📅 Date: Tuesday, 25th November 2025
📍 Location: Brampton Park Golf Club, Huntingdon
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2025 Autumn Cancer Support Conference. It was a warm and welcoming day filled with expert insight, practical tools, and inspiring connection.
This conference brought together those living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis, local professionals, and partners, with a shared focus on physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. From powerful presentations to reflective breakout moments, the day was a reminder of the strength and support within our community.
If you weren’t able to join us in person, we’ve gathered the key highlights and resources from the event below. You can also revisit the leaflet/programme shared on the day.
Meet the Speakers & Download Their Presentations
Our speakers offered knowledge, reassurance and actionable advice. Explore the session summaries and presentation links below:
Wendy Dewey & Jane Carpenter
Topic: All About Palliative Care
Wendy Dewey and Jane Carpenter delivered a thoughtful talk on palliative care, gently unpacking common misconceptions. Their session explained how palliative care supports people at any stage of their cancer journey, working alongside your GP, clinical teams and carers. Emphasis was placed on comfort, dignity and living well; not just end-of-life care.
Jane Minett
Topic: The Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
Jane Minett, Programme Manager at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, outlined why bowel screening matters and how early detection saves lives. She shared local statistics, explained the FIT kit process, and encouraged eligible attendees (aged 50–74) to take part. Her clear, encouraging approach helped demystify the process and highlight how quick action can prevent serious illness.
Prof Robert Thomas
Topic: Latest News About Cancer, Diet & Exercise
Professor Thomas shared new research on how lifestyle choices after a cancer diagnosis can support physical strength, emotional wellbeing, and long-term health. From daily movement and plant-based foods to the importance of gut health and sleep, his session highlighted simple, evidence-backed changes anyone can adopt. His message: progress, not perfection – and no guilt
Ceinwen Giles
Topic: Patient Engagement and Rising Diagnoses in the Under-50s
Ceiwen Giles, Co-CEO of Shine Cancer Support, shared personal and professional insights into the growing number of younger adults facing a cancer diagnosis. Her talk explored the challenges faced by those juggling work, family and health, and stressed the need for inclusive, age-appropriate support.
Sarah Stones
Topic: Finding Energy When Life Feels Hard: Why Motivation Matters More Than Ever
Motivational speaker and coach Sarah Stones closed the day with a session on maintaining momentum and self-kindness during difficult times. She offered practical tips for reconnecting with purpose, rebuilding energy, and giving ourselves permission to rest and reset.
📸 Photos from the Day
From lively chats over coffee to powerful moments during the sessions, our November Conference was a celebration of connection. Alongside our speakers, we were joined by:
- Breast Cancer Now – hosting a stall with resources and information
- Kidney Cancer UK – sharing information and support for those affected by kidney cancer
- HCCN Volunteers – helping welcome guests and support the day behind the scenes
Take a look below or visit us on Instagram for more highlights from the event.
Stay Connected
If you found value in our Autumn 2025 Conference, don’t forget to explore our other services, including one-to-one support, wellbeing classes, our Buddy Scheme and more. Everything we do supports adults 18+ living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis in Huntingdonshire.
📖 Explore our past conferences here
💙 or come and say hello on Facebook
Do you have a question or would you like to be the first to hear about upcoming events?
📧 Email us anytime at info@hccnthecharity.org