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Mental Health Awareness Week – Worry Worms

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Roughly a year ago Sharon’s granddaughter was facing anxieties. Being the supportive Grandparent, Sharon wanted to do whatever she could to help.  Therefore, Sharon knitted her a little worry worm, which was presented in a little bag with a little poem and a smiley face, which she then sent to her through the post. This special delivery was a complete surprise and a very much loved one. From then on Sharon’s granddaughter took her new friend with her everywhere; it gave her great comfort and support, making a huge difference to her wellbeing.  

This is just the beginning of the story, after seeing the difference her new little friend made, Sharon thought to herself, ‘why not make these for other children and even adults?’. To this day Sharon has made over 1000 worry worms specifically for Mental Health Awareness Week but over 1850 overall; in turn she is raising money for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. In Sharon’s own words, “I have seen first-hand what cancer does to people, and the devastation it causes within my own family. Helen Rollason is extremely important to me.” 

Sharon makes all her worry worms from home, and it brings her great pleasure and comfort. Sadly, she finds herself spending lots of time within her own home, unable to get out and about as much as she would like to due to a chronic illness. Knowing she can help others regardless of her own physical restraints gives her a positive uplifting feeling.  

Sharon sent one of her worry worms to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth when she was struct with covid in February 2022, to which she did receive a reply.  

“The Queen thanks you for your message and the delightful little handmade gift you so kindly sent on for Her Majesty. The Queen was encouraged to hear of your charitable support and is most grateful for your thoughtfulness in writing at this time.” 

If you would like to purchase a worry worm for your loved one and in turn support Helen Rollason Cancer Charity please visit one of our charity shops, all addresses are listed on our website: www.helenrollason.org.uk  

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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.