Royal double for Cavendish Cancer Care

June and Karen

Two of our trustees have received a royal invitation to the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their services to charity.

Dr June Smailes, Chair of Cavendish Cancer Care, and Karen Codling, Vice Chair, both went through the Cavendish Centre as patients when diagnosed with cancer and have since dedicated 14 years combined as voluntary trustees for us.

June, who self-diagnosed her cancer in 2004, said; “I turned to Cavendish when I needed that extra support. Being a doctor and developing an illness which I knew a lot about was complicated. Looking back, I was broken when I first came to Cavendish. They put me back together again and gave me the strength to move on. Now it feels like I’m paying them back because I really appreciate what they did for me.

“For Karen and I to receive such an honour in recognition for our work is incredible and we will remember the day for the rest of our lives.”

On May 12th, both will head to the Palace with their relatives and enjoy the garden party. And, although arriving separately, the pair have organised to meet at the gates to ensure they spend the special day together.