Broads Tours by Norfolk Broads Direct partners with Big C Cancer Charity for NCFC Legends Charity Match

Broads Tours by Norfolk Broads Direct has partnered with Big C, the local cancer charity, as headline sponsor for a charity football match taking place on Saturday 9 May at Wroxham Football Club.

The event will see a team of Norwich City football legends go head-to-head with Help Delete Cancer FC, a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising cancer awareness and creating positive memories through community sport and fundraising events.

Now in its third year, the much-anticipated fixture offers a fun, family-friendly day out, with football action, penalty shoot-outs, a raffle, family activities and refreshments. All funds raised on the day will go directly to Big C, helping to support local people affected by cancer.

A father and his daughter at a fundraising event, smiling at the camera

Supporters can look forward to seeing former City favourites including Simon Lappin, Declan Rudd, Grant Holt, Mike Milligan, Ryan Jarvis, Kyle Callan-McFadden, Danny Crow, Michael Spillane and Rossi Jarvis.

Grant Holt with football participant smiling at the camera at charity football match

Big C was established more than 45 years ago by two young men from Norfolk who, after having to travel to London for cancer treatment, found the journey itself often more difficult than the treatment. Determined to ensure others would not face the same isolating experience, they set out to raise funds so people in Norfolk could access the best possible cancer care and support closer to home.

More than four decades on, that ambition has become a reality. Big C has raised over £50 million to support local people affected by cancer, providing emotional, practical and physical support for patients and their loved ones.

In addition, Big C funds ground-breaking research at the world-renowned Norwich Research Park, helping scientists develop new and better ways to understand, diagnose and treat cancer research that makes a difference locally, nationally and internationally.

Greg Munford, Executive Chairman of Norfolk Broads Direct said: “We are proud to be the headline sponsor of this year’s Big C charity football match, an event that brings together community, sport and a shared determination to make a difference. Big C plays a vital role in supporting people across Norfolk affected by cancer, providing care, guidance and reassurance at every stage.

A young person holding bang bang sticks at an event

“As a Norfolk-based business built around helping people enjoy and connect with this special part of the country, we see first-hand how important organisations like Big C are in supporting those affected by cancer. Their work makes a genuine difference to people’s lives across the region, and we are delighted to support an occasion that raises both essential funds and awareness. Hosting the event here in Wroxham makes it even more special, and we look forward to seeing the community come together for such an important cause.”

Karen Vincent, Chief Executive of Big C, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Broads Tours by Norfolk Broads Direct for coming on board as headline sponsor for this year’s legends match. Support from businesses rooted in our local community makes events like this possible and helps us continue to be there for anyone affected by cancer across Norfolk. It promises to be a fantastic day and we are really looking forward to welcoming supporters to Wroxham.”

Established as a family-run attraction on the Norfolk Broads, Broads Tours by Norfolk Broads Direct has been welcoming locals and visitors to the waterways for generations and is proud to support initiatives that strengthen and support local communities.

Click here to find out more and purchase tickets

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Norfolk Business Community Takes to the Dancefloor to Raise over £23k for Local Cancer Charity

The highly anticipated Strictly Big C fundraiser returned for a third year and was once again a spectacular success, raising over £23,000 for Big C. The glamorous evening brought together members of the local business community, who partnered with dancers from Miller Dance to learn a variety of routines and raise vital funds for local people affected by cancer.

Held at the Holiday Inn Norwich North, the event was hosted by Richard and Lynn Miller of Miller Dance and judged by a panel of local personalities, Radio Presenter Chrissie Jackson, TV Broadcaster Amelia Reynolds, and last year’s Strictly Big C champion Sheryl Jackson from fundraising group Ladies in League Against Cancer (LILAC).

This year’s dancers – Lanassir Gunton, Sarah Jones, Claire Baker, Lucy Fraser, Gemma Crane, Kim Uzzell, Amy Bramble, Nat Davies, Paul Macro, Jade Potter and Sarah Cooke – delivered thrilling performances that showcased their dedication and newly acquired dance skills.

The winning couple, Gemma Crane, Founder of Mindset-HR and her dance partner Amanda Jones from Miller Dance, were thrilled to lift the glitterball trophy after receiving top marks for their Paso Doble.

Gemma said, “Taking part in Strictly Big C has been an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was incredible and I’m so proud of how much money we have all raised together as a team. Winning the glitterball with Amanda was the perfect ending to an amazing journey.”

