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A Remarkable Commitment to Caring: Celebrating Elaine and Nicola’s Service Milestones

At Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, we are proud to celebrate two very special milestones. Elaine marks 19 years of service and Nicola celebrates 18 years, representing nearly four decades of combined dedication to supporting people living with cancer across Essex.
Both Elaine and Nicola began their journey with the charity as volunteers, generously giving their time to help others. While volunteering, they trained in reflexology and went on to develop their skills further, now providing a range of complementary therapies including reflexology, massage and Bach flower remedies.

From Volunteers to Trusted Therapists

Their commitment embodies the values of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, which provides accessible, high-quality cancer support to adults across Essex. We support people at every stage of their cancer journey, from diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond, while also offering support to loved ones and carers. For many clients, therapists such as Elaine and Nicola become a reassuring and familiar presence during difficult times. Their compassion, professionalism and willingness to listen have helped countless people feel supported, understood and less alone.

The Difference Complementary Therapies Make

For people living with cancer, complementary therapies can offer much-needed moments of comfort and relaxation during an incredibly challenging time. Reflexology and massage can help reduce stress, ease anxiety and relieve tension, while Bach flower remedies can support emotional wellbeing.

These therapies provide more than physical benefits. They offer time to pause, reflect and feel cared for, helping individuals regain a sense of balance and wellbeing during their cancer journey.

Supporting Thousands Across Essex

The impact of this support is significant. Each year, Helen Rollason Cancer Charity helps around 1,200 people, with 4,564 reflexology treatments delivered last year alone. Importantly, 99% of clients surveyed said HRCC services improved their quality of life.

Every treatment delivered represents a moment of support, comfort and connection for someone affected by cancer.

Celebrating Years of Dedication

As we celebrate Elaine’s 19 years and Nicola’s 18 years of service, we thank them for their outstanding contribution and unwavering commitment to the thousands of people whose lives they have touched through their care and kindness.

“My first day working for HRCC on placement from University was in January 2007. It was the start of an amazing career. It was the best decision I ever made.”

Elaine

“I have been part of HRCC for 18 years because I believe in the charity’s work and the difference we make. Every client’s journey is unique, and whether through therapy or a listening ear, it is immensely rewarding to know you have helped.”

Nicola

Help Us Continue Supporting People Living with Cancer

Our services are free to those who need them, but they are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Make a Donation

Just £50 could fund a reflexology or massage treatment, providing valuable relaxation and wellbeing support to someone affected by cancer.
Make a Donation

Become a Helen Business Hero

Businesses can support our work by becoming a Helen Business Hero for £250 + VAT, helping us continue to provide complementary therapies, counselling and support groups across Essex.

Become a Helen Business Hero

To find out more about our services, access support or support our work, visit our  How we can support you page.

Together, we can ensure that no one faces cancer alone.

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We are calling on everyone in our community to play a vital role in helping us to fundraise which will allow us to continue enabling quality of life while living with cancer. 

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Looking for support?

From complementary therapies to counselling and support groups, Helen Rollason Cancer Charity offers free, compassionate care tailored to your needs. You’re not alone – let us support you every step of the way.

Find out how we can support you

Tom Carr

I worked as a urologist with a special interest in cancer until my retirement in 2016. The patient journey with a new cancer is now often long and complex. Many need help to live their best life after treatment. Simple survival and the absence of cancer is not enough, feeling well and whole again is the goal. Social and psychological support makes all the difference. I am happy to help Helen’s charity to deliver that.

Kully Byatt

I have retired following a career at a senior management level in a range of sectors specialising in Human Resources, Project Management, Coaching and Mentoring skills. In addition since 2000 I have undertaken a number of voluntary Trustee roles for a range of organisations.

Through my desire to give back to a Charity that my mother personally benefitted from by utilising Complementary Therapies, I have for a couple of years volunteered for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity in the Retail Team and more recently this has inspired me to take up the role of Trustee so that I can contribute to the governance of HRCC in continuing to deliver vital services that benefit the community.

Jacqui Goulbourn

I’m a qualified accountant with over 20 years experience working in the NHS in Essex and beyond.  I know how vital charities in the healthcare arena are, to fill in where government funding doesn’t reach.  As a volunteer Trustee, I am pleased to be able to offer my skills and experience to help HRCC deal with these challenges, allowing staff to have a greater focus on providing services to the clients.

Friederike Englund

I am a cancer nurse by background and have supported those affected by cancer for over thirty years. I have worked very closely with the team at Helen Rollason and have seen the tremendous benefit and improvement in wellbeing that patients and carers experience through the support they receive. I am very keen to ensure that Helen Rollason widens its reach across all communities in Essex and offers support services that are effective and based on the most up-to-date scientific evidence.

Dave Johnson

I have always wanted to give something back following a corporate career in business development for technical services within the automotive industry.

I joined HRCC as a trustee to offer support and guidance to the very capable management team. It is nice to share my experiences and It is rewarding to see the team grow and deliver such important services.

Ben Schneider

I have been involved with HRCC for 15 years, initially through providing corporate sponsorship for fundraising events and then as a member of the Board, acting as Chair between 2020 and 2024.

With over 25 years’ experience as a Company Director in the Tech sector, I aim to bring my expertise in strategy, governance and digital transformation to support the charity in striving towards Helen’s vision of making good quality of life while coping with cancer available to everyone.

Andy Higgs

I have worked in the IT industry for over 14 years and before that, was a long-term retail manager so I have a broad range of experience to contribute to my trustee role, across the operations and retail areas. I am a husband and father of two and having lived in Chelmsford for many years, I really appreciate the opportunity to work with an excellent local charity.

My family has a deep connection with the charity as my wife, Kerry works in the Hatfield Peverel Centre and one of the family, who previously used the services, now volunteers. We’ve also been known to jump on bikes and get involved as we’ve all taken part in the Ride For Helen event over the years.

I am one of the newer trustees but I’m looking forward to contributing to the Charity’s purpose and goals.