Bedford grandmother with stage four cancer organises fundraiser to tackle isolation
A 63-year-old grandmother diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer is organising a fundraising event in Kempston to help other people affected by the disease find support and friendship.
Joanne Gordon, a former learning and development consultant, was diagnosed in January 2025 after experiencing chronic stomach pain for two years.
She said the cancer had spread to her liver and affected other internal organs, while chemotherapy and major surgery had left her unable to enjoy many of her former activities.
But Joanne,who lives in Bedford, said one of the hardest aspects of her diagnosis had been the isolation, particularly with most of her family and friends living in London.
She said: “Suddenly, I could no longer do the things that defined my life: jumping on a train to London to see my grandchildren, going swimming, or taking a spontaneous walk along the river.
“Chemotherapy and major surgery took a heavy toll. But the hardest part of this journey hasn't just been physical, it has been the isolation.”
Joanne said she had received valuable support from the Primrose Unit, Keech Hospice Care, Above & Beyond Bedford and Cancer Black Care.
However, her experiences also highlighted what she believes is a need for more culturally appropriate cancer support for Bedford's Black community.
She said: “As I sat in oncology units and attended various support events, I noticed two things: I was usually the only Black person in the room, and as time went on, I saw more and more Black patients entering treatment with nowhere to turn for culturally specific support.”
Joanne believes more understanding is needed around the cultural needs of Black cancer patients, including issues involving hair, skin and nutrition.
She also wants to encourage more open conversations about cancer within the community.
She said: “I want to create a safe, judgment-free space where we can communicate openly, share our cultural realities, and support one another through a lens of true understanding.”
To help achieve this, Joanne is organising a fundraising event at Project 229, Bedford Road, Kempston, on Saturday, November 14, from 11am to 3pm.
The event will feature craft stalls selling handmade items, Christmas knitted goods and greeting cards, alongside workshops covering card-making, creative writing, art and future planning.
Money raised will support Cancer Black Care and Above & Beyond Cancer Foundation, while Joanne hopes the event will also help build connections between people affected by cancer.
The gathering is open to anyone affected by cancer, their supporters and members of the wider community.
Cancer Black Care provides support to people affected by cancer, with particular attention to the needs of Black and minority ethnic communities.
Above & Beyond Cancer Foundation provides support to people affected by cancer, including emotional and practical help.