Suffolk cancer charity breaks world record as founder highlights “gap” in emotional support
Hope to Connect gathered thousands of signatures on an awareness ribbon at a community event
A charity aiming to tackle loneliness linked to cancer has broken a Guinness World Record — as its co-founder says more needs to be done to support people emotionally after diagnosis.
Hope to Connect, co-founded by Mandeep Birdy and Emma Adams, set a new record for the most signatures on an awareness ribbon during a large community event.
The initiative brought together people affected by cancer, including patients, families and supporters, in what organisers described as a moment of collective reflection and connection.
Mrs Birdy said the scale of the turnout only became clear during the event itself.
“It was the first time when I looked back at them that I was like… I saw how many people had actually shown up.”
She said many attendees had come to “celebrate or remember or support someone that’s been touched by cancer,” adding that the atmosphere reflected a shared sense of purpose.
The event, which also included entertainment and community activities, was designed not only to raise awareness but to bring people together in a supportive environment.
Despite the success, Mrs Birdy said the organisation’s wider focus remains on addressing what he described as a lack of ongoing emotional support for those affected by cancer.
“There is a gap… in the care of people that have been touched by cancer… there’s a gap in that emotional sort of care 24-7 really.”
Hope to Connect is currently developing a digital platform aimed at helping people stay connected and access support.
Mrs Birdy said the app, which is still in development, is part of a broader effort to build a stronger support network.
“Through community, this is where we get ideas. This is where we nurture the relationships… even just being together, it does so much for people.”
In the meantime, the organisation has launched a separate platform, Hope News, to keep supporters updated on future events and developments.
Following the record-breaking event, the team is now working with Guinness World Records to finalise verification, while also distributing certificates to those who took part.
Mrs Birdy added that staying connected with the community will remain central to the charity’s work going forward.
“We’re always listening to our audience. It’s so important to us that we serve our community really, really well.”