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, Suzanne, Director of Support Services for Wessex Cancer Support, shares their story and experience.
Cancer has touched my life at many different points. Whether it’s through my own experience or through those close to me. I’ve seen and felt the profound impact it can have on you as an individual, but also on those around you.
While there are many challenges a diagnosis can bring, I’ve also found it a source of fostering resilience and inner strength.
When I was 26, with a 22-month-old child, my husband passed away following a short but devastating six-week illness. He was 29. After 3 weeks of investigations, scans and a lymph node biopsy, none of us could quite believe it when the doctor said he had metastatic adenocarcinoma.
He died 3 days later. It was the day after Father’s Day, and I will always have the aching last memory of father and young son sitting together in his hospital bed, sharing a drink from his Sippy cup.
That experience fundamentally altered my life and my understanding of loss, uncertainty, and survival. I found myself navigating life and bringing up my child playing the role of both ‘mother’ and ‘father’. You learn to live differently. You somehow find a reserve of inner strength that pulls you through each day.
A couple of years later, my mum underwent the first of two mastectomies for breast cancer, ten years apart.
I witnessed first-hand not only the physical effects of cancer, but the emotional and psychological impact it had on her. Weeks of radiotherapy took their toll on her, but living with uncertainty and the fear of cancer returning had the biggest effect. The experience profoundly changed her outlook on life.
It was at this time I started to understand the significance of having the right support around you. Not just the medical support but having someone there to guide you through what you’re thinking and feeling.
In July 2016, I was diagnosed with melanoma – growing up in the harsh African sun had taken its toll. I didn’t really allow myself to worry about it too much, just had the surgery and got on with life.  Then, in April 2019, my son—aged 29 at the time—was also diagnosed with melanoma.
I was shocked and found that his diagnosis had more of an emotional impact on me than my own. The constant worry and concern was overwhelming at times. Just a few months later, in July 2019, my mum was diagnosed with kidney cancer and underwent a nephrectomy.
I remember thinking is our family ever going to catch a break from all this?!
Cancer has been a constant presence in my family, shaping our lives in ways both visible and unseen.
It was through these experiences that started to shape and inform the direction I took with my career. Having seen from both sides what it was like to receive a diagnosis and be there for a close family member receiving theirs, I wanted to support others going through similar experiences.
Since 2019, I’ve been involved with cancer support services. First with the NHS and then through joining Wessex Cancer Support in 2024.
I see the life-changing effect a cancer diagnosis has on the person and their loved ones on a daily basis. I know that being able to offer a package of support, to really listen and to be there when people need someone to reach out to, you see the comfort it provides and the difference it makes.
People think it’s just the person receiving the diagnosis that’s impact, and it’s not. Those closest often feel the ripples too.
I feel privileged to bring both my personal and professional experiences in the cancer domain to work everyday.
Each day I walk into one of our cancer support centres, I see the meaningful difference our work makes—meeting people where they are, offering a listening ear; providing one-to-one support such as counselling or complementary therapy; or creating connection through peer support coffee mornings, walks, choirs and craft groups to name but a few.
It is incredibly rewarding to go home at the end of the day knowing that our work has positively impacted so many lives, and that I am overseeing such vital regional services for people affected by cancer. It’s a genuine privilege.
I would encourage anyone to come and explore our cancer support centres. For those who are looking to support their local community, I would recommend becoming a support volunteer. In addition to training and support from our team, you will be part of a dedicated, caring and compassionate group of people working together to making a real difference in their communities.
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.
