Patrons
Flavia Cacace
The “Strictly Come Dancing” star took time out of her busy schedule to pay a visit to The Fountain Centre on Monday 30th August 2010. Flavia has been a patron of the charity since she hosted a fashion show on our behalf in 2009, however this was the first opportunity she had had to visit the centre.
Flavia said ”I am proud to be part of this pioneering enterprise and realise that the gentle complementary therapies available to patients are a wonderful addition to the orthodox medical approach to the treatment of cancer.”
The Fountain Centre is a charity and only exists because of donations from the public. Flavia said she would do all she could to publicise and raise awareness of the Fountain Centre in order to raise more vital funds.
Annabel Croft
The sports broadcaster and former professional tennis player came to visit the Fountain Centre in March this year with her husband Mel and they were really impressed by what they saw. It was obvious that Annabel was “at one” with the ethos of the Fountain Centre and had a real understanding and sympathy for our holistic approach to the care of cancer patients.
Her shared belief in the holistic approach to health meant she had no hesitation in becoming one of our patrons and asked us to call if we needed any help in the future. In fact we did call on Annabel, in September to feature in a promotional film we have made about the Fountain Centre, to raise awareness of what we offer and to highlight the fact that the Fountain Centre is a charity in need of donations to survive.
View Annabel’s interview here.
Kathryn Harries
“I first heard of the Fountain Centre when a great friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2003. Julia had to undergo incredibly arduous treatment for several months before having a mastectomy and the support and encouragement she received from the Fountain Centre transformed this ordeal into a much more positive experience.
When I was in the Royal Surrey in December to have a knee replacement, Julia asked me if I would consider becoming a patron of the Fountain Centre. I was honoured to be asked and agreed immediately.
Having lost two very close friends to breast cancer in recent years, I am eager to do whatever I can to help the Fountain Centre to raise funds to help anyone facing this modern-day scourge.
I was delighted to open the information corridor just before Christmas – certainly a first! – and looking at the stylish, soothing and tranquil surroundings, I was struck by the range of therapies available to cancer patients. Above all, the compassion and humanity that emanated from every person I encountered was remarkable.
Having been a recipient of acupuncture, osteopathy and reflexology for many years, I realise just how valuable these therapies are and I am very much looking forward to being involved in the promotion and development of this marvellous facility.”
David Shepherd
Artist and conservationist David Shepherd is a proud patron of the Fountain Centre and is an advocate of routine testing to help promote the early diagnosis of prostate cancer. He has spoken about his experience of cancer on Esther Rantzen’s talk show.
When diagnosed with prostate cancer 10 years ago, David’s philosophy was that of a positive attitude towards the disease and its treatment, but at times this approach was tested. He found the MRI tunnel extremely unpleasant, and the noise from hospital building works during his treatment made it hard to stay upbeat. However, after his radiotherapy treatment finished, his wife helped to restart his characteristic sense of humour by writing the names of all the staff who had treated him on his stomach.
David and his wife are supporters of complementary therapies working alongside the NHS. He found the Fountain Centre to be a marvellous concept and a friendly, warm meeting place. When you next visit the Fountain Centre, look out for David’s painting “The Lazy Hazy Days of Summer” which can be found on the easel in the main seating area.