When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, it’s not just one life that changes – it affects the whole family. Charlie knows this first-hand. After CancerWise supported her family through one of the most difficult periods of their lives, she has remained closely connected to the charity as a friend, fundraiser, volunteer and now trustee.

This is Charlie’s story, in her own words:

My husband Tom was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in his mid 40s when our children were at primary school. We knew from the start it was incurable. As his illness progressed we got in touch with CancerWise. They provided us with psychological support and complementary therapies, as well as kindness and friendship at a time when our life was falling apart. Tom found the complementary therapies and counselling helped him navigate his illness. I found the counselling invaluable as a space to offload and come to terms with the changes we were facing. Our daughter benefitted from the children’s counselling service and knowing she had someone to talk to was invaluable. CancerWise supported us through an incredibly tough time and I will always be very grateful to the charity.

Charlie’s story is a powerful reminder of why our work matters. Knowing she and her family received the support they needed means so much to us.

We’re incredibly grateful to Charlie for everything she continues to bring to CancerWise. Her ongoing support helps ensure that other families facing cancer can access the same care, compassion and understanding when they need it most.