A cancer counselling charity in Frome has given a ‘heartfelt’ thanks to the community that rallied to raise funds to save it from closure.
We Hear You (WHY), a counselling charity for people affected by cancer, faced closure unless it raised £55,000 by the end of March. Residents rallied in support in recent months, with individuals, groups and schools across Frome raising money through various events and challenges. The charity has now reached its fundraising target.
Chief Executive Officer of WHY, Lucy Kitchener, said, “This is an extraordinary moment for us and one we will remember forever. This community has saved its local charity and we cannot thank you enough.”
In a last-ditch attempt to save the charity, residents took part in a 24-hour fundraising community relay over the final weekend of March. Waves of residents ran non-stop, including through the night, around the Old Showfield, passing a purple baton between them.
Fundraising ambassador for WHY, Rachel Clark, also completed a marathon distance at the event, running a loop of the course every hour. Rachel shared the news that WHY had been saved after the final lap of the 24-hour relay, saying it was due to the ‘phenomenal’ community support.
WHY said the funding gives the charity vital breathing space as it plans for a more secure future.
Lucy added, “We want to send our heartfelt thanks to every runner, donor, volunteer, supporter, ambassador, partner and friend who stood with us when it mattered most. Our community’s belief, generosity and determination have kept emotional support in place for children, young people and adults facing cancer and life‑threatening conditions. We are so deeply grateful.
“This funding gives us vital breathing space. Although we are not entirely out of the woods, we now have a clear stabilisation plan and are entering the new financial year from a more secure position – facing the same challenges as many small charities, rather than an immediate crisis. Over the coming months we will be focused on strengthening our long‑term financial resilience and protecting the services that people rely on. We remain committed to being open and transparent throughout this process.
“For the community of Frome and for the many people we support across Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset and Wiltshire, this means something very simple but incredibly important: WHY is here, our doors are open, and we will continue providing vital counselling and emotional support to anyone impacted by cancer and life‑threatening conditions.”
