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Home / Local MP praises our Bournemouth cancer Centre for achieving “so much”

On Friday, 30th October, our Bournemouth Centre welcomed the Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole.  Visiting to learn more about the charity’s work in the local area and across Dorset, Vikki Slade MP spent time chatting with the staff and volunteers.

Meeting the team

Suzanne Bannister, Director of Support Services for Wessex Cancer Support, shared the newly developed strategic vision that is being implemented.  Based on independent research, the strategy will enable us to continue to offer a wide range of support both in its our regional Centres as well as more in the communities we serve.

Vikki Slade also met the Bournemouth Centre Coordinator, Kim Garwood, and the Regional Fundraiser for Dorset, Amanda Ovey, both of whom were able to give Vikki an insight into the impact Wessex Cancer Support has in the area.  Noting that this our 45th anniversary year, Ms Slade was interested to learn quite how long this support has been available.

A vote of thanks

During her visit, the MP was keen to pass on her thanks.

“I would like to thank everyone at Wessex Cancer Support for the extraordinary work they do supporting people wherever they are on their cancer journey,” Vikki said.  “Their approach to delivering care within the wider neighbourhood health agenda was thought-provoking. It was also impressive to see how much they achieve for cancer sufferers and their families across the region despite receiving no direct funding, thanks instead to outstanding fundraising efforts and the commitment of dedicated volunteers.”

The winning ticket

To round out her visit, the MP was invited to draw the winning ticket in a raffle the Centre had run during October, Breast Cancer Awareness month.  The Centre had been donated a beautiful vintage Estée Lauder pink ribbon pin badge by ‘Lizzy’s Lots’ vintage shop in Poole and decided to raffle it to one lucky winner.  The raffle made £31 for the Centre and Vikki Slade was delighted to see the lovely pin go to a good home.

Thanking the MP for her time in visiting, Bournemouth Centre Coordinator, Kim Garwood, said that events like this provide a welcome boost to all concerned.  “We know that our staff and volunteers do great things for our clients every day,” Kim said.  “Visitors like this remind us that other people know and value that, too.”