Find out more about the Hunts Community Cancer Network

Hunts Community Cancer Network (HCCN) was created to fill the gap that the NHS cannot support/fund and help transform the quality of life of adults living with a cancer diagnosis, in the Huntingdonshire area.

They do this by providing, at no cost, regular, evidence – based activities that promote healthy eating, physical exercise and mental well-being.

Yoga class with Jude. (Image: Newsquest)

HCCN does this by recruiting and developing the best team of caring, committed and skilled volunteers and contractors. Supporting them and providing them with the resources to do their best.

When discussing how a charity affects the people they support, I feel it is always better to hear it straight from the people they are working with. 

I personally got involved with the charity following my own cancer journey, and was blown away by the support I received throughout, and still do now in remission.

From the nurses, to the contractors, to others like me, I found belonging – something I have always felt with my friends and family, but equally something different that I didn’t realise I needed.

Everyone’s cancer journey is different, but equally everyone just gets it at HCCN. It doesn’t matter whether you are still on treatment or not, the mental journey always seems to simmer in the background (mainly when you are due check-ups, or you feel a normal ailment but still question it), and being surrounded by others who understand that, is beyond reassuring. To me HCCN feels like a hug.

But I am not the only one who feels like this.

This is from Sarah Allum: "My journey started two years ago bang in the middle of covid. With face masks and PPE protection I felt very alone.

"I noticed on my gym's timetable there were two cancer classes, so one day I gathered some courage and walked through the door.

"This was a year ago and my life was changed by the people in the class. I had never heard of HCCN so it was like a new world of possibilities and friends just waiting for me.

"The people attending classes are now my best friends; we’ve all been through a different cancer journey and we feel relaxed to have a laugh or a tear! The volunteers at Bradbury house are professional and look after us as individuals. I can’t thank HCCN enough.” 

John Verral: “The men’s group at Wednesday Montague Club is brilliant. They all listen to what you have to say, they all laugh and joke, and no one ever gets angry whatever you say.

"We all laugh together. If you come in down in the dumps, you come out with a smile on your face. I cannot stress what a lovely bunch of blokes they are to be with, and our leader Andi does try and make us behave, I myself would not want it any other way.” 

Other comments: “I walked into the room and felt supported, people understood and cared. A light bulb moment – that feelings of guilt, sadness, fear and anger were all perfectly normal and can be used to become a better version of yourself.”

“I cannot convey my gratitude to HCCN for giving me a place on their Patient to Person course. It has been instrumental in my well-being and confidence. I had become a person who wasn’t me. Thankfully, most of the time, I am me and I matter.”

Support by HCCN is free and as such there is increased pressure for them to continue to raise funds, especially now as there are more than 10,000 people with a cancer diagnosis in Huntingdonshire, but at present it is only possible to help around 300.

HCCN trustees Jan Davis and Angela Howells. (Image: HCCN)

If you would like to find out more about HCCN, or find out how you can support/ volunteer/ donate/ fundraise for them, please visit their website or Facebook page. https://www.hccnthecharity.org/ https://www.facebook.com/HuntsCommunityCancerNetwork