My Cancer My Choices

Founded 10 years ago by breast cancer sufferer Mary Barter, My Cancer My Choices was formed to offer complementary therapies including acupuncture, massage, art therapy, to others with the disease.

A recipient In 2024 of the King's Award for Voluntary Service, the charity has been nominated for Charity of the Year sponsored by Reading Today.

It started with one room and now has self-contained offices and treatment rooms in Charvil, Reading, Thatcham as well as the original space in Bracknell. They are looking to open further units within the next 12 months.

“I have been an ambassador for the charity for the past six years and I am constantly amazed by the generosity of all those who support this wonderful charity … and especially those people who give the treatments in their own time free of charge,”said their nominator.

The organisation survives on fundraising and donations, not receiving any financial assistance from the Government or the NHS.

“More than 60 per cent of service users are recommendations from the Oncology Department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and to date over 5000 treatments have been taken up,” they added.

“I cannot recommend this charity more to receive the Charity of the Year award.”