Guests were also treated to a wonderful performance by the 2025 winning couple, who returned to the dancefloor for a special appearance.

Volunteer photographer Paul Oliver from Norwich & District Photographic Society (NDPS) captured the evening’s highlights, while videographer Mikey Finn from MJM filmed each routine. Students from City College Norwich once again supported the event by helping dancers get ballroom-ready with hair and makeup.

Big C Chief Executive Karen Vincent expressed her gratitude to event sponsors MCB Financial Services, auctioneer Fabian Eagle, the judges Chrissie Jackson, Amelia Reynolds and Sheryl Jackson, Big C volunteers and the wonderful team at the Holiday Inn Norwich North. “We are truly grateful for the support and generosity shown by the local business community, our sponsors and everyone who took part in this year’s event. A special thank you goes to Lynn and Richard Miller of Miller Dance, whose dedication, along with that of their talented dancers, has been instrumental in making this event possible.

“This year’s contestants from the local business community have been outstanding, and their fundraising efforts have been nothing short of inspiring. We are very thankful for their generosity and for supporting Big C.”

Lynn Miller, co-founder of Miller Dance alongside her husband Richard, said, “It’s wonderful to see this event continue to grow each year. The dancers, volunteers and supporters all come together with such enthusiasm to raise money for this fantastic charity.”

The funds raised will support the charity’s work in providing outstanding holistic support, aiming to improve lives through services at their warm and welcoming support centres. All services are free of charge, including support groups, complementary therapies, emotional and psychological support, welfare guidance, exercise and nutrition programmes and bereavement support.

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Classic Ibiza and Big C reunite at Blickling Estate

Classic Ibiza returns to the stunning grounds of Blickling Estate on Saturday 1 August, with an extended programme of perfectly orchestrated dance music. In their latest update on this summer’s new-look show, the concert’s organisers have announced that they will once again be teaming up with Big C Cancer Charity, to help raise funds for the vital work they do.

Big C is a local charity dedicated to supporting people affected by cancer in Norfolk and surrounding counties – whether that is someone with a cancer diagnosis or their loved ones, from diagnosis and treatment through to life beyond cancer.

The charity’s support centres provide friendly, specialist, practical and emotional support in person and online, including support groups, complementary therapies, psychological support, welfare guidance, exercise and nutrition programmes and bereavement support.

Tom Holmes, Big C Events & Engagement Manager says: “We’re delighted to be part of Classic Ibiza again this year and we can’t wait for another fantastic night at Blickling in August. Every donation made at the event helps us provide vital support to local people affected by cancer and we’re incredibly grateful to the organisers for their continued support of Big C.”

Five people standing in a line wearing bright blue Big C t-shirts and flower garlands round their necks. The person on the left is wearing a pink sparkly cowboy hat. They are standing on a grass field with a Big C pop-up gazebo behind them. There is blue sky behind them and the sun in shining.

Classic Ibiza raised a grand total of just under £30,000 on last summer’s tour, and donating this year couldn’t be easier. There’s an option to donate when purchasing tickets on Classic Ibiza’s website and there will be various fundraising initiatives taking place at the event.

These include a £2.50 donation from every programme sold, a recommended £5 donation from press and guest-list entries, as well as collection points at all entry and exit gates. Further funds will be raised at the Big C shop selling a range of fun merchandise.

A person in a bright blue t-shirt is holding a small payment machine. She is standing in an open gazebo with lots of colourful merchandise around her. She is wearing sunglasses and is smiling. It is summer and the sun is shining.

Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward says: “A massive thank you to our incredible audiences up-and-down the country for their continued support for our designated charities. We hope to help them raise even more funds this year, making a much-needed contribution to the invaluable work that they do.”

Performed by the 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra and DJ Tasty Lopez, conducted by Stephen Hussey, this summer’s new-look Classic Ibiza will take you on a sonic journey of the very-best of Balearic-infused house music. In addition to all your favourite dance tracks, the extended five-and-a-half-hour show features a new live chill-out performance, fresh DJ sets and extended guest vocals from the incredible London Community Gospel Choir.

Sponsored by Adnams Ghost Ship, tickets to Classic Ibiza Blickling Estate are selling fast.

© Revival Productions

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Celly and the Big C

Coming soon!

Celly and the Big C is an educational video game created in partnership with Big C Cancer Charity and Norwich University of the Arts, with the aim of supporting upper primary school-aged children in understanding cancer treatment.

