Angmering cancer cause’s joy at new mobile base

The bus was formerly operated by charity Redeeming Our Commun-ities but was axed at the end of last year due to financial reasons.

However, Angmering-based support charity Cancer United has now adopted the vehicle and will soon be using it as a mobile hub for those affected by the condition across the area.

Jan Sheward, the cancer charity’s founder, said she already has some exciting plans brewing on how the group can use the coach.

She said: “This is going to be massive for us. I am thrilled to bits, I can’t tell you how excited I am for this because it means we will be able to get our presence back into the area.”

Jan first saw the bus being advertised in the newsletter of Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester.

After having lost the Cancer United shop in Wick Street, Wick, Jan said she was desperate for a way to bring back the charity’s presence within the community.

“When I saw the bus, I just thought it would be perfect,” she added. “It was like a dream come true, to be honest.”

Jan approached Ham Ward town councillor Marian Ayres, who had originally been part of the committee in charge of running the café bus.

Mrs Ayres was delighted to help and was thrilled the bus would, once again, be put to good use in the community.

She said: “When the café bus started, we had three people living close to each other, all going through the challenges of cancer but unknown to each other. They met on the bus and from there had support of each other and new friends

“We look forward to seeing it out and about on the roads and at events in the spring not only raising awareness of cancer but providing a support network which we all need when facing a crisis.

The bus needs a bit of TLC before it is officially relaunched in April.

Jan hopes it will serve as a mobile base for people to get support and advice about cancer and will help her expand the service.

Jan is now appealing for volunteers and drivers to man the bus to call her on 01903 779880 or 07957 829505.