A Capacity Building Case Study by
Kelly Smith, Senior Project Officer
From Fear to Funding:
The Pink's Journey to Securing £19,800 for Cancer Support
Established in 2015 by founder Jackie Mackenzie, Pink Sisters & Misters is a self-help support group dedicated to assisting individuals diagnosed with various types of cancer, along with their families and friends.
Based in Stoke-on-Trent the organisation provides a safe space for those affected by cancer to share experiences, seek advice, and connect with others facing similar challenges.
The group holds monthly meetings in various locations, offering face-to-face support to the community. Additionally, they maintain a private online forum for family members and partners, recognising that a cancer diagnosis impacts not only the individual but also their loved ones.
Through these initiatives, Pink Sisters & Misters aims to ensure that no one faces cancer alone, embodying their belief that “together we are stronger.”
Dedication and Determination: the road to success
To further their mission, the Pinks began attending the Funding Network, a partnership between VAST and The Hub Foundation. Having never applied for a large grant before, the process initially felt daunting and overwhelming.
However, they were determined to secure funding for two eight-seater vehicles, which would allow them to transport individuals to workshops, events, retreats, and medical appointments. Many of those undergoing cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy, struggle with transportation, and these vehicles would make a huge difference—enabling them to attend support activities and enjoy a much-needed break at the charity’s caravan.
Determined to make this vision a reality, Janet Stanway began attending training sessions with VAST, learning about the importance of a business plan and how to write successful funding applications. Janet found the sessions invaluable, realising that, with proper preparation, the process was far less intimidating than she had initially thought. She then worked closely with Kelly, a Senior Project Officer, to apply for an Awards for All grant through the National Lottery Community Fund. With Kelly’s guidance, Janet was able to clearly articulate her project and structure the application to align with the funders’ priorities.
After refining the proposal and ensuring it met all the requirements, Janet submitted her first funding application—an experience that felt both exciting and nerve-wracking. When she received the news that The Pinks had been awarded £19,800, she was overwhelmed with joy. This funding allowed them to purchase the two vehicles, making a transformative impact on the lives of those they support.
"I felt absolutely brilliant when I heard the news—shocked and absolutely amazed! Thanks to this funding, we can now take people to the retreat, to chemotherapy appointments, and to workshops. Those who previously couldn’t get out can now be taken where they need to go. We’re also starting Nordic walking sessions and will be able to travel around Staffordshire.
The £19,800 funding for two eight-seater vehicles will make a huge difference—not just for transport but also for moving equipment and organising day trips in the summer.
I wouldn’t have been able to do this application without Kelly and VAST. I’ve always been scared of applying for funding, but this has been a massive turning point. Now, we feel empowered to apply for other funding opportunities.
For years, I was too afraid to apply, unsure about how to include beneficiaries and explain the impact properly. But through training, the Funding Network, and eventually submitting this application, I’ve gained so much confidence. This means we can now help the pinks even more.
On a personal note, I can actually sleep a bit better at night. Without this funding, it would have taken so much longer to buy these vans—we would have had to rely on fundraising alone.
Since this experience, I’ve started referring more people to VAST, explaining how supportive they’ve been. And Kelly—what can I say? I wouldn’t have had the confidence without her. She’s got extreme patience and is like a dog with a bone—she just won’t give up!"