CWCF office opening 2022

Our charity recently celebrated a huge milestone in the 24 years since we were founded, with an official building opening at our now-permanent home in Willingdon!

Staff, volunteers, patrons and donors all came together to celebrate. The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr. Andrew Blackman, joined the celebrations with a formal ribbon cutting to welcome the guests into the office to see where the magic happens. Also in attendance was the Mayor of Eastbourne, councillor Pat Rodohan, and deputy Lieutenant, as well as patron for the charity, Mrs Juliet Smith JP DL.

Music by The Rolling Sea’s Ukulele band welcomed guests to the forecourt, as founder Chris Downton said a few words to thank all the amazing people who not only donated, but supported us in our endeavour to make 4 The Triangle our permanent base. This is hugely significant for us as the building provides long-term stability to staff and volunteers, as well as the families we support, removing rental costs which means funds can instead be directed straight to where they are needed most- children with cancer.

The local community came together to find out about what goes on in the day-today running of the charity, which has recently involved a trip to Drusillas, mini golfing, random acts of kindness sending families off to their first concerts together, and afternoon tea deliveries straight to their front doors.

Things have come a long way from the original kitchen table in 1998, but our mission and purpose remain the same. CWCF will continue to fight childhood cancer as we know best, supporting  families when they need it, helping with the small things like buying school uniforms, providing parking permits for hospital trips, organising mini breaks away to offer respite from the effects of treatment, and bringing families together to create memories.

As we look ahead to next year, we will be turning 25 years old, and with this we are looking to get together 25 groups or companies/businesses to hold events to mark each year of supporting families with cancer. If you have a fundraising event in mind which you think could mark the occasion, get in touch as we would love to hear from you!