Wessex Cancer Support marked its 45th anniversary on Tuesday 21st July with simultaneous celebrations at all four of its Centres across Hampshire and Dorset — a joyful testament to the thousands of people the charity has supported since its founding in 1981.
From Chandler’s Ford to Bournemouth, staff, volunteers and the people they support came together on Tuesday to celebrate four and a half decades of free cancer support services with cake, laughter and heartfelt reflection. The anniversary parties, held simultaneously across all four Wessex Cancer Support Centres, captured everything the charity stands for: warmth, community and an unwavering commitment to being there for those affected by cancer at every stage of their journey.
The celebrations brought together the many people at the heart of Wessex Cancer Support: the volunteers who give their time so generously, the staff who deliver counselling, complementary therapies and peer support day after day and, most importantly, the individuals and families who have turned to the charity in some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
“Thank You for Welcoming Me into the Wonderful Wessex Family”
The occasion prompted an outpouring of well-wishing messages from those who have been supported by the charity over the years. Many spoke of the sense of belonging they found at their local Centre, something that, for people navigating a cancer diagnosis, can be as important as any therapy or treatment.
Among the messages received were heartfelt words of thanks: “Thank you so much for your kindness and for being so welcoming,” wrote one supporter. Another shared: “Thank you all, for the support and treatments – you always make me feel so welcome here.” A third simply said: “Thank you for welcoming me into the wonderful Wessex Family.”
The word ‘family’ recurs throughout the messages and it is no accident. Since its earliest days, Wessex Cancer Support has built its reputation not just on the quality of its free services, but on the spirit of genuine human connection that defines every Centre. That spirit was very much in evidence on Tuesday.
45 Years of Free Cancer Support Across the South of England
Established in 1981 as a small local initiative, Wessex Cancer Support has grown steadily into one of the most trusted cancer support charities in the south of England. Today, the charity’s network of Centres – in Chandler’s Ford, Bournemouth, the Isle of Wight and the Waterside – offers a wide range of free services including one-to-one counselling, complementary therapies such as reiki, yoga and art groups, as well as peer support programmes for people at every stage of their cancer experience.
The scale of that support is striking.
In 2025 alone, the charity provided over 18,900 client support sessions across its services and 97% of clients rated the support they received as good or excellent. All of this is funded through donations, community fundraising and the tireless dedication of the charity’s volunteers.
Significant timing
“This anniversary comes at a significant moment for the charity and the wider sector,” said Ian Creek, Wessex Cancer Support CEO. “The recent publication of the National Cancer Care Plan has renewed focus on the vital role that organisations like Wessex Cancer Support play alongside the NHS, providing the kind of holistic, person-centred support that a clinical setting alone cannot always offer. This is something we are seeing reflected in our 45 Year Stories, our campaign to collect 45 stories and personal experiences from amongst our supporters to help celebrate this special milestone.”
For many at Tuesday’s parties, the most meaningful recognition of all came in those simple, heartfelt messages from the people they have supported, a reminder of why the work matters.