SMILES, cake and heartfelt thanks marked a special milestone for a Salisbury charity at the weekend.

Friends and supporters of Cancer Support Salisbury gathered on Saturday, February 21, at Salisbury Quaker Meeting House to celebrate the charity’s fifth birthday.

Guests were treated to a feast of sandwiches, signature homemade cakes and plenty of tea as they came together to reflect on five years of community support.

Among those attending were John Glen MP, the mayor of Salisbury John Wells and mayoress Josephine Wells, and athlete Sally Orange MBE.

Chairperson Rachel Salter and treasurer Robert Wells, both trustees of the charity, blew out the candles on the birthday cake before delivering a heartfelt speech.

They thanked everyone for their continued support and paid tribute to the many dedicated volunteers who give their time each week to run the charity’s social drop-in sessions, which provide vital practical and emotional support to those affected by cancer.

Founded in 2021, the charity demonstrated resilience during the Covid pandemic, moving its social drop-in sessions online to ensure support could continue at a time of isolation and uncertainty.

Since returning to face-to-face meetings, the group has expanded its services to include counselling, complementary therapies, and yoga and meditation classes – going from strength to strength.

Looking ahead, Cancer Support Salisbury hopes to continue supporting the community and to further grow its services over the next five years.

An additional evening social drop-in session is now being offered on Monday evenings at St Osmund’s Parish Centre, in Exeter Street, widening access for those unable to attend daytime sessions.

Weekly social drop-ins continue Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons at the Quaker Meeting House on Wilton Road.

For more information about Cancer Support Salisbury and its services, email info@cancersupportsalisbury.com, visit www.cancersupportsalisbury.com or attend one of the weekly sessions.