Cancer Buddy is Doncaster Council ‘Employee of the year’

Ally Henshaw, breast cancer survivor and the creator of ‘Cancer Buddies’ was last night awarded Doncaster Council ‘Employee of the year’.  Ally was awarded this prestigious honour for her work on the Doncaster Cancer Buddies scheme, a befriending service which offers emotional and practical support for local people affected by cancer. 

People affected by cancer and carers are matched with a ‘buddy’ who has been through a similar cancer experience.  Ally set up the project after her own cancer experience and said:

“ Friends and family are great but they’re scared about what’s happening to you.  From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer I knew I needed to talk to someone who had been through the same experience – that’s how we came up with the idea for Cancer Buddies.

“To be acknowledged by my employers like this is a such an honour, I’m so proud that my idea has been brought to life and that I am able to make a real difference to local people affected by cancer” 

Ally was able to realise her idea with the support of the ‘Doncaster Cancer Survivorship’ project of which Ally plays an integral role on the steering group.  Since April this year Cancer Buddies has received 75 referrals, has 41 active clients and 32 trained buddies ready to give support.  

Ally set up Cancer Buddies with funding from Macmillan Cancer Support and a commitment from her employers Doncaster Council which enables her to run the service.   

Macmillan Cancer Support have invested £800,000 to improve cancer survivorship services in Doncaster over the last two years.

If you would like to find out more about how to become a cancer buddy or other voluntary opportunities with the Doncaster Cancer Survivorship project visit the Living Well volunteer open day on 3 November at St John’s Information & Support Centre, Tickhill Road, Balby, DN4 8JS (1-3pm).  Email stjohnsinfo@rdash.nhs for more information.