PLANETS Charity

04/09/2026

Our patient support groups are about so much more than meeting other patients. We want them to be as informative and useful as possible, which is why we bring along clinicians, dietitians and other experts who can share advice, answer questions and offer valuable support directly to patients and their families.

www.planetscharity.org/fundraising/events/

03/09/2026

REMINDER ‼️

There are still a few spaces available at our upcoming PLANETS support groups.

💜 Pelvic Exenteration Support Group – 15th September
💜 Upper GI Support Group – 21st September

If you’re a patient and would like to connect with others who understand what you’re going through, we’d love to see you there.

Secure your place:
www.planetscharity.org/support/planets-support-group/

02/09/2026

Despite being given a clean bill of health following an over-70 health check with his GP, Ian noticed he was becoming heavily jaundiced just a few weeks later and knew something wasn’t right.

What followed was major surgery, a few complications and some additional treatments. Thankfully, Ian is still here and has bravely chosen to share his story.

Read Ian’s full story here: www.planetscharity.org/patients-stories/ian-parker-whipple

31/08/2026

Meet the Friends of PLANETS ✨

Today, we’re introducing Ruth Lee, the Neuroendocrine Oncology Dietitian for Wessex.

Ruth trained as a dietitian at Chester University before gaining experience across a range of specialities, including surgery, renal care and liver transplant, at hospitals in Warrington, Chester and London.

Today, Ruth works closely with specialist teams across Wessex to support people living with Neuroendocrine Tumours. Some of you might recognise Ruth as she's previously joined us at our NET conferences to share her knowledge and expertise with patients and their families.

We’re so lucky to have Ruth as part of our wider PLANETS family and are incredibly grateful for everything she does to support those living with NETs 💜

28/08/2026

What if we could predict what a patient needs next?

That’s the idea behind the exciting data project partly funded by PLANETS!

The regional project brings together patient data from hospitals across the region, helping clinicians build a clearer picture of what happens throughout a patient’s cancer journey.

Researchers hope this data will help develop tools that can predict outcomes, support treatment decisions and identify the right care for each individual patient.

It’s an exciting step towards more personalised, data-driven cancer care and we are incredibly proud to be part of it.

None of this would be possible without your support, so thank you!

Find out more about the project - www.planetscharity.org/news/planets-supports-cutting-edge-data-project-to-transform-patient-care/

27/08/2026

💜

Tonight is our last performance on Wareham Quay for this Summer! If you haven't seen us on the quay, this is your last chance for 2026.
We will b back next year, so look out for the notices nearer the time.
We have been collecting for PLANETS Charity and after tonight we will open the bucket and count it. We will, of course let you know how much this has come to. We just need to do it in the presence of an appropriate person.
Hope tosee you tonight!

27/08/2026

We’re thrilled to be joining forces with Pancreatic Cancer UK and Pancreatic Cancer Action once again for this year’s Purple Lights Campaign 💜

This November, we’ll be lighting up homes, landmarks and buildings across the UK in purple to honour those living with pancreatic cancer and remember those we have sadly lost.

We’d love your support to help us share more purple light-ups than ever before.

Find resources, inspiration and everything you need to get involved here: https://bit.ly/4zX6qp1 💜

26/08/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Around 12% of patients undergoing major surgery are considered high-risk before they even reach the operating theatre.

One factor that can contribute to this is low physical activity and poor physical fitness before surgery. Being physically inactive can leave the body less prepared to cope with the demands of major surgery and recovery.

That’s why, where possible, improving physical fitness before treatment can be so important.

At PLANETS, we support research and initiatives that aim to improve outcomes for patients undergoing complex cancer surgery.

Because preparing for surgery starts before you reach the operating theatre.

24/08/2026

Meet the friends of PLANETS ✨

At PLANETS, we have always worked closely with the clinical teams not only to drive cancer research and projects forward but also to enable us to deliver the most relevant and up-to-date support to our patients.

Many of you might recognise Mr Arjun Takhar. Mr Takhar was appointed as a Consultant in Hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) and General Surgery at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust in 2013 and has been a huge supporter of PLANETS over the last few years, regularly speaking at our conferences and fundraising events.

And if that isn't enough, he's also a very capable cyclist, having recently completed our London to Paris 24-hour charity bike ride!

We are incredibly grateful for the relationship that we have with the medical professionals; stay tuned as we introduce you to some more over the coming weeks.

23/08/2026

Have you heard of Maggie's in Southampton?

Our friends at Maggie’s Southampton are based within the grounds of UHS and provide free practical, emotional and social support to people affected by cancer.

And it’s not just for patients. Family members, friends and carers are also welcome to use the service.

Set inside a beautiful building, Maggie’s is a welcoming space away from the clinical walls of the hospital, with beautiful gardens, natural views, communal spaces and quieter areas where you can simply take some time for yourself.

There’s also a library and information area, alongside a programme of groups, sessions and workshops covering a range of topics to support people living with cancer.

You don’t need a referral or an appointment; you can simply drop in between 9am - 5pm Monday – Friday

📌 101–103 Tremona Road, Southampton

Find out more about Maggie’s and the support available: www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-southampton/