Sara LeeOur story begins in 1993 when Sara Lee was diagnosed with a rare cancer. She was determined to survive and began plotting her own care alongside medical treatment. Sara learnt about diet, relaxation and meditation, sourcing her own dietician and aromatherapist. With their help, she lived and worked through the next two years and spoke about how wonderful the therapies were. Sara wanted to help others with cancer to receive these therapies, which were difficult to source at the time and came at a cost.
Sara passed away in 1995, aged just 32 years old, but her vision lives on in The Sara Lee Trust which her parents, Sally and Jeremy Lee set up to allow others to experience what Sara had achieved, To live life to the full, in spite of the cancer within. |
|
|
Our First Therapy RoomIn 1996, the first Sara Lee Trust therapy room opened at St Michael’s Hospice in St Leonards-on-Sea where Sara's father, Dr Jeremy Lee was Medical Director.
|
Our First PatronIn 1996, Professor Karol Sikora became our first Patron. Karol is a British physician, described as a leading world authority on cancer. Karol said, “Support from organisations like The Sara Lee Trust is for many people a vital component of being healed. There is much we have to learn about the best way to treat cancer but there is no doubt that this approach can be very beneficial."
|
|
|
Jo BrandIn 2006, The Trust celebrated its 10th Anniversary and also gained support from comedian and actress, Jo Brand who became our second patron.
Over the years, Jo has supported our work in many ways, saying, "I am really proud to be able to help raise money for The Trust and make a difference for so many people in the local area”. |
A New Treatment RoomIn May 2007, The Trust opened a new treatment room at Rye Memorial Care Centre. Having this facility in Rye meant that service users in the area wouldn't have to travel so far for therapies.
|
|
|
Royal ApprovalIn May 2009, The Trust received Royal approval from HRH The Prince of Wales and the charity was named runner-up for The English Integrated Health Award at The Prince’s Foundation.
|
Our First Charity ShopIn October 2009, the first Sara Lee Trust charity shop opened its doors in Western Road, Bexhill-on-Sea. Opened by Lady Shawcross, the shop was originally opened for a three-month trial before a longer lease was considered after profitable sales.
|
|
Eddie IzzardIn July 2011, comedian and actress Eddie Izzard officially opened The Sara Lee Trust’s charity shop in Endwell Road, Bexhill-on-Sea. Eddie also joined the team on celebrating the Trust's 15th anniversary.
|
|
|
Sally is Awarded an MBEIn May 2013, Sally Lee was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Hastings, Rother and Rye. Sally said her award was for everybody else who worked for The Trust.
|
|
The Sara Lee Therapy CentreIn July 2017, The Sara Lee Therapy Centre in Sidley, Bexhill opened its doors.
The Centre was purpose-designed by local architects Pump House Designs on a no-fee basis and provided a calm oasis for complementary therapy care, counselling and group support. It’s location in Sidley was chosen to support people in the area who may struggle to reach The Trust’s other bases in St Leonards and Rye. |
Goodbye JeremyOn 24 January 2017, Dr Jeremy Lee sadly passed away, aged 80, after battling dementia for a number of years. Jeremy was the medical director of St Michael’s Hospice for many years and is remembered across Hastings and Rother for his wonderful personality, compassion and dedication to his patients. He was passionate about The Trust and instrumental in its progress.
|
|
|
Hub on Rye HillIn 2020, despite the Coronavirus pandemic, The Trust became one of the first organisations to begin services at Rye's Hub on the Hill, a state of the art community and wellbeing centre.
|
Our 25th Year!In 2021, The Trust celebrated its 25th Anniversary and proud to say they have supported thousands of people since founded in 1996.
|
|
|
What would Sara say?Sally Lee, Sara's mother said, "I think Sara would say thank you for listening and thank you to all the many people past and present who made my dream a reality."
|
|
|
|
|
