Suffolk homebuilder supports Haverhill Cancer Support Group

A new cancer support group based in Haverhill has secured a £2,000 donation from local homebuilder Persimmon Homes Suffolk.

The business kindly made the volunteer-led Haverhill Cancer Support Group, which is a joint initiative between ourselves and the West Suffolk Cancer Care Navigators Team, one of their Community Champions and awarded the group £2,000.

Alongside the West Suffolk Cancer Care Navigator team and the volunteers who run the group, we were pleased to welcome the Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Suffolk, Ian Hamilton, and Haverhill Town Mayor, Cllr David Smith, to our Haverhill Hub for a cheque presentation recently.

Ian Hamilton, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Suffolk, 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.”

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.”

Being diagnosed with cancer at any age comes with many challenges.  It’s intended that this group will provide a safe space to exchange support and information whilst discussing the unique challenges of living with a cancer diagnosis.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and you do not need to have a connection to any of the organisations supporting the group to do so.

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 the West Suffolk Cancer Care Navigators. I’d also like to thank the group’s volunteers for their vital support and for so generously giving their time.”

The group meets on the last Friday of the month from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Haverhill Hub.