A Stalybridge-based charity which helps and supports those living with and affected by cancer has announced it will close at the end of the month due to financial pressures. 

Cancer Warriors has confirmed the sad news that it will cease as a charity on 31 March and close its Support and Information Centre on Melbourne Street, which opened in 2021.

Larysa Iwanyckyj, the charity's Chair who also helps out at the Ashton Ukrainian Centre, said the decision was made with "a heavy heart" and due to the "cost of living crisis and utility bills rising at a ridiculous rate". 

Founder Derrick Evans first created a group called Derk’s Army to give back to those who helped him in his own personal battle against cancer.

The group was later named Cancer Warriors before becoming a registered charity around six years ago. 

In a statement on their Facebook page, Larysa thanked everyone who has supported Cancer Warriors since it first established. 

"We have been successful as a registered charity for six years and have met some wonderful amazing people who have used our service along the way and I hope in some small way we have helped to make their journey a little smoother," Larysa wrote.

Cancer Warriors founder Derrick Evans

"Our charity wouldn't have lasted as long as it did if we hadn't have had the help and support of our amazing volunteers that we have had over the years. They have dedicated their free time to Cancer Warriors and have been an integral part of keeping the centre ticking over and supporting those who have walked through our doors and as the chair of the charity I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness." 

The statement continued: "We have worked alongside various other organisations and charities like Being There, MacMillan, Rotary, Lions, Infinity Initiatives and many more and we'd like to take this opportunity to say thanks to you all for your support. 

"Thanks to everyone who has carried out fundraising events and donated money to our charity, this has been what has kept our doors open so that we could provide the support needed to our service users.

"Finally as the chair of the charity I would like to take the opportunity to thank the trustees who have worked alongside me (past and present) and for making Cancer Warriors the success it has been for the past six years and the amazing team of volunteers who without, we would never have lasted as long as we did. Thanks to our founder Derrick Evans for the vision that is Cancer Warriors as a charity. Thanks to everyone who has been there for us, your support has been greatly appreciated." 

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