The strength of local community spirit has once again delivered a significant boost to vital cancer services in West Norfolk. Alive West Norfolk has successfully raised £1,356.44 for The Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s (QEH) Cancer Care Unit through a series of popular bake sales.
A Sweet Tradition with Deep Roots
What started eight years ago as a modest coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support has blossomed into a cherished annual event. The initiative now brings people together across five different locations, demonstrating growing local engagement. For the past four years, the event's proceeds have been shared between Macmillan and The QEH's own Cancer Care and Treatment Centre, ensuring support reaches people facing cancer within the local community.
Mark Mitchell, head of health and wellness at Alive, explained the decision to support the hospital unit. "It made perfect sense to raise funds for the QEH Cancer Care Centres because it holds a special place in the hearts of so many of our team at Alive," he said. "Many of our staff, along with their families and friends, have received care and support there. This is our way of expressing our gratitude for the incredible work the team does every day."
More Than Fundraising: A Strategic Partnership
The fundraising is a natural extension of an existing and award-winning collaboration between Alive West Norfolk and the hospital. The organisations work in partnership to deliver a physical activity wellness programme, funded by The QEHKL Charity, which supports cancer patients with gentle exercise and holistic wellbeing to complement their medical treatment.
"Contributing to the funding of this programme felt like a natural extension of that partnership," Mark Mitchell added, "helping ensure it can continue to make a positive impact long into the future."
This meaningful joint work was recently highlighted when the two teams were jointly recognised at the 2025 Team QEH Staff Awards. The gentle fitness programme has been widely praised for helping patients build strength, boost energy, and improve overall wellbeing during and after their cancer treatment.
Gratitude and Community Impact
Vicky Mitchell, patient information and support manager at the hospital’s Cancer Wellbeing and Support Centre, expressed her thanks for the latest donation. "We are very grateful to Alive West Norfolk for this fundraising which will help us to continue to provide much needed support for our patients affected by cancer, such as the Physical Activity Assessment Programme," she stated.
Rebecca McMinn, the charity manager at The QEH, reflected on the broader significance of community-led efforts. "Fundraising is more than a number; it’s a reminder of what can be achieved when a community rallies behind a cause that truly matters," she said. "Every cake baked, every pound donated, and every hand offered in support helps change the experience of those living with cancer."
The success of the bake sales underscores how local initiatives can directly enhance NHS-supported services. For those inspired to contribute, The QEHKL Charity welcomes further support for its appeals. You can visit their website at www.qehklcharity.co.uk, email Charity@qehkl.nhs.uk, or call 01553 613309.
