About us

Our History

In 2003, a group of cancer patients and their friends (including Polly Taylor) had a vision to provide a haven for anybody impacted by cancer - a place of comfort and support. Only a year after that first meeting, with an incredible amount of dedication, hard work and community support, The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre became a reality.

At the beginning, the Centre opened only on Fridays and on its first day welcomed five visitors. It was soon recognised that there was a much greater need and that the Centre needed to expand. In July 2007, the Centre moved to 27 Monson Road.

The doors initially opened at the Homeopathic Hospital in Tunbridge Wells in November 2004.

Polly Taylor remained at the helm of The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre for more than 20 years, with her smiles and hugs making a difficult situation a little easier. Over two decades, she worked relentlessly to make our charity what it is today and her efforts were formally recognised in 2013, when she was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM).

Polly says: “I feel very humble and proud to have been part of the birth of Pickering and to have watched it grow into the ‘special haven’ it has become today. I enjoyed working with a great team of volunteers at Pickering and turning the tears into smiles.”