Cancer treatment can be difficult to talk about, especially with children. Celly and the Big C is a response to this challenge, using the power of play and games to help do the talking for us. Through the main character, Celly, and their companion, P.O.E, players are invited into the body to explore, learn and be curious about what’s going on. This project uses play, metaphor and visual language to explain what happens to the body during cancer treatment without overwhelming or alarming young players.

By putting players in control, Celly and the Big C empowers us to have these conversations safely and from a position of agency. The gameplay mechanics give you an important feeling of control and power, otherwise difficult to feel when learning about cancer treatment.

The project combines healthcare and wellbeing expertise from the team at Big C and the long history of Game Art, Game Design and Game Development knowledge from researchers and practitioners at Norwich University of the Arts. Coming together, we’ve created a sensitive, engaging experience that supports learning while respecting the emotional complexity of the subject matter.

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Big C and Alive Bring Free Cancer Rehab to King’s Lynn

Big C Cancer Charity is working in partnership with Alive, part of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk to offer free rehabilitation sessions for recovering cancer patients.

Building on the success of Big C’s rehabilitation group at Riverside Leisure Centre in Norwich, the sessions are being extended further into West Norfolk where a 12-week programme will start at Alive Lynnsport in King’s Lynn.

The sessions are being launched on 4 February to coincide with World Cancer Day, an international day dedicated to raising awareness around cancer and encouraging prevention, detection and treatment. They are open to anyone who has had cancer, is now in remission or well enough to be partaking in physical exercise.

Cancer Rehab patient seated on exercise bike with instructor explaining controls.

Karen Vincent, Chief Executive at Big C says “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Alive Lynnsport, bringing cancer rehabilitation into the heart of the King’s Lynn community.

“Launching these sessions on World Cancer Day makes this moment especially meaningful for us, as it highlights the importance of supporting people to live well with and beyond cancer.”

Karen Vincent, Big C Chief Executive, leaning against a handrail at Big C's Head Office

The idea of the programme is to support people back to fitness following a cancer diagnosis, and help them build confidence, so ultimately, they will feel more comfortable about joining a class.

Amy Goreham, Physical Activity and Wellbeing Practitioner explains “Our Big C Rehab Class will provide a welcoming space to enjoy exercise safely and confidently, guided by a Qualified Level 4 cancer rehabilitation practitioner.

“Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or trying exercise for the first time, these sessions can boost your fitness and rebuild body confidence.

“These classes will help you to move as part of a supportive group, feel empowered and learn to use equipment with ease. There’s no need to feel apprehensive about coming into a gym class – we’re there to support you every step of the way.”

The circuit-based activities are multi-level, ensuring all abilities are catered for, and concentrate on cardio, strength and agility. A buddy system is in place to make sure everyone is supported in the best possible way.

The sessions involve 45 minutes of activity, followed by an hour of an optional post-class social over a cup of tea. Big C’s support team are on hand to offer any support or advice needed, but it gives the opportunity for people to chat with other members of the group who may be going through a similar experience.

Cancer Rehab patient seated on rowing machine with an instructor providing support.

Cllr Jo Rust, Cabinet Member for People and Communities says “In addition to the great work we’re doing with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, we’re delighted to be partnering with Big C on this new venture.

“Our goal is to make West Norfolk a healthier, happier place, and the rehab class is a really important step in working together and building healthier communities.”

If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Big C who can provide further information and do an initial screening before getting you started. Bookings can be made each week, so there is no pressure to join in every session. To find out more call 0800 092 7640, email support@big-c.co.uk or visit www.big-c.co.uk.

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Announcement of new Chair for Big C

Professor Dylan Edwards will be stepping down as Chair of the Board of Trustees at the end of November, as he relocates to Dorset. We are delighted to announce Big C Trustee Professor Charles ffrench-Constant has been appointed as new Chair.

Dylan’s career in cancer research and higher education spans decades. He came to Norfolk in 1998 as the Big C Chair of Cancer Studies and during his tenure, he coordinated ambitious international research collaborations – this work has been central to deepening our understanding of cancer biology.

When Dylan joined the Big C Board in 2017, becoming Chair in 2022, he brought scientific insight, strategic thinking and commitment to collaboration to the position. He has lent his voice and authority to support our research grant priorities, elevate our profile and promote ambitious partnerships.

