A Suffolk cancer charity fundraiser has described meeting the King as a “pinch me moment”.
Rachel Mann, a breast cancer survivor and dedicated volunteer for Hope for Tomorrow, was invited to a special reception at Buckingham Palace on April 30.
The event was organised to honour those who support cancer patients.
Hope for Tomorrow CEO, Tina Seymour (centre), meeting HM The King (Image: Ian Jones Photography) Ms Mann, from Sudbury, was part of a team representing the charity, including CEO Tina Seymour, oncology nurse Pat Dyminski, high-value partnership manager Emma Bowles, cancer care unit driver Bryan Baird, and operations coordinator Jayne Foster.
Ms Mann said: “It was a true honour and privilege to attend the event at Buckingham Palace with Hope for Tomorrow.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to speak with representatives from so many other charities – whether raising awareness of the disease or helping to make the lives of those with a diagnosis a little easier.
“It was certainly an evening I’ll never forget.”
Frisby, Hope for Tomorrow’s West Suffolk mobile cancer care unit (Image: Hope for Tomorrow) Hope for Tomorrow operates 14 mobile cancer care units across England, working with nine NHS trusts to bring care closer to patients’ homes.
The charity is entirely self-funded, with a budget of £1.8 million this year.
Emma Bowles said: “It was an amazing experience as we had time to talk to the King and Queen Camilla to share the essential community-based cancer care and services we provide in the county and across the UK.
“Their current personal experience and journey was very much front of mind, and they showed real interest in what we do, which was very heartening.”
The King, who was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, sent a heartfelt message to guests, describing his experience as “daunting and at times frightening”.
To donate or learn more about how you can get involved with Hope for Tomorrow, visit hopefortomorrow.org.uk.