Basingstoke-based cancer charity, The Pink Place, brought some festive cheer to guests of the charity by holding a virtual Christmas party that included live music, games, festive jumpers, a quiz and video clips. Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke opened the celebration to an audience of adults affected by cancer and their partners, volunteers, staff, trustees, and special guests of The Pink Place.
The Basingstoke-based cancer charity, The Pink Place was founded in 2010 and since has offered free wellbeing support and services to adults affected by cancer and their partners living in the local community including Basingstoke and the surrounding area. The Pink Place is supported by NHS Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital.
The Pink Place offers a wide range of services including coffee mornings, counselling, complimentary therapies, health and beauty, wellbeing sessions, mindfulness and other workshops, activities and day trips, support drop-in sessions, fundraising events and key NHS specialists in the field of oncology have been invited to speak at seminars held by the charity.
During the Christmas Party, four of those whom the charity supports, were awarded a medal and certificate following their achievement in the charity’s MOVE-ember Challenge. Louise Funnell from Newbury, Lesley Donegan and Jane Aggrey from Basingstoke, and Andrea Ballard from Alton, undertook a range of exercise challenges posted on Social Media that raised funds, inspired and motivated others to take part in the first fundraiser this year for The Pink Place. Donations continued to pour in even after the fundraiser closed totalling £1,265.00.
Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke commented : “The Pink Place offers invaluable support to adults with a cancer diagnosis. They have continued this support during the pandemic and have an invaluable role in our Basingstoke community.”
Tadley-based international recording artist, Dave Reece, who played live via Zoom said: “It’s always a pleasure to help out such a worthy charity as The Pink Place.”
Christine Griffiths, Fundraising and Events Manager commented "This year has been difficult for everyone but for those going through cancer, they have endured many more additional challenges to both their physical and mental wellbeing. We are extremely grateful to everyone who got involved and raised money for The Pink Place in our first fundraiser this year.”
"As we bid farewell to a difficult year, we are confident that we will continue to adapt and change our services to meet the growing need for support to adults affected by cancer and we look forward to meeting up again face to face when it’s safe for our guests to do so next year," commented Kay Alsop, Operations Manager.