Archive photo of Professor Dylan Edwards sitting in a laboratory surrounded by scientific equipment

We owe Dylan a profound debt of gratitude for his dedication, leadership and the invaluable guidance he has provided over the past nine years, and we wish him and his family all the very best in this next chapter of their lives.

Big C Volunteer Awards 2025 Chair of the Board, Dylan and Chief Executive, Karen with volunteer Rena

Whilst we will miss Dylan greatly, we are delighted to share that the Board has formally approved the appointment of Big C Trustee Professor Charles ffrench-Constant, as our new Chair of the Board.

Charles joined the Board in June having just retired from his role as Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Medicine and Health at UEA, a post he had held since 2021.

A headshot of Professor Charles ffrench-Constant

Prior to that Charles had carried out research at Edinburgh and Cambridge Universities working on developmental neurobiology and multiple sclerosis. He has also served as Dean of the Norwich Medical School and as a non-executive director with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Trust. Charles will formally take up the role as Chair on 26 November.

He brings a wealth of understanding of research at the national level through involvement with a number of charities; he is currently Chair of the Grants Committee of Alzheimer’s Research UK which oversees around £30M annually in funding for dementia research. He also brings an extensive network of contacts throughout Norwich, UEA, the Norwich Research Park and beyond. He is keen to promote a role for Big C in cancer prevention research, building on regional and national partnerships with Cambridge and Cancer Research UK.

Big C would like to give an enormous thank you to Dylan for his incredible service and warmly welcome Charles to his new role.

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Big C announces HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, the Lady Dannatt MBE, as new Patron

Big C is honoured to announce HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, the Lady Dannatt MBE, as its new Patron.

In recognition of the work the charity does supporting local people affected by cancer in Norfolk and beyond, Lady Dannatt said “As Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk it is a great honour to be asked to be Patron of Big C. Big C is a phenomenal Norfolk cancer charity that touches and enriches so many lives across the county, and as such is close to my heart.”

(Lady Dannett, centre of the photo, during a recent lab tour visit at Norwich Research Park)

A group of six adults stands in a line outside a building with large glass doors. They are dressed in smart, semi-formal clothing and smiling at the camera. The group includes three men and three women of varying ages. The background shows the building’s interior through the glass and some outdoor reflections.

Lady Dannatt has been close to Big C for a number of years, alongside a variety of other hard-working Norfolk charities with which she is involved. As a trained professional counsellor, latterly working at the Sue Lambert Trust, she knows only too well the importance of support for vulnerable people.

Karen Vincent, Chief Executive at Big C said “We are delighted and deeply honoured that HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, the Lady Dannatt MBE has graciously accepted the role as our Patron.

“As we mark 45 years of supporting local people affected by cancer, Lady Dannatt’s patronage holds special significance. This milestone follows the profound loss of our beloved President and co-founder David Moar MBE and so to have Lady Dannatt alongside us going forward means so much.”

Karen Vincent, Big C Chief Executive, leaning against a handrail at Big C's Head Office

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Big C celebrates its Board of Trustees

Trustees Week (3-7 November) is a time to celebrate our wonderful and passionate Trustees and the amazing work they do in supporting Big C, your local cancer charity!

Trustees play a key part in any organisation, sharing the ultimate responsibility for governing and directing how it is run. Our Big C Trustees are all volunteers and meet monthly to reflect on performance, make key decisions and plan for the future. We are so grateful to have such a dedicated group of Trustees, all bringing their own specialities, experiences and personal connections to the role and helping us shape the charity.

Professor Dylan Edwards, our Chair of the Board, has been a Trustee since 2017 and Chair since 2022. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role. He mentions “I have a long experience of cancer research, over 4 decades, so I understand many aspects.”

Big C Volunteer Awards 2025 Chair of the Board, Dylan and Chief Executive, Karen with volunteer Rena

Paige Gouldthorpe, our Vice Chair loves meeting the employees and volunteers who make the charity so successful.  “I love watching the charity thrive and change people lives and being part of that is such a blessing.”

Volunteer Awards, Vice Chair Paige with co founder David Moar MBE

Dr Noreen Cushen-Brewster comes from a clinical background, and this, she explains, “gives me an opportunity to use my knowledge and skills to support future developments of the charity as well as raise awareness of what services it provides.”

Trustee, Beth Gammage, says cancer care, prevention and treatment have been important to her for a number of years and she wants to share her experience and give back to support Big C.

