A Little More About ALCS
Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support was founded in 2018 by Mary Kahn, following her own diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer in 2017.
Although Mary found excellent information and support online and further afield, she realised something important was missing locally — the opportunity to meet people nearby who understood what she was going through.
With the help of a small group of volunteers willing to give their time and support, ALCS began welcoming local people in October 2018.
Since then, ALCS has grown considerably. More than 1,200 people have now registered for support, and what we offer has grown alongside our community.
Today, support includes creative activities, holistic therapies, exercise classes, practical diet and lifestyle guidance, and perhaps most importantly, the chance to meet others who understand some of the fear, anxiety, isolation and uncertainty that a cancer diagnosis can bring.
Sometimes, simply sitting down with a cup of tea and talking to someone who understands can make all the difference.
A welcoming place to come as you are
Many of our drop-in sessions, workshops and activities take place at Cross Keys House in Axminster.
We also hold monthly coffee mornings in Lyme Regis, while our Beach Hut offers clients the opportunity to enjoy some restorative time beside the sea.
Our drop-ins are deliberately informal. There is no need to stay for the whole session — come for as long or as little as you like.
The kettle is always on.
From small beginnings...
Meeting the Community’s need
In eight years the charity has grown to meet an increasing need for support.
Our Area
We support anyone affected by any cancer across East Devon and West Dorset, from Honiton to Chard and Bridport.
Our home at Cross Keys House
Find out more about our welcoming home and what happens there.
Discover Cross Keys House –>
The people behind ALCS
From the beginning, ALCS has been shaped by people giving their time, experience and energy to support others.
Our volunteers help in many different ways — welcoming people at drop-ins, making tea, helping with activities and events, fundraising, sharing specialist skills or simply being there to listen.
Their contribution is at the heart of what makes ALCS feel like a community.
In the Media
Over the years, ALCS and members of our team have been invited to talk about our work, our beginnings and the importance of local cancer support.
Listen to ALCS Founder, Mary Kahn, interviewed on BBC Radio Solent in 2021 discussing how ALCS supported people during Lock Down.
Listen to Dr Yvonne Hodges describe her own cancer journey and how ALCS can help, with Radio Devon.
Hear Bruce Kahn in conversation with Lez Gray of Men’s Yoga on his radio show Prog Ain’t Dead.
Our story continues
ALCS has changed enormously since those early days, but the purpose behind the charity remains the same: to make sure people affected by cancer locally have support locally.
As the charity has grown, so too have the ways in which ALCS can support people and their families. Today that support extends from practical help — information, signposting, and bereavement support — to wellbeing services including counselling, complementary therapies, and dietary and lifestyle guidance. Alongside these are activities such as creative workshops, exercise sessions, and Nordic walking, plus a welcoming place to meet others who understand, whether at our drop-ins, our premises at Cross Keys House, or our Beach Hut in Lyme Regis.