Win Manley has been tirelessly fundraising to help people affected by cancer since her husband Richard was diagnosed with the disease 15 years ago. She said her annual coffee mornings aim to raise funds for and awareness of Sidmouth’s Living with Cancer support group.

An East Devon woman who has raised thousands for people affected by cancer is encouraging sufferers to seek support through a Sidmouth social group.

On Saturday, November 25, Win Manley, from Tipton St John, held her annual charity coffee morning, raising more than £1,000.

Win has been tirelessly raising money for people affected by cancer since her husband Richard was diagnosed with the disease 15 years ago.

And now she wants to raise awareness about Sidmouth’s Living with Cancer support group, for those who might benefit from joining, as she did.

She said: “It all started in 2003. My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer and Radio Devon was doing the Chestnut Appeal.

“I can remember saying, ‘We’ve got room. We could do some fundraising for them’.”

The couple held two coffee mornings for the appeal. But instead of stopping there, Win has been fundraising ever since.

Her efforts have raised thousands of pounds over the years, including money which went towards a new minibus, allowing the club to take members out on day trips, lunches and holidays – providing vital respite to people affected by cancer.

Win said: “We’ve got to keep the bus on the road. It helps people who can’t get out.”

Richard sadly died from his illness in 2009 and Win said the group played a vital role in supporting her – a point she is keen to get across.

“It is for anybody who is affected by cancer, not just people who have it.

“Once a month, on a Sunday, we have the singles’ lunch, which is for all of us who have lost a partner,” she added.

And Win said the group, which ‘loses more members than it gains’, is always looking for new members.

“It’s nice to have new people to come along. There are always new people being diagnosed and we are here if they want us,” she said.

Sales at her most recent coffee morning, along with donations, raised £1,007, which was split equally between Sidmouth’s Living with Cancer support group and Shelterbox.

The Sidmouth Living with Cancer club is free to join and meets on the first Thursday of every month at the Lymebourne & Arcot Community Centre.