The Dawlish Cancer Support Group was founded in December 2009.  Our aim is to give practical and emotional support to local people who are or who have been going through cancer treatment. We also offer support to their families.

Sue Thompson, a local Dawlish resident, set up the group after a diagnosis of breast cancer.  She subsequently had a mastectomy followed by chemo and radiotherapy.

So many people asked Sue about her treatments that it seemed a logical step to start a local support group for people to meet and talk informally about their own experiences of cancer.  Initially we were called ‘Bosom Pals’.

All of us have first hand experience of cancer and can share practical advice and emotional support.

We also hold social events including a monthly meet up, coffee mornings, occasional meals out and picnics by the sea at our Beach Hut.

In 2018, Sue Thompson was diagnosed with Myeloma and stepped down as Chair Person. She remains very much involved with all our activities and continues to offer as much help as she can.

We are now called the Sunflower Bunch. Our group has expanded to help and support men and women with a diverse range of cancers. There is no charge for joining our group and it is open to everyone affected by cancer.

A small committee of members handles practical matters and helps plan activities in consultation with members.

The committee are:

Shirley Smith  – Social Secretary

Maggie Harris  – Beach Hut Co-ordinator/Facebook Communications

Peter Sargent  – Transport Co-ordinator

Elaine Hynds – Secretary