A beloved Somerset cancer charity, We Hear You (WHY), is on the brink of closure unless it can raise £55,000 by the end of April. The charity, which provides crucial support to patients and their families affected by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses across the county, urgently needs to secure £35,000 by March 31 to continue its services.
CEO Lucy Kitchener revealed to Somerset Live that WHY has experienced a sharp increase in demand while fundraising has declined. “People have less money available to donate. In real terms, we’re working harder for less money,” she said. “The demand for our services is definitely increasing. Our service users' needs are also more complex, and they’re struggling to find other sources of support.”
The charity’s financial challenges are worsened by rising operational costs and a lack of government or council funding. Established 31 years ago in Frome by a woman battling breast cancer, WHY supported 453 individuals last year, with over 70% receiving counselling.
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Since launching their fundraiser, WHY has raised nearly £21,000 from 207 generous donors. Among those rallying support is 16-year-old Finn, who is running 5k every day throughout February to raise funds in honor of his mother, whom WHY supported during her two-year fight with breast cancer.
Local businesses have also stepped up. Frome’s Treads Vehicle Services is donating £5 for every tyre sold to the cause. The team is personally connected to the fundraiser — member Kayleigh was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at just 20 years old.
Lucy Kitchener expressed deep gratitude for the community’s efforts: “The creativity and generosity shown by our community has been incredibly moving. From marathon training to quiz nights and 24-hour painting challenges, people are doing amazing things to help protect this service. But we still have a long way to go, and time is short.”
Supporters can help WHY by donating online, organizing fundraising events, sharing the appeal on social media, or involving their workplaces through payroll giving, match funding, or team fundraising initiatives.