This last year has been the most challenging in our history because of the disruption caused by Covid. But our staff and volunteers, funders and partners have dug deep, and together we have continued to provide vital services to support local people with cancer and their loved ones.

In particular, the pandemic has shown that charities like ours, which rebuild the mental health of people diagnosed with cancer, are so vital. Being cooped up and unable to see loved ones has made cancer even harder to live with, and exacerbated loneliness and anxiety for many. Its shown us how important our face-to-face services are, but also how digital support can be a real lifeline.

I've been having treatment for prostate cancer for the past two years and because of Covid-19 its been delayed, so it's a particularly anxious time for me. I do think cancer has changed me and so I've been using Wessex Cancer Trust's support centre a lot. They've been absolutely wonderful to me. They're lovely people and so easy to talk to. I've also been having Reiki, which really helps. For me, their Daisy Bus has been a lifeline because I've been using it to get to my appointments at the QA Hospital in Portsmouth. It's not just the transport though, I've made so many friends on the bus and because we're all going through the same thing we support each other. I'd be lost without it. It's good to know they're still at the end of the phone and there for me while the centre is closed.