The eye-catching woollen display features Wolly Lion, the much-loved mascot of Wessex Cancer, his flowing mane woven in rainbow colours representing the full spectrum of cancers supported by the charity. Each ribbon of colour woven into the topper carries its own significance; the individual colours represent specific cancers, while lavender and rainbow hues encompass all cancers together.
The knit and natter group was established by the Waterside Cancer Support Centre to bring together people affected by cancer – both those living with a diagnosis and the carers who support them – and members felt the charity’s 45th anniversary was too important a milestone to pass without acknowledgement.
Two members were central to bringing the project to life. One, who was diagnosed with the rare blood cancer Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia — a condition with similarities to multiple myeloma — described a challenging treatment journey that has only recently found more stable ground. “My treatment journey has been very rocky, but I have now found a medication that is relatively successful,” she said. “New treatments are coming along all the time, but a cure is still a long way off.”
The project also holds deep personal meaning for another group member, who first came to Wessex Cancer eight years ago when her daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer. “We received a lot of support which made the journey a bit more bearable,” she said. Despite losing her daughter two years ago, she continues to find comfort through the charity. “Wessex still provide me with support,” she added.
Waterside Centre manager Onize said the display had been warmly received. “It’s wonderful to see such creativity and heart coming together for our anniversary. The topper brings a real splash of colour to the high street, and every stitch represents something far deeper – the strength, resilience and community spirit of everyone connected to Wessex Cancer. We are so proud of our knit and natter group.”
The postbox topper is on display outside the Post Office on the High Street and is sure to catch the eye of passers-by – serving as a vivid reminder of four and a half decades of vital support for those affected by cancer in the local community.
