Our history

We’re proud to have supported over 5,000 local people living with cancer, along with their families, carers and friends,
since our early days as a charity over thirty years ago.

In that time we’ve provided over 60,000 therapy sessions, raised almost £6 million, facilitated 225,000 users of our centre and worked alongside so many dedicated team members and volunteers.

It’s an overused word when talking about cancer… but Cherry Lodge’s history has been quite the journey! Here are the highlights …

Welcome to Barnet Hospital sign

1980s

Initially called Barnet Cancer Care, with links to Barnet Hospital, the charity is set up in 1987 by a group of health care professionals and others with experience of cancer to provide comfort and support to people diagnosed with cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support becomes involved in the new charity the following year.

Houses of parliament group

1990s

After retiring from the NHS, Dr Margaret Clark takes the helm and the charity moves into its first home – a Portakabin named Cherry Lodge – in the grounds of Barnet Hospital. In 1998, the Cherry Lodge Cancer Information and Support centre is formally opened by local MP Sir Sydney Chapman. The number of members quickly grows – by the end of the decade, it has reached 350.

2000s

In 2000, the charity is renamed Cherry Lodge Cancer Care to reflect its expanding reach. By 2003 there are over 1,000 members with access to an ever-increasing range of services. In 2004, we move into our current premises as tenants. Times are tough, but just as the charity struggles to pay the rent, a windfall saves the day – in 2009, we buy the property thanks to a generous legacy from Beryl and Kirk Howard. Our Barnet shop opens in the same year.

Summer Soulstice

2010s

Two phases of building work see the centre adapted and improved to better suit our needs, including the creation of a large open plan area downstairs. Our fundraising efforts go from strength to strength as Summer Soulstice becomes an event that grows in popularity every year.

Margaret with plaque

2020s

We start the decade in lockdown, but continue to support local people living with cancer. At the end of 2023, Dr Margaret Clark steps down as chairman after 27 years, and in January 2025 Co-chair Sarah Armitage presents her with a plaque to mark her extraordinary and invaluable contribution.

“For a small charity to have helped over 5,000 people living with cancer in our local community has been an incredible achievement. Our hope is that we can continue to provide that support long into the future.”

Sarah Armitage, Co-chair