A new cancer support group based in Haverhill has secured a £2,000 donation from our Suffolk region.

The volunteer-led Haverhill Cancer Support Group, which is a joint initiative between West Suffolk Cancer Care Navigators and St Nicholas Hospice Care, to support patients and families battling cancer secured the donation from our Community Champions scheme.

Ian Hamilton, Managing Director of Suffolk region said:

“We feel a strong attachment with the local community in Haverhill and are delighted to be able to make a £2,000 donation to the Haverhill Cancer Support Group.

“This organisation will do invaluable work supporting patients and families when they might need it most, and I hope our small contribution will enable the group to do even more for the local community.”

Representatives from West Suffolk Cancer Care Navigator team and St Nicholas Hospice Care were joined by Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Suffolk, Ian Hamilton, volunteers leading the group, members of the support group and Haverhill Town Mayor, Cllr David Smith for the cheque presentation.

The group will operate from St Nicholas Hospice Care’s Haverhill Hub, in Camps Road, and will meet on the last Friday of the month from 10.30am to 12.30pm offering pastoral care and support to people who have been affected by cancer.

Rhonda Waters, St Nicholas Hospice Care’s Community Connector, said:

“We are so grateful to Persimmon Homes Suffolk, for making this group one of their Community Champions winners and awarding it £2,000.

“We are pleased to be able to support this volunteer-led group alongside West Suffolk Cancer Care Navigators. Being diagnosed with cancer at any age comes with many challenges and we hope that this group will provide a safe space for people to be able gain peer support and exchange support and information, whilst discussing the challenges of living with a cancer diagnosis. Anyone affected is most welcome to attend this group, so if you think it could help you, please come along.

“I’d also like to thank the group’s volunteer for their vital support and for so generously giving their time.”

Cllr David Smith, Mayor of Haverhill added:

"I would like to thank Persimmon Homes for the contribution from their Community Champions fund which has facilitated the launch of Haverhill Cancer Support Group. This group will bring much needed support to our residents who either have cancer, have had cancer, or care for someone who has.

“It is clear from listening to the members this morning that, although they share a common condition, everyone’s story is different and there is no off-the-peg, one size fits all solution. The sharing of experiences and knowledge of the different resources available can only be of benefit, and having the opportunity to speak about it is vital. Thank you and congratulations to Jyoti and Helen for setting up this group.”

As well as building high-quality affordable homes, Persimmon is proud of the positive impact that its Community Champions scheme has on communities. It does this by supporting charities, sports clubs and local organisations who are the lifeblood of local areas. In the last two years, over £1.5 million has been donated to charities, community groups and local organisations who are the lifeblood of our communities.