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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    Nearly £20,000 raised by all the fabulous and generous supporters [...]

  • April 2025 Newsletter

    Our April 2025 newsletter is now out! https://mailchi.mp/c1d9dfc979d5/april-2025-newsletter-cchc In this [...]

  • Thank you to Ted Sage after 17 years as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Centre

    THANKS TED! Ted has done so much more than the [...]

  • Change of Chair of Board of Trustees – January 2025

    Announcement – January 2025 Our amazing Chair Trustee, Edward Sage [...]

  • January 2025 Newsletter

    Our January 2025 newsletter is now out! https://mailchi.mp/cfae81923380/january-2025-newsletter-cchc In this [...]

  • Christmas and New Year – the Centre will reopen on Monday 6th January 2025

    The Centre will be closed for the festive period from [...]

Events

  • Jul

    8

    New Living with Secondary Breast Cancer Support Group with Breast Cancer Now

    A new “Living with Secondary Breast Cancer” Support Group is [...]

  • Jun

    3

    Look Good Feel Better – Wellbeing Event – Tuesday 3rd June 2025

    Look Good Feel Better – Wellbeing Event Join CUH Cancer [...]

  • May

    16

    Mental Health Awareness Week – Wellbeing event – Friday 16th May 2025

    CUH Cancer Support Service are supporting the Mental Health Foundation [...]

  • May

    13

    Macmillan HOPE Course starts Tuesday 13th May 2025

    Our next 6-week Macmillan HOPE (Help Overcome Problems Effectively) course will commence [...]

  • May

    11

    Sawston Fun Run 2025 – Sunday 11th May starting at 10am

    This year’s Sawston Fun Run will be held on Sunday [...]

  • Apr

    1

    Spring Coffee Morning – at the Centre on 1st April 2025 from 10.30 to 12.00noon