National Cancer Charity Describes Meeting the King as a Pinch Me Moment
By Jill Dando News
Pioneering national cancer care charity, Hope for Tomorrow, was one of several cancer charities to receive a royal invitation from HM The King to attend a special Palace reception last month, held in recognition of their work supporting cancer patients.
Representing the charity in what they described as a “real honour” and a “pinch me moment” were CEO Tina Seymour; cancer care unit driver Bryan Baird; oncology nurse Pat Dyminski; high value partnership manager, Emma Bowles; volunteer and fundraiser Rachel Mann; and operations co-ordinator Jayne Foster.
Actor Richard E Grant, radio presenter Adele Roberts, former footballer Ashley Cain, and Alistair and Heather James, parents of Dame Deborah James who died of bowel cancer in 2022, were also among the guests attending.
Emma Bowles said: “It was an amazing experience as we had time to talk to the King and Queen Camilla to share the essential community-based cancer care and services we provide in the county and across the UK.
"Their current personal experience and journey was very much front of mind, and they showed real interest in what we do, which was very heartening. It was an important moment for us, and we hope that more public awareness and support will come from the occasion.”
The reception, held at Buckingham Palace and hosted by the King and Queen Camilla on 30th April, was in honour of community projects helping people who are living with cancer and for health groups working to prevent cancer.
Hope for Tomorrow, based in Stonehouse, has 14 mobile cancer care units and support vehicles across England, working with nine NHS trusts to bring cancer care into communities and closer to patients’ homes.
The charity is entirely self-funded, relying 100 per cent on sponsors and donations, with a budget this year of £1.8 million to keep the units on the road so patients can receive the same quality of care but without the stress and expense of having to travel to hospital - freeing up time to spend with family, friends or to work.
Helen, the unit in Gloucestershire, travels between Cinderford, Stroud and Cirencester.
The world’s first mobile cancer care unit, last year it facilitated 1,645 patient visits in partnership with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The King, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer in February 2024, also sent a heartfelt message to guests at the royal reception, describing his experience as “daunting and at times frightening,” yet how “the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”
He spoke about becoming a cancer statistic, referencing the more than 1,000 new cases recorded daily in the UK.
Tina Seymour, CEO of Hope for Tomorrow, added: “We would like to thank the King and Queen for hosting such a monumental event. It is so important to keep recognising and supporting cancer charities if we are to raise the funds needed to beat this disease.
“It is a very challenging time for charities as the cost-of-living crisis persists – every donation counts. We work hard to organise a spectrum of events where everyone and anyone can get involved through fundraising and sponsorship, no matter their age or location - individuals and businesses. From sky diving, to wing walking, to our flagship charity fundraisers, Walk of Hope and Cuppa for Cancer Care - where just popping on the kettle can raise much needed funds - there are many ways people can get involved in helping to drive cancer care forward.
“The generosity of people and organisations means we can support more cancer patients by expanding our cancer care units across the UK and by supporting the NHS with mobile diagnoses and screening too. The opportunities are endless, however we can’t do it without the support of our fundraisers, donors and sponsors.”
To make a donation or to find out more on how to get involved with Hope for Tomorrow visit: https://hopefortomorrow.org.uk
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