In February, we were saddened to hear that Marilyn Barnes (founder of the Cambridge Cancer Help Centre) had passed away. Marilyn started the Centre back in 1986 – so this year we celebrate 40 years. We asked Ann Dingley for some words about Marilyn which we share below – what an amazing legacy indeed.

Marilyn got her support group up and running with 2 new members and she held meetings during the evening once a month at a school in Blinco Grove.

Marilyn felt there was a great need for people who had cancer to meet and connect with each other in order to strongly support themselves through thick and thin on their cancer journeys.

One of the Centre’s regular supporters said in our newsletters that she walked tearfully in to the Centre for the first time and always walked out of the Centre with aching sides from laughter.

What an amazing legacy Marilyn has left to benefit so many hundreds/thousands of people. I remember her with much affection. A remarkable and very special person.

– Ann Dingley
(text abbreviated for publication)

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Events

  • Aug

    5

    Annual General Meeting (AGM) – Wednesday 5th August 2026

    Wednesday 5th August from 11am in the Centre As a [...]

  • Jul

    21

    Our next Take Control programme will take place on 21st and 28th July 2026 from 1pm

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  • May

    19

    Our next Take Control programme will be held on 19th and 26th May from 1-3pm

    The next Take Control programme will be held on 19th and [...]

  • Apr

    22

    Nutrition talk: “Phytonutrients. Why are they important?”

    Following on from two previous successful Nutrition talks, we have arranged [...]

  • Mar

    10

    New Monthly Men’s Cancer Support Group – Tuesday 10th March

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  • Feb

    17

    Take Control Workshop – 17th and 24th February 2026

    TAKE CONTROL WORKSHOPSOn the 17th and 24th February 2026 our [...]