West Sussex charity Cancer United benefits from coronavirus-related donations

A unique West Sussex cancer support charity has benefited from two special coronavirus-related donations, at a time when it has lost about 65 per cent of its usual income.
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Cancer United, which has its own gym in Angmering and works from Worthing to Chichester, received almost £10,000 emergency funding through the government’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund.

One of more than 650 community projects to benefit from the fund since March, Cancer United was given the money to enable it to take its work online, so it could continue its exercise sessions, choir rehearsals and talks for people coping with cancer and shielding during the pandemic.

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The charity has also been named the winner of the first community charity campaign run by property lettings and management specialist PS&B.

Cancer United founder Jan Sheward outside the charity's gym in Angmering. Picture: Derek Martin DM15221879aCancer United founder Jan Sheward outside the charity's gym in Angmering. Picture: Derek Martin DM15221879a
Cancer United founder Jan Sheward outside the charity's gym in Angmering. Picture: Derek Martin DM15221879a

The company wanted to support a Sussex charity facing the devastating financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the winner decided by public vote.

Michael Barber, director of PS&B, was pleased to present a £500 cheque to Cancer United founder Jan Sheward.

Jan said: “We are a cancer support charity with a difference, in fact I believe that we are rather unique in the support that we offer.

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“Everything we do revolves around social interaction in many different environments which offer sport, physical activity and music. We bring together those whose lives have been affected by cancer, whether it is the patient or those close to them, as they too will have been affected by a cancer diagnosis.

“As soon as lockdown was enforced, we quickly diversified on to Zoom for all exercise sessions and choir rehearsals, so that we could keep the members fit, happy and socially engaged.

“What we couldn’t continue with was all of our fundraising events. In addition, the donations we have always received from many different individuals and/or organisations ceased overnight, causing the loss of about 65 per cent to the charity’s income.

“We are continually seeking any funding opportunities which not only help our sustainability but just as crucially, raise awareness of the important work that we do. I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate us for this award and then voted for us to win.”

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The charity is currently working on an OutCycleCancer project and Jan said the £500 prize would enable the team to launch the project and spread the word about Cancer United.

Nomination are now been accepted for the second round of the PS&B community charity campaign. The cause must be based in Sussex and details should be sent by email to [email protected] by midnight on October 25, 2020.

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