The Living Tree is a registered charity, co-founded in 2012 by Jo Millar & the late Jo O’Farrell MBE. Based in Bridport, it offers friendship, creative activities, holistic therapies and relevant diet and lifestyle information for anyone with any cancer in West Dorset.
We offer mutual support, helping people cope with the fear, anxiety, isolation or stress that cancer can bring, by offering a chance to unwind. We share our knowledge and information about services and resources in the locality, and offer numerous regular activities throughout the week (such as swimming, ambling, table tennis, an allotment, a Friday drop-in) plus occasional workshops.
We began as a small group of like-minded souls in 2012, and with the help of a start-up grant from Macmillan Cancer Support, gradually grew into the large community-based support group which we know today. Right from the outset we experienced a flood of generosity from the wider community and have continued to have wonderful support from Macmillan.
Last September we celebrated our 10 year anniversary with a special exhibition of a selection of our creative writing and art, held in Bridport Arts Centre. During this incredible week we welcomed many visitors to the exhibition, which was opened by the Mayor during a civic evening in which we said thank you to many of those who have supported us over the years. We also held a celebratory “amble” around the town, had a poetry evening (in which we read a selection of poems written by members plus the late Jo O’Farrell) and finished with a party for members and friends.
Right from the start, creativity has been at our core. Jo O’Farrell and Jo Millar (who was working as a local GP at the time of discovering her cancer) developed their ideas for starting the group at a creative writing day for people with cancer, held at The Fortuneswell Unit in September 2012. They both believed in the power of creativity to heal, and were aware that West Dorset lacked a holistic lifestyle “cancer survivorship” group, so decided to start one themselves.
The “connectedness” with the community has been at the heart of Living Tree’s success, and this has recently been recognised by the presentation to Jo Millar of the “Above and Beyond” award at the 2023 Bridport Community Charter Fair, in recognition of her outstanding service to the community.
In addition, Jo has also been awarded a national Macmillan award at their recent “Thanks to You” awards ceremony which celebrates the work of volunteers.
Jo sees both awards as really being for everybody who has ever been involved in helping the Living Tree, including Jo O’Farrell, whose inspiration and legacy lives on.
Jo Millar with her Macmillan “Thanks To You” award, pictured with Tracy Street from Macmillan (far left), Paul Grant from the Living Tree and Abi Orchard, Lead Cancer Nurse at Dorset County Hospital
Jo Millar is standing down as Chair after nearly 11 years. The group are now seeking somebody to join the Board of Trustees with a view to taking on more responsibility in steering The Living Tree in the coming years.
If this wonderful charity is something you would like to be involved with, please phone The Living Tree on 07341 916976; or email via thelivingtreedorset@gmail.com
Cancer Care Map
Support can be a lifeline for people affected by cancer. There are a broad range of services available in the Wessex area and further afield.
Cancer Care Map is a simple, free, online resource to help you find cancer support services near you.
To find support groups and services in your local area, click on the Cancer Care Map logo and enter your postcode in the search box. You can refine your search for more specific services, or browse the types of services available.