Treasurer, Marilyn Martin, has been a Trustee since 2015 and is “a big fan of research, raising money and making research strides.” She also is passionate about “seeing the charity grow.”

A recent addition to the Board, Rob Mills says “I became a Trustee in order to help improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families.” Rob’s experience as a cancer surgeon brings a hands-on perspective of the experience those affected by cancer have. He mentions “I hope to be able to use the experience I have gained to support Big C.”

Chloe Smith says “it’s a privilege to give back as a Trustee” to those who helped support her during her cancer experience in 2020. She is passionate about helping service people across our region through research, support, equipment and education.

Helen Cordingley has been part of the Board of Trustees since 2018 and continues to be “very keen to support this superb charity.” Helen brings a legal background to her role, crucial to understand legacy support which is such an important part of Big C’s income stream.

And finally, Denise Troughton says “it’s an opportunity to put my strategic and senior leader ‘head’ on” and use my “experience, knowledge and skills to give back to an organisation I admire and have close links with.”

Professor Charles ffrench-Constant is an active research scientist and has a passion for training the next generation of scientists with the aim to enhance cancer prevention and treatment. He wants to “be able to share this experience to give back and support this fantastic organisation.”

Please join us in celebrating our amazing Board of Trustees this Trustees Week!

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DNA analysis shows colorectal cancer has unique microbial fingerprint

Colorectal cancer is unique in having its own microbial ‘fingerprint’ – according to new research from the University of East Anglia.

The following press release has been issued by UEA. In recognition of this release, Karen Vincent, Chief Executive at Big C said:

“I am delighted to see the outcomes of this ground-breaking study. A powerful example of the impact of world-class research taking place here at Norwich Research Park.

This reflects Big C’s mission of investing in groundbreaking cancer research, inspired by our co-founder David Moar’s unwavering belief that ‘without research, nothing changes’.

This belief continues to fuel our investment in pioneering science and I’m incredibly proud that, through funding from Big C in collaboration with other funders, our charity has helped to make this vital research possible.”

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second deadliest.

The research could help doctors better understand how this cancer develops, how aggressive it might be, and even how a patient might respond to treatment.

The team studied whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from more than 9,000 cancer patients.  

The analysis, published today, also challenges scientific claims that all cancers are associated with a unique microbial fingerprint.

“This study changes how we think about the role of microbes in cancer,” said lead researcher Dr Abraham Gihawi, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School.

How the research happened

The research team studied Genomics England DNA sequence information from 11,735 cancer samples representing 22 different types of cancer.

“When you collect cancer DNA sequences, you also gain information from the DNA of microbes contained within the samples,” said Dr Gihawi. 

“We wanted to determine the precise DNA composition of microbes present in each sample. So, we developed computer programs to remove human DNA and analyse the remaining microbe DNA.

“We then correlated this information with clinical data from the patients about their cancer type and clinical outcome.

“What we found challenges previous claims that each cancer type has a distinct microbiological signature or fingerprint.

“But importantly, as whole genome sequencing becomes more common in hospitals, we show that looking at the microbes in tumour samples could become a powerful tool for improving cancer care at little extra cost.

A breakthrough for colorectal and oral cancers

“Our results show that only colorectal tumours possess distinctly identifiable microbial communities.

“We found that these microbial signatures were so specific that they could accurately distinguish colorectal tumours from other tumours. We hope that this could help doctors diagnose the disease more precisely and researchers to study the microbes found in colorectal cancer.”

The study also uncovered promising clinical applications.

For example, in oral cancers, the study found that certain viruses like HPV (human papillomavirus) could be detected accurately compared with current medical tests.

The team also found rare but dangerous viruses, such as Human T-Lymphotropic Virus-1 (HTLV-1), which can be dormant infections capable of causing cancer.

Better survival rates

“We found that certain types of bacteria were associated with poorer survival rates in some cases of sarcoma. This might lead to additional research and treatment options for these types of cancer,” said Dr Gihawi.

“One of the most exciting things we found was that in some sarcoma cases, the presence of specific bacteria was linked to better survival rates.

“This suggests that microbes might one day help doctors predict how well a patient will respond to treatment and open up new approaches to treatment,” he added.

An indispensable tool

Prof Daniel Brewer, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “This study highlights the growing clinical value of whole genome sequencing in identifying pathogenic organisms such as HTLV-1 and papillomavirus, which may otherwise go undetected.

