People affected by cancer in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight accessed more support sessions in-person and online in 2024, thanks to the free, local and personalised care provided by Wessex Cancer Support.
Clients accessed 19,000 individual support sessions across the charity’s four cancer support centres, compared with 16,560 in 2023. There was also a 48% increase in the number of online support sessions accessed. Wessex Cancer Support’s Daisy Buses made 15,248 journeys in 2024 compared with 12,344 in 2023, transporting patients arriving from the Isle of Wight to their hospital appointments in Southampton and Portsmouth. 100% of clients said the support they received was good or excellent.
Mum of two, Rose, from Hythe says Wessex Cancer Support helped her get her life back on track when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer aged 41:
“When I was diagnosed, all I could think about was what it would mean for me and the children. Suddenly, I found myself in a world I could never imagine. After my operation and chemotherapy I was diagnosed with a bone-weakening condition caused by my treatment. I felt like I had nothing left. That’s when I contacted Wessex Cancer Support. They looked after me. They helped me see that my body was something to be celebrated, and I began to get my identity back. They helped me see I could do anything, and the children and I celebrated by going out and doing fun things again. Thanks to Wessex Cancer Support, they got their Mum back.”
Suzanne Bannister, Wessex Cancer Support’s Director of Services, said:
“Even though cancer is likely to affect most people at some point in their lives, either personally or through a loved one, it’s still so difficult for many people to talk about openly. As a charity, we know that everyone’s experience is different and we enourage open conversations, emphasising that it’s not just about medical treatment, but a person’s emotional, social and practical challenges. We’re here to provide free, local and personalised support to anyone affected by cancer in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, either at one of our four centres, or online. We know that taking the first steps to cancer support can be daunting, but clients tell us that as a result of their support they feel less isolated and more in control of their situation.”
Details of the support available can be found at wessexcancer.org.uk
