I didn’t know about Tenovus Cancer Care, back when I had my breast cancer experience nearly 20 years ago. It’s a huge privilege to now be able to go out and talk to people across the many different communities and events I take part in. To share the kind of support given by this charity with everyone and their families affected by cancer, is invaluable.”
Lou Ilett has been a part of the Tenovus Cancer Care community for over eight years, she is one of our much-loved volunteers. Having recently added another role, that of Community Champion, she is now helping to raise awareness of the charity’s services by talking about them at various community events in South Wales.
We met up with Lou and the adorable Charlie, the Cavachon, in their garden to hear more about her time with Tenovus Cancer Care as well as her newest role.
Lou first connected with Tenovus Cancer Care quite unexpectedly, when she joined one of its Sing with Us choirs back in April 2017.
I’d always wanted to sing in a choir, and it all began for me one evening, when my sister pulled up to my house and told me to get in the car.
She told me we were going out and that it was a surprise. So, when we arrived at Cwmbran Working Men’s Club, I have to be honest, I thought we were going in for a game of bingo!
I was told to go inside and ask for Jo (Wood) who is one of the choir leaders and who had apparently heard all about me from my sister. Jo gave me some lyrics and sat me down next to another chorister and from that moment I absolutely loved it, I’ve been with them ever since.”
The Sing with Us choir is a place where Lou has formed many close friendships over the years and where they also spend time socialising outside the weekly rehearsals and concerts. It is during this time that she became part of the group who established the Cwmbran Friends of Tenovus Cancer Care (FoT).
Lou embraces her role and the opportunity to fundraise, finding all kinds of creative ways to do so. She now makes chocolate in her spare time with the FoT group, to sell at the many events they take part in - last year they raised £1,000 in these chocolate sales.
Side note: we were lucky enough to share coffee and cake with her on the day we met, as she was packing up these delicious chocolates treats, so of course we got to sample one or two!
Tenovus Cancer Care is very much part of my life, I’ve even recruited all my family to help, particularly with the bigger concerts and fundraising events we do.”
You only need to hear her laugh, as she shares fun stories of camaraderie and resourcefulness, to know that her volunteering roles within the Tenovus Cancer Care mean everything to Lou.
I remember one time we were performing in a marquee, in the wind and rain when the roof blew off. We just kept on singing… well the show must go on!”
Lou recalls another time when she and another chorister and fellow FoT volunteer (with limited mobility) had to park a long way from the outside venue they were due to perform in. With only 10 minutes to go before curtain up, she politely, yet firmly insisted that one of the security team drove them directly to the stage via tractor, dropping them at the side entrance, where they walked straight onto the stage in time for the opening song.
Now trained as a Community Champion for Tenovus Cancer Care, it has ignited a passion in Lou to share her knowledge with each of the communities she gets to meet. A chance to talk to others about what the charity can offer in terms of support for people and their families affected by cancer. From its vital counselling service through to practical advice around money matters.
Most people in Wales have heard of Tenovus but many don’t actually know what we do and how we do it, and importantly how it can help them when they most need it.
Everywhere we go, we run an information stand with leaflets and posters and give talks at Women’s Institutes, Men’s Clubs, health conferences even fun-day events. In fact we’ll go anywhere and everywhere, come rain or shine.
It’s certainly changed my perception, as this role is not about fundraising (though we do this as well), it’s about helping people to understand the different support services Tenovus Cancer Care provides alongside other cancer charities.
I’ve already noticed the difference this role can make, even in the short time I’ve been doing it. Hearing these people say ‘well I didn’t know that’ after explaining some of these services makes me feel proud. I’m part of a growing team of Community Champion volunteers in Wales, helping to find the best way to achieve the charity’s motto of Give Hope, Help Cope.”
