Popular TV comedian revealed as ambassador for Tamworth’s ‘big box of angels’ cancer charity

A well-known TV comedian has been revealed as the new ambassador for a vital Tamworth charity which supports people with cancer and chronic illnesses.

Staff and volunteers at Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Centre are celebrating after popular comedian Joe Lycett pledged his support for the cause by taking on the important role of charity ambassador.

The centre has set itself the ambitious challenge of raising £50,000 between now and March 5 when it celebrates five years in its current base in Craven, Stonydelph, and it is hoped that Joe’s involvement will help make this possible.

Thirty-year-old Joe, from Hall Green in Birmingham, is well-known for his hilarious consumer rights battles and complaints with officials and regularly appears on TV shows such as Live at the Apollo, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, 8 out of 10 Cats, QI, Roast Battle and Taskmaster.

He is good friends with Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Centre manager, Paula Da-Silva, and was only too happy to champion a cause he describes as a ‘big box of angels’.

Joe said: “We all know too well the damage and heartache cancer causes, but also how scary and lonely it is for those who have been diagnosed. The Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Centre is essentially a big box of angels who provide a ton of different support services, advice and compassionate care. I’ve visited the centre and seen first-hand how amazing it is and am proud to call its manager, Paula, my friend. I’m delighted to be announced as ambassador to their extraordinary centre, which provides invaluable and remarkable support for people living with cancer and other chronic illnesses.”

Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Centre offers a range of advice, support and therapeutic services to people affected by cancer and other chronic illnesses, and their families. These include holistic therapies such as reiki, reflexology and massage, craft therapies, wig and bra fitting, nail treatments, foot treatments, Tai Chi, Yoga, meditation and, most importantly, practical and emotional support in a friendly and welcoming environment.

It has helped hundreds of people over the years and currently has 400 clients on its books who are all being supported and helped in some way.

As a registered charity, the centre is completely self-funded, relying entirely on donations and fundraising. It costs around £3,000 per month to keep the centre running and every penny donated goes straight into supporting its services. Much of the work is made possible thanks to an incredible band of dedicated volunteers who give up their time to help and support those in need.

Paula said: “I used to work with Joe at an online radio station and we kept in touch and remained friends. He has visited the centre on a couple of occasions and was very impressed by what we do. I am delighted to have him on board as charity ambassador.

“We’ve set ourselves this ambitious target of raising £50,000 before our fifth birthday in this centre, which we will be celebrating in March. I’m hoping that with Joe on board we will be able to raise more awareness about what we do and have 50,000 extra reasons to celebrate come March 5! That amount of money would keep us going for around 16 months, which would be an amazing way to mark our fifth anniversary.”

All donations and fundraising activities to help reach the £50,000 total are welcome. Donations can be made via the Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/twcsc5.