(Image: From left to right, Shona Lawson, Regional Fundraising Manager, Ian Creek, CEO of Wessex Cancer Support, The Deputy Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Richard Gomer, The Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Janice Asman, The Mayoress, Councillor Sarah Turl, and Catherine Price, Director of Fundraising)
Wessex Cancer Support welcomed some special visitors to our Chandler’s Ford Support Centre on Thursday 19th February. As we celebrate 45 years of providing free cancer support services to patients, families and carers across the region, it was a pleasure to host the Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Janice Asman, Deputy Mayor Councillor Richard Gomer and Mayoress Councillor Sarah Turl to our local Support Centre.
As one of the south of England’s most trusted cancer support charities, the timely visit to our headquarters recognised the vital contribution Wessex Cancer Support makes to the lives of local people living with cancer – not only across Eastleigh, but throughout the wider Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Dorset region.
During the visit, the Councillors toured the centre and its facilities, speaking with staff and volunteers about the growing demand for cancer support services and how those services are shaped to meet the needs of local residents. The group were particularly keen to understand how Wessex Cancer Support’s work is sustained through charitable donations and community fundraising, and took the opportunity to thank the many volunteers who give their time so generously.
“We love to come out and see the good work that is being done around Eastleigh, and what a brilliant place to come to. The wonderful work that is going on here, and the fantastic environment that’s been created in supporting people who have a cancer diagnosis through the wonderful free complementary therapies service, is amazing to see.”
Deputy Mayor Councillor Richard Gomer
“Wessex Cancer Support have created a wonderful, warm, friendly and welcoming environment with a range of services that support care and recovery. It’s so important that we get the message out there about these services – for those directly affected by cancer and for the family members, friends and carers who may also need support.”
Mayoress Councillor Sarah TurlShona Lawson, our Regional Fundraising Manager, was delighted to welcome the guests.
“Our staff and volunteers work hard every day to support local people affected by cancer, and it is so rewarding when that work is recognised in this way. In 2025, our Chandler’s Ford centre alone saw 419 people – over half of them visiting for the first time, and around 25% living in Eastleigh. Across our region, we supported nearly 2,000 people in 2024. Particularly in this anniversary year, we’re grateful for the opportunity to share the impact of that work with the Mayor and her fellow Councillors.”
Shona Lawson, Regional Fundraising ManagerFounded in 1981, Wessex Cancer Support offers a wide range of free services designed to support people living with cancer at every stage of their experience – from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Our Chandler’s Ford Cancer Support Centre coordinates programmes and community outreach across our network of local centres, delivering counselling, complementary therapies, peer support and more to thousands of people each year.
The Mayor’s visit formed part of a wider day of celebration for the charity. On the same day, our Bournemouth Cancer Support Centre was delighted to welcome local MP Jessica Toale, marking 45 years of cancer support across the south of England with Parliamentary recognition.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our free cancer support services in Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh or across Hampshire, please get in touch with our team.