“By revealing these hidden infections and providing insight into cancer prognosis – particularly in sarcomas – it demonstrates how genomic analysis is becoming an indispensable tool in precision medicine.

“The findings also suggest that oral cancer, in some cases, may be a close diagnostic consideration, further emphasizing the importance of comprehensive genomic profiling in clinical decision-making.”

This research was led by UEA in collaboration with the University of Leeds, the Quadram Institute, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, the University of Manchester, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, the University of Athens (Greece) the University of Liverpool, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University College London, the University of Southampton, the University of North Carolina (US) and the Earlham Institute.

This work was funded by the Big C Cancer Charity and Prostate Cancer UK, with further support from The Bob Champion Cancer Trust, The Alan Boswell Group, Masonic Charitable Foundation Successor to the Grand Charity, Movember, Prostate Cancer Research, the King Family, the Hargrave Foundation, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and Sarcoma UK.

‘Microbial Clues in Cancer: New Study Challenges Old Assumptions and Reveals Clinical Potential’ is published in the journal Translational Medicine.

Read the report

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Ovarian Cancer Support Group Launches in King’s Lynn in Partnership with Target Ovarian Cancer

A new cancer support group has officially launched in King’s Lynn offering peer support to local people affected by ovarian cancer. The group is the result of a new partnership between local cancer charity Big C and leading national charity Target Ovarian Cancer.

Meeting once a month at the King’s Lynn Cancer Support Centre on Railway Road, the group aims to provide a safe, welcoming space for anyone with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer — whether currently undergoing treatment or in remission. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to offer practical advice, emotional support, and signposting to specialist services.

Local resident Diane Boothby has been instrumental in the instigation of this new group. Following her own ovarian cancer diagnosis, Diane is passionate about ensuring support is available for local people in the King’s Lynn area and has been campaigning for a group to be set up. Diane will be facilitating the peer support group herself alongside the Big C and Target Ovarian Cancer teams.

Diane said “I am thrilled that we are launching King’s Lynn’s very first support group for ladies with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. This support group will provide a safe and encouraging space for women to share their experiences, receive support, and find hope.

“As an ovarian cancer survivor myself, I am still a cancer patient, and I know how important this support group will be for those facing the challenges of ovarian cancer.” 

Diane Boothby holding leaflets about Big C and Target Ovarian Cancer

The group was launched on 18 August with attendees including Councillor Andy Bullen, Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Councillor Josie Ratcliffe (East Downham ward), Rachel Mugnai, Head of Services at Target Ovarian Cancer and Maggie Tween, Head of Cancer at the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board.

Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists and the Macmillan Cancer Care Coordinator from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and team members from the East of England Cancer Alliance chatted to attendees from the new group, whilst enjoying a piece of cake in celebration.

King's Lynn Mayor Cllr Andy Bullen talking to Diane Boothby with a mug of tea in his hand

Karen Vincent, Chief Executive at Big C said:

“We are proud to launch this new group in collaboration with Diane Boothby and Target Ovarian Cancer. We know how important it is to bring cancer support closer to home, making sure people can access help and care within their own community. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or are supporting a loved one, our King’s Lynn Cancer Support Centre is here with an understanding, compassionate and welcoming team ready to support you.”

A group of six people smiling at the camera at the King's Lynn Support Centre

Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, Let’s Connect: Target Ovarian Cancer Communities is a new service that brings people affected by ovarian cancer to support each other. Target Ovarian Cancer plans to set up seven peer support groups around the country by the end of the year, with groups already running in Yorkshire and Leicestershire.

Pamela Walker, Project Lead – Peer Support at Target Ovarian Cancer said:

“We are very pleased to be working alongside Big C to establish a King’s Lynn Peer Support group as part of our exciting new project Let’s Connect: Target Ovarian Cancer Communities – made possible by the National Lottery Community Fund. We know how important peer support can be, and this group will provide a much-needed local space where women with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer can come together in person.

“A special thank you to Diane Boothby, the group’s volunteer facilitator, who works tirelessly to support other women with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, both locally, and nationally through campaigning and fundraising.”

This is the first peer support group in partnership with Target Ovarian Cancer in West Norfolk. Big C already hosts a support group for people affected by ovarian cancer in Norwich, which is held at the Big C centre in the grounds of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

For further information on joining the group, please email Pamela pwalker@targetovariancancer.org.uk or call 020 3985 8398.

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