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)

News

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Events

  • Mar

    10

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

    We are pleased to be able to offer a new [...]

  • Feb

    17

    Take Control Workshop – 17th and 24th February 2026

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

  • Feb

    10

    Valentine Card Making with Nina on Tuesday 10th February 2026 from 12noon

    MAKE CARDS for LOVED ONES Join is on 10th Feb [...]

  • Jan

    28

    Protein “What is best for us” on 28th January 2026 from 10.30am-12.30pm

    A HEALTHY START TO THE NEW YEAR Following on from [...]

  • May

    17

    Cambridge Cancer Help Cycle ride – 17th May 2026

    Cambridge Cancer Help Cycle ride – 17th May 2026 Whether you [...]

  • Jan

    13

    New Men’s Cancer Support Group starts January 2026

    A new Men’s Cancer Support Group will start on 13th January 2026 [...]