Eight weeks left to save cancer counselling charity

A cancer counselling charity in Frome has just eight weeks left to raise the remaining £37,000 of a £55,000 emergency appeal or it faces closure.

We Hear You (WHY) has reached 30% of its fundraising target since launching the appeal in January. The charity says the remaining funds must be secured by 31st March to protect free counselling for hundreds of local families.

WHY provides specialist counselling and emotional support to people affected by cancer and life-threatening illness. Rising costs and the loss of multi-year funding have left the charity facing an urgent shortfall and it is urging more people to get involved.

Since launching the appeal, supporters across the community have stepped forward with creativity and determination.

Among them are Rose and her son Keinan, a mum-and-son duo training for the London Marathon as part of #TeamWHY. Alongside their marathon challenge, they have organised a jumble sale and a sold-out quiz night, raising funds and awareness for WHY’s work.

Treads Vehicle Services Ltd is donating £5 from every tyre sale to support WHY, helping to continue its vital work for people affected by cancer. The cause is personal for the Treads team: at just 20 years old, Kayleigh, a member of the Treads family, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Chief Executive Officer of WHY Lucy Kitchener said, “Charities like WHY play a crucial role in helping individuals and their loved ones navigate the lifelong impact of a diagnosis.

“These efforts have helped the appeal reach nearly a third of its target – but the most critical weeks are still ahead.

“The creativity and generosity shown by our community has been incredibly moving. From marathon training to quiz nights and 24-hour painting challenges, people are doing amazing things to help protect this service. But we still have a long way to go, and time is short.”

Last year, WHY supported 453 people, with more than 70% receiving counselling. Behind every figure is a child, parent or partner trying to cope with serious illness or loss.

To donate, visit https://wehearyou.enthuse.com/cf/we-hear-you-needs-you