Our story
Our story begins here in Norfolk. In the 1970s, two young men David Moar MBE and Clive Bamford, found themselves with cancer and having to travel to London and Cambridge for treatment, often finding this more gruelling than the treatment itself.
David and Clive vowed to do something so that local people would have access to the best treatment and support closer to where they live. 40 years on, their vision has more than become a reality. The charity they founded, Big C, has raised over £40 million with on average £3 million raised each year by the local community and generous funders.
From its first small, but important fundraising project to supply chemotherapy equipment to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Big C has grown into an impressive organisation which funds specialist equipment and internationally significant research projects based at the Norwich Research Park. These projects greatly benefit local people and have a global impact on our understanding and treatment of the many types of cancer.
The charity has also established seven Big C Support and Information Centres and Hubs. These centres provide an oasis of specialist emotional and practical support for those with a cancer diagnosis and their loved ones away from a clinical environment.
How our story began
We’ve helped people like John & Sue
“Meeting someone who understood how my husband felt and was able to also make him laugh despite the tracheostomy and only being able to communicate by writing, was a truly up-lifting experience.
I cannot emphasise enough how much of a difference Big C made, thank goodness we found it.”
We’ve helped people like Margaret & John
John’s wife Margaret was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in July 2022. The couple decided to pay a visit to the Big C Centre at Norwich Hospital to find out more about the Centre and what support might be available.
Related news
Support
At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.
Research
We fund vital, world-class research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
Get involved
Become a volunteer, fundraise or donate – your support is needed more than ever.
Let’s keep in touch
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