We were saddened by the recent news that loyal CancerCare volunteer, Joyce Harris, has died, aged 95.
A former teacher, Joyce became involved with the charity when her husband Glyn was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1984. Together, the couple set up a Kendal drop-in group at the request of CancerCare founder Professor MacIllmurray and with support from nurse Susie Roth.
Speaking in 2018, Joyce said: “It was the only thing there was for people with cancer in those days. People came to find information and to ask for advice.
“People used to say: “Don’t say that word (cancer)”. At the drop-in we welcomed people with open arms and talked about everything.”
The group continued for 35 years, offering support, friendship and a listening ear to local people coping with the impact of cancer, life-shortening illness or bereavement. Sadly, Glyn died in 1992 but Joyce ran group meetings until her own cancer diagnosis in 2014. She remained involved in the sessions until 2019, when the group came together to celebrate her 90th birthday.
In her time supporting CancerCare, Joyce also served as a volunteer receptionist at the charity’s Lakes Centre on Blackhall Road, as well as volunteer housekeeper, helping to keep the centre clean and tidy. She was a regular contributor to CancerCare’s newsletter throughout the 1990s, and a staunch supporter of countless fundraising collections, raffles and events.
CancerCare Chief Executive, Alison Stainthorpe, said: “Joyce will be very fondly remembered by everyone at CancerCare. She was a fantastic ambassador for the charity’s work, driven by her passionate commitment to ensuring that others in our community get the support they need when faced with cancer or loss. She knew how it felt to go through that and she made it her mission to help others. It was an honour to know her and work alongside her.”
Joyce is survived by her sons Christopher and Michael, and grandchildren David, Katherine, Jane and Dan. The family invite donations in Joyce’s memory for CancerCare via www.cancercare.org.uk or CancerCare, Blackhall Road, Kendal, LA9 4BT.