The toll this took on my parents, both physically and mentally, was huge.
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 Director of Fundraising, Catherine, shares her story and experience.
Dad was diagnosed with leukaemia in February 2020 and needed extensive chemotherapy and eventually a bone marrow transplant that July.
This all coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, making his treatment a much higher risk as it rendered him extremely vulnerable with no immune system.
My parents live in the East Midlands, with myself and my brother and sister all now based in the South. We could not go home to support our parents as they went through this ordeal, due to the high risk of infection and Covid restrictions.
My Dad had lengthy stays in hospital in an isolated room, and my Mum also had to remain isolated in our family home, unable to even visit Dad. There were moments when he was released from hospital for a few days or weeks before being re-admitted, in those moments my Mum became his carer.
The toll this took on my parents, both physically and mentally, was huge.
But my Mum was a hero throughout all of this. She helped him through not only the symptoms of his cancer, but also the complex management of his medication and the horrendous side effects of his treatment.
There are so many up and downs that come with the medication, you never really know how it will play out until you’re going through it.
Being far away, my siblings and I felt utterly useless, and desperate for any glimmer of hope for better news as the days rolled on. There were plenty of times when we feared he had reached the end. That rollercoaster continuing for over for 18 months.
It was a truly harrowing time and really showed me how important it is to be there for, not just the person going through cancer, but also those around them. The fear, the isolation and how once the actual treatment is completed, how long the real road to recovery truly is. It really took a lot out of all of us.
The day I finally saw my parents again in person after 18 months apart, I was able to finally introduce them to their newest grandchild, who by then was four months old. This is by far one of the happiest memories of my life.
Whilst what happened to my family was during exceptional circumstances, I hope that what I do to help Wessex Cancer Support, will prevent people feeling that level of isolation or helplessness as they face cancer, or during their recovery.
My Dad is my biggest inspiration for wanting to work for the charity.
I joined Team Wessex in January 2025. I was inspired to work for a charity that actively supports what me and my family had experienced with my Dad.
I feel gratitude for the NHS treatment that saved his life and to the anonymous bone marrow donor who gave the gift that they did, but coming to terms with that experience is not something you can do in a clinical setting.
I feel like one of the most important things we do as a charity, is recognise the wider impacts that cancer has, not only on the person but on those around them, and many of these impacts are felt after treatment is completed, when life is expected to return to ‘normal’.
Hearing the stories of people Wessex Cancer Support has helped has been incredibly touching.
The range of ways people have benefited from the services we off is remarkable. It’s not just the physical but also the emotional support that can make all the difference.
Our Services Team is amazing with the work they do, but we couldn’t deliver what we do without the support of our brilliant volunteers; they make such a difference.
Whether it’s supporting in our centres, or getting involved in our fundraising, it’s heaps of fun and you get to meet and chat to some really lovely people.
In a world that can feel a bit gloomy sometimes, it’s a nice reminder that there are plenty of good people out there doing amazing things.
My Dad continues to manage the after-effects of his treatment years later, and even though the risks are lower, I still find myself flinching with anxiety if one of my young children even sneezes near him!
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.
