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

  • Support from the Bottisham Women’s Institute for the Centre

    THANK YOU WI! Janet Hickman, one of our trustees and [...]

  • February 2026 What’s On

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  • Repair Cafe held at the Centre

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  • Winter trip to Ely Christmas Gift and Food Fair on 21st November 2025 enjoyed by members.

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  • Autumn Fayre is a huge success

    Thank you so much to all of you who came [...]

  • Thanks to all the amazing volunteers who support the Centre

    VOLUNTEERS LUNCH on 17th September 2025 We are so grateful [...]

Events

  • 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 [...]

  • Dec

    6

    Repair Cafe on 6th December 2025 from 2-5pm at the Centre

    📣 We are thrilled to announce that we are organising [...]

  • Nov

    8

    Autumn Fayre on Saturday 8th November 2025 from 11am to 2pm at the Centre

    Autumn Fayre on Saturday 8th November 2025 Join us at the [...]

  • Nov

    14

    Celebrating the life of Fran Dawson on Friday 14th November 2025 from 2-5pm

    Fran Dawson We would like to say a very sad [...]