On Saturday 2nd August 2025, we gathered at the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Huntingdon to mark a very special milestone — 10 years of the Hunts Community Cancer Network (HCCN).
The evening was filled with heartfelt moments, treasured memories, and a deep sense of pride in how far we’ve come. From the very beginning, HCCN has supported adults aged 18 and over living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis in Huntingdonshire.
What began as a local vision has grown into something truly special — a living, breathing community that continues to inspire and support every day.
We’re so grateful to the Delta Hotels team for generously supporting the evening and providing such a warm, welcoming space for everyone to come together. Guests were welcomed with the smooth, uplifting sounds of The Jazz Cats, long-time supporters of HCCN who kindly donated their time and talent to the celebration.
The night began with a warm welcome from Ste Greenall, HCCN’s newest Patron and breakfast presenter at Black Cat Radio, who set the tone for the evening with kind words and heartfelt reflections on the community spirit at the heart of HCCN.
Jan’s Welcome and Reflections
Our Chair of Trustees, Jan Davis, opened the evening with a heartfelt welcome to guests, including Deputy Lieutenant Mr Jeremy Newsum, the Mayor of Huntingdon Councillor Audrey McAdam, the Chair of Huntingdonshire District Council Councillor Douglas Dew, and the Mayor of Godmanchester Councillor Debbie Mickelburgh.
Jan spoke with pride about the journey HCCN has taken over the past decade — from its beginnings as a small, determined group with a big idea, to the thriving network it is today.
She shared her own connection to the charity, which began when she moved to Huntingdonshire in 2016 and reconnected with her friend Susan Moore, HCCN’s late founder. Susan quickly involved her in the charity’s work, bringing her into a community built on compassion, practical support, and friendship.
Jan described Susan as the “spider in the web” of HCCN — someone with a clear vision of what would benefit people living with cancer, and the drive to make those ideas a reality. Over the years, that vision has been carried forward by volunteers, nurses, activity leaders, trustees, and supporters, many of whom were in the room to celebrate.
“Tonight, we celebrate the successes we have achieved and the part you all have played in our journey,” Jan said, “and take a moment to remember the friends we’ve lost.”
Looking ahead, she shared her optimism for the future:
“We are helping more people in more locations, growing our social media and online presence, and being smarter in our fundraising. Each one of our trustees leads a key area of activity. We are optimistic about our plans for continued, sustainable growth.”
She also took time to thank the people who make HCCN’s work possible:
“Without our skilled Trustees, their dedication and passion, we wouldn’t have a charity. And without our valued volunteers to help run our drop-in groups and activities, HCCN wouldn’t be able to supply so many supportive activities and build such an amazing community.”
From trustees to nurses, fundraisers to patrons, Jan’s words carried a thread of gratitude for everyone who has played a part in HCCN’s story — and a clear reminder that the charity’s strength lies in its people.
Gini’s Story – The Roots of HCCN
The evening then turned to the beginnings of HCCN, with moving words from Gini Melesi, who helped establish the charity alongside our late founder Susan Moore in 2015.
Gini’s story began in 2012, when she led a two-year NHS-funded pilot — later known as the Huntingdon model — bringing personalised cancer care into people’s homes. Her vision was simple yet powerful: “fitting cancer around people’s lives rather than the other way around.”
Among her first patients was Susan, who became not only a close friend but also a passionate champion of the model. What started as a nurse–patient relationship soon grew into a deep friendship and an unshakable partnership.
“The charity was born out of frustration,” Gini recalled, “frustration that I couldn’t deliver the evidence-based services, equipment, and training that I knew would make a difference to people. Susan listened — and she did something about it.”
She spoke of Susan’s belief in the idea of an empowered patient and her gift for bringing people together. “She didn’t just build the charity. She gave it heart. She understood my ethos of being a person first and a patient second.”
Gini shared heartfelt memories of the early days — the laughter and camaraderie with patients and colleagues, the vital role of volunteers like Cheryl Goodwin in kickstarting fundraising efforts, and the choice of the name Hunts Community Cancer Network even before there was a sustainable nursing service.
“We wanted people to know this wasn’t just about nurses,” she explained. “It was about a network — of patients, families, communities, fundraisers, volunteers, local businesses, industry, and friends. That’s what made it powerful.”
