Since it was formed by three local women in 2012, the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) has made grants totalling more than £646,000 to pay for patients’ costs including transport, parking, childcare, food bills and accommodation.

But the charity’s volunteer trustees say the number of people approaching the charity for help has doubled since before Covid and more support is desperately needed to meet the growing need.

“Rapidly rising bills and fuel costs are affecting everyone.

““But for families already struggling because of a cancer diagnosis, this pressure can be almost unbearable,” explained DCCF co-founder Eve Went.

“The Pandemic has sadly also led to some people being diagnosed with cancer at a later stage – and these people need our help even more urgently.

“We have many fundraising events planned for 2023 and some fantastic people coming forward to support us with their friends, workmates and families.
“But we simply need to raise more money to cope with the rising tide of people needing our help, so even more support is needed.

“We would love to hear from companies interested in sponsoring our events and we have many different ways in which they can do this and receive publicity and coverage for doing so.

“People can also volunteer a little time to help out at one of our events, or organise their own garden party, quiz, barn dance, or take part in a sponsored event, anything!
“Or they can attend one of our great events or even donate through a small, regular direct debit. There is a way for everyone to show their support.”

Trustees Julie Hinks, Di Bird, Meryl Ponsford and treasurer, Vic Szewczyk are helping to govern the charity and attract new supporters in 2023.

Julie works for the NHS Blood & Transplant service and was herself helped by DCCF.
She explained: “I had breast cancer 19 years ago and I lost my mum to stomach cancer five years ago. The shock of my daughter Sophie being diagnosed with post-liver transplant lymphoma (PTLD) five years ago, was immense. Thankfully she is now in remission.

“But whilst she was undergoing many months of treatment in London this put our family through extremely difficult times, both emotionally and financially.

“Thankfully, a friend put me in touch with the DCCF and the Foundation helped meet some of my costs.”

“After Sophie came home, I wanted to give back to the charity and am now a trustee. ”

To find out more about DCCF, for information on how to apply for financial help and to get involved with its events and fundraising visit: dccf.co.uk.