A cancer support charity is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.
The White House Cancer Support charity was started by Elizabeth Harris in 1984 after she was diagnosed with cancer and found there was no support for those with the disease.
It began with support meetings held in Mrs Harris' home, with her companions Joyce Gourley and Cyril Wallace.
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The charity's success led to the Dudley Health Authority offering a room for support meetings, followed by permanent space at Cross Street Health Centre.
Increasing demand and volunteer support led to a move to larger premises within Dudley Social Services, where a 'drop-in' service was opened in 1988 on St James's Road in Dudley.
Finally, in 1995, the charity purchased its current residence at The White House, 10 Ednam Road, Dudley.
It became the main operating base for the organisation, providing support to those affected by cancer.
Today, White House Cancer Support offers a variety of services including a home to hospital transport service, counselling, complementary therapies, art/music/craft therapies, cancer peer support groups, and more.
In 2017, the charity received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service for assisting more than 8,000 people in Dudley and the Black Country.
A spokesperson for the charity said: "2024 sees the charity celebrating its 40th year in operation and we are as busy today as we have always been.
"However, we would have not reached this milestone had it not been for the generous support of the general public and an array of local businesses such as Marston’s for example, who very recently re-decorated much of the building for us at no cost to the charity.
"Obviously, we recognise that we have Elizabeth and her colleagues to thank for its beginnings but throughout its 40 years, the charity has continued to grow into what it is today."
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