History of the Centre

It all began in October 1982, when Avril Hinkly, who had herself undergone surgery and radiotherapy for her own cancer, was inspired to start a local centre, after her neighbour, Pat J, a widowed mother of teenagers, left Caterham at 5am one morning to drive herself all the way to the Bristol Cancer Help Centre and back the same day. Having used Bristol herself, Avril understood the enormous benefits such Centres can offer cancer patients and wanted one nearer to home.

With her previous contacts, as co-founder of Croydon Mencap, she canvassed a list of 250 possible helpers.

The First Group

In January 1983, with her partner Tom Perkins, she began a weekly cancer support group in their home, later in a church hall in Caterham. The search for premises for the South East Cancer Help Centre began. John Roughley was recruited as Chairman and Peter Betteridge as fund-raiser.

In 1986, Mike West, one of Avril's contacts, was walking past the old waterworks, which were being dismantled on what is now called Purley Cross. On impulse, he called on the local manager to ask whether the Cancer Centre could use the empty Gatehouse. "Yes - until it's redeveloped," was the reply.

A working party of volunteers, led by Mike Baynes, Avril's brother, then spent long hours and most of the Centre's modest funds creating a small meeting room, office, kitchen etc. The Gatehouse was opened in July 1986 by our former President, the late Lord Weatherill, then Speaker of the House of Commons.

Weekly group meetings continued there until January 1990, Joyce Dunmore having brought her popular Coulsdon support group to the Gatehouse in 1988. Our first part-time co-ordinator was appointed.

A Purpose-Built Centre

Tesco took over the site, but generously offered us rent-free accommodation within their new superstore, only yards from the site of the old Gatehouse. During building works in 1990, the Centre's office transferred to Purley Hospital, whilst groups met next door at the United Reformed Church. We took possession of our new home in February 1991. It quickly gained the reputation of being one of the best designed voluntary cancer centres in the country.

Over the years, one-to-one supports- counselling, aromatherapy and many others - have been introduced beside the groups and new activities like Tai Chi. All are now systematically provided by qualified, supervised yet still mostly voluntary staff. The therapeutic effect of fun is shown in our drama production, arts and crafts. We also periodically offer Saturday workshops for healthcare professionals or members.

In 2001, Tesco decided to enlarge its retail area. Rather than ask us to leave, they have built us the beautiful accommodation you see today.

On 21st July 2001 we celebrated the opening of our new purpose-built Cancer Help Centre with June Whitfield, our Vice-President.

The fully wheel-chair accessible suite, built for us by Tesco, comprises a large meeting room, state-of-the-art kitchen, aromatherapy and treatment rooms, a library and offices for our growing number of volunteers and staff. Despite its newness, an atmosphere of calm and friendliness already makes us feel at home here.

To accompany the new Centre, in pastel tones which match its walls, we have a new logo and identity, thanks to the generous help of ex-Saatchi & Saatchi Marketing Consultant, Graeme Collins.

Growing Medical Recognition

Cancer consultants from near and far give talks at the Centre. Patients are increasingly referred to us by hospital and hospice personnel, something they were reluctant to do in the early days. Current trustees include doctors and other health care professionals, business people and ex-patients.

We do not forget the many volunteers and members, some sadly no longer with us, who have helped make all this possible.

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