich tapestry.
Thirty-two years ago, cancer hit close to home for the first time. My best friend’s husband, a man who was more like family to us, was diagnosed as terminal at just 48 years old.
He had been ignoring the symptoms for a little while and when my best friend had convinced him to go get checked, things had moved on rapidly. He was given a 15% survival rate.
He died at the age of 50, leaving two children aged 14 and 11 at the time. He was a great man, determined to continue to keep pushing and even enjoying the occasional whisky when he eventually was in the hospice. During this time, I wanted to support them both in any way I could. But I also didn’t want to get in the way.
I purposely went out of my way to research and learn more about how best to support someone going through an experience like this.
I remember one specific phone call that changed my perspective on support forever. I had called my friend to check in, and after the usual ‘Hi, how are you?’ we didn’t say a word to each other. We stayed on the line together for over an hour in total silence. She just needed to know I was there while she processed the impossible. It taught me that sometimes, the most ‘practical’ thing you can do is simply hold space for someone.
Twenty years ago, cancer came knocking on my doorstep.
After very much ‘encouragement’ from the family to go to the GP, my husband, an engineer by trade, was diagnosed and required major surgery. It changed our lives instantly, he could no longer work his business, and our ‘normal’ was rewritten almost overnight. But we chose positivity, that was my determination, we were going get through this.
I kept working, and that work became my saviour. We navigated the adjustments, and today, he is still by my side. We’re looking forward to celebrating our 59th wedding anniversary this year.
You’d think after seeing cancer from the sidelines, I’d be the first to stay vigilant. But as we get older, if we’re honest, we all get a little complacent.
Two years ago, at my dance class, my dance teacher held a raffle for ‘CoppaFeel.’ It stayed in my mind. That night in the shower, I did a check and felt a lump. Within ten days, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Because of my history, it didn’t feel like a ‘hit.’ It felt like a challenge to be managed. I had the lumpectomy and radiotherapy, and while some treatments didn’t agree with me, I caught it early. My message to anyone reading this is simple: age is just a number and your health still requires your attention. Don’t be complacent.
That’s what I encourage everyone to do, there are options available if it’s caught early. Your health matters, so if in doubt, go speak to someone.
When I retired, there was no question about where I was going: Waterside Cancer Support Centre. Just because my career was over didn’t mean that I couldn’t still contribute and help others.
What drew me to Wessex Cancer Support over other cancer charities was that we don’t just support the individual, we’re there for the family as well. Cancer’s ripples hit everyone and being able to support people affected by it, is very rewarding. It gives me a purpose, my skills and experiences come into their own.
And that’s what I would say to anyone thinking about volunteering, especially those who are retired. Please don’t think your contributing days are over!
Whether you were a PA, a teacher, an engineer, a manager, or a community worker, those skills are still needed here. The training you receive is excellent and you’re actively part of Team Wessex meaning we can support more people within the centre and the wider community.
When I looked back at those life experiences, especially that ‘silent hour’ on the phone with my friend all those years ago, it’s helped me to support clients walking into the centre everyday – easing their anxiety.
We’re here for people at their most challenging time in their lives. And while the experiences and training I had didn’t always go to plan, I find I’m actively using those learnings to deliver on something I’ve always wanted to do; help people.
You aren’t just ‘volunteering’, you are helping someone carry a load that is too heavy to bear alone.
When a client walks through our door scared, and leaves a little lighter with a smile, you realise that retirement isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning of making a different kind of impact.
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 support teams, you can see more about becoming a volunteer here.
