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, our very own Individual Giving Manager, Daniel, shares his story and experience.
I’ve always liked to challenge myself.
Being ‘comfortable’ has never been my forte. For me, if I can push myself, whether it’s through my hiking or camping, or through my work, that’s what keep me motivated.
I think that’s what drew me to sales as a career. Nothing is guaranteed and you have to keep pushing yourself to hit the targets and keep driving the numbers.
But, there’s comes a point even when you consistently hit the numbers, it feels like something is missing. It’s a bit empty.
I had been considering my career options even before I was made redundant, while it can hit your confidence, I used it as an opportunity to do something different.
I had worked for an agency supporting other charities and wanted to explore working for one directly. Taking what I had learnt from a commercial sector and applying it to a worthy cause.
Wessex Cancer Support stood out to me because of the support it provides to family members as well as the person going through cancer. It affects everyone around, especially those closest.
But if I’m honest, I had my reservations. My worry was that it might be a place full of sadness. You hear the word ‘cancer’, and you expect the mood to feel heavy, clinical and may even have the sense of hopelessness. Looking back, it’s hard to see how I made this assumption. It’s not what I thought at all.
I’ve been fortunate to not have experienced any close family members go through a cancer diagnosis, but have had friends and colleagues who have. Everyone manages it differently and you can see how isolating it can be for people. Some want to talk about it and others are very reserved.
When I first started at Wessex Cancer Support I had the usual ‘first day’ nerves, but I was still looking at the charity from the outside in, as I guess many do.
Wondering, would I fit in there? Would they help someone like me if I ever needed them? It’s a bit of an unknown, but also you want to make sure you do a good job and make a positive first impression.
My first day would show me why I needn’t have worried.
I ended up having a full conversation with a man called John, while standing at the urinal. Now while this may seem like the unusual place for a workplace induction, we ended up talking about each other lives, standing side-by-side battling our full bladders together. This may seem unorthodox, but it showed me something straight away – people feel safe to talk.
That was something I hadn’t really appreciated. I was working at a place where people were comfortable to talk to a stranger and encourage an open and honest conversation. I was immediately part of a community.
It’s great to see the real-time impact our work does. From the Chandler’s Ford Head Office, I see the Walking Group on a Wednesday morning, you can see people looking nervous at the start, and by the time they come back from the walk, friendships are forming. It’s genuinely really nice to see.
Looking back to my original thoughts and feelings about the centre and that ‘doom and gloom’ impression, I can honestly say it has been unfounded.
I’ve had the luxury of working inside the building and I’ve seen first-hand not the fear, but the comfort, not the gloom, but the warmth and not the silence, but the laughter. We have a created a second home for people.
We’re not encouraging people to ignore their cancer. We’re creating a space that’s safe for them, because for a few hours, they can feel human again. They’re seen, they’re heard, they’re safe. That’s what our cancer support centres are about. I finally understand why they are so welcoming.
I feel grateful that I’m not only using my skills and expertise in a new challenging, fun role, I’m actively contributing to helping to sustain the support our local community needs for people affected by cancer.
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 fundraising team, you can see more about becoming a volunteer here.
