Every Cloud charity ensuring 'no cancer patient is alone' celebrates 10 years

A Derby charity set up by a group of friends that helps breast cancer patients with an array of support is celebrating ten years of success.

Every Cloud was launched in 2014 and supports those going through breast cancer treatment in a variety of ways including treats and emotional support - as well as raising awareness of the condition.

One of the charity's founders, Tracey Bricknell, 61, set up the charity with a group of friends in order to help "put a smile on people's faces that are going through hard times".

Since then Every Cloud has helped nearly 100 people with treats worth up to £250, as well as hosting regular fundraising events. The charity also has a particular focus on highlighting the importance of men and women getting mammograms in order to check for breast cancer.

Tracey said: "Myself and Jude Weston set it up ten years ago - and did we think we'd still be going ten years later? No, we didn't. We are bigger than ever - we are treating a lot of people. We just put out the calender which features the ladies from the group. The support has just been overwhelming."

The charity has been set up on top of the groups' full-time jobs, with all of the funding coming from donations from the local community.

The charity has also been regonised by national awards such as The Independent on Sunday's Top 100 Happy list (2015), as well as winning the "Best Awareness" award for their information stand when they competed for Relay for Life in 2016.

The charity was first founded by Tracey and her friend Jude to help people across Derbyshire, Burton and some parts of Nottingham. Some of the extreme fundraisers that Tracey and the group have taken part in include sky diving, a Full Monty show that was recognised by Britain's Got Talent, and regular get-togethers that attract hundreds of supporters.

While Every Cloud does provide services for patients, it also aims to foster a sense of community for those going through treatment alone, as some of the charity's patients previously had to go through the process of chemotherapy without any support from others.

All of the Every Cloud gifts are personalised, ranging from wigs to meals out with their families. As well as the treats, Tracey and the charity also provide personal support for those who get in contact, "treating everyone like family".

Tracey said: "Our phones are always on, and we are always there. While we've helped over 90 people with the treats there are so many who refuse the treats and just want to be a part of our community.

"The support is tremendous. There is so much we've done over the years. When I look at the amount of people we've lost as well, I'm glad I can be there as it does make a massive difference. I've lost a lot of my family, but if I can spare an hour or so to make a difference to somebody, it's well worth it.

"I just want to put a smile on people's faces going through a difficult time. My motto is 'no one is alone, and nobody should go through this alone'."

If you would like to get involved with Every Cloud or access their services please follow this link or contact the Facebook page.