Looking out at the room filled with trustees, nurses, volunteers, fundraisers, and supporters, Gini reflected on what HCCN has become:
“Ten years later, I look around and see something even bigger than what I dreamed of: a living, breathing community. Thank you all — for being the Network.”
Andrea on Holistic Care and Innovation
Closing the speeches was Andrea Cliff, Lead Nurse of the Hunts Community Cancer Nurses, who spoke with pride about how the service has grown and evolved to meet the needs of the people it supports.
“When Gini first established this service,” Andrea began, “I don’t think any of us could have imagined how much it would develop — or how many lives it would touch.”
From the outset, the vision was clear: to provide compassionate, community-based cancer care that went far beyond clinical treatment. Over the years, that vision has deepened into something truly special.
One of the most exciting innovations, Andrea explained, has been the introduction of nurse-led acupuncture — a gentle, non-invasive approach that has brought relief to many patients. Specially trained nurse practitioners now help manage a wide range of chemo-related side effects, from nausea and fatigue to neuropathy, anxiety, and, as Andrea put it with a smile, “the ever-popular request: hot flushes.”
“It’s gentle, it’s non-invasive,” she said, “and for many, it offers relief they didn’t think was possible — all without the need for more medication.” The service has been made possible thanks to HCCN providing the training and specialist equipment needed to ensure patients receive safe and effective care.
Andrea made clear that this service wouldn’t exist without HCCN. The charity funds the entire programme — from specialist training to the equipment and acupuncture needles — ensuring nurses can deliver safe, effective treatment that brings real comfort to patients during and after their cancer journey.
But Andrea reminded everyone that cancer care is about far more than physical symptoms. At HCCN, holistic support plays a central role — whether that’s through one-to-one counselling, group sessions, or simply “being there” during the most difficult moments.
“Because sometimes,” she told the room, “it’s not just about getting through treatment. It’s about feeling seen, heard, and valued along the way.”
She also spoke about the importance of the small details that make a big difference, like providing specialist skincare products safe for people undergoing chemotherapy. Designed to protect delicate skin from dryness and irritation, these creams offer both comfort and confidence — even if, she joked, “the formula was originally designed for sore cows’ udders!”
Andrea closed with a heartfelt reminder of why HCCN exists:
“We’re still here to care, to listen, and to go the extra mile. Every step forward we’ve made has been driven by one goal: to make life better for people living with cancer in our community.”
Moments to Remember
Our 10-year celebration was filled with so many special moments — and we couldn’t resist capturing a few along the way. From warm welcomes and lively conversations, to music, laughter, and shared memories, these snapshots tell the story of a night we’ll always treasure.
Honouring Guests and Looking Ahead
Following Andrea’s words, HCCN Patron Ste Greenall brought the evening to a close with warmth, gratitude, and a reminder of the community spirit that continues to carry the charity forward.
The celebration was more than a look back at ten years — it was also a moment to pause and honour those who have shaped HCCN’s story, and those we hold close in memory.
We were proud to welcome many special guests, including:
- Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Jeremy Newsum
- Mayor of Huntingdon, Councillor Audrey McAdam, and Mr McAdam
- Chair of Huntingdonshire District Council, Councillor Douglas Dew, and Mrs Dew
- Mayor of Godmanchester, Councillor Debbie Mickelburgh
- HCCN Patron, Ste Greenall of Black Cat Radio
Alongside them were HCCN friends old and new — from long-standing volunteers and trustees to nurses, fundraisers, partners, and community supporters who continue to stand with us in our mission.
As we mark ten years of supporting adults 18+ living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis in Huntingdonshire, our commitment to compassionate, local support has never been stronger.
From gentle wellbeing activities and tailored Get Active classes, to trusted information, specialist services, and the simple power of being heard, we remain dedicated to helping people feel more like themselves again — and live their best life despite cancer.
💙 If you or someone you know is looking for support, visit our Find Help page at www.hccnthecharity.org to see how we can be there for you.
10 Years of Impact
Our 10-year celebration was filled with so many special moments — and we couldn’t resist capturing a few along the way. From warm welcomes and lively conversations, to music, laughter, and shared memories, these snapshots tell the story of a night we’ll always treasure.
