FORCE helps Bakers rise to difficult challenge
When Laura Baker from Exeter was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 at the age of 39, she was treated quickly and returned to normal life.
But two years later a follow-up mammogram picked up more disease. This time it was early-stage and invasive.
Laura also discovered that she carries a BRCA gene alteration, which increases the risk of developing certain cancers.
Husband Joe recalls: “Like many families we were thrown into a world of uncertainties with its own unique confusing language.”
The couple turned to FORCE Cancer Charity, which offers free support and advice to local people dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Kindness
“For many years the FORCE Centre was the beautiful wooden building I regularly walked past, never imagining we’d need to draw upon their kindness,” said Joe.
“FORCE has helped us to navigate the unknown by providing information that we might not have found on our own. While Laura has benefited from the practical and emotional support of specialists, she particularly values the quiet, welcoming space that the FORCE volunteers offer at the Centre when she’s anxiously waiting for scans.”
Joe will be cycling The Nello – FORCE’s flagship fundraising event – on Sunday June 28 to raise money for the charity. 
He rode it for the first time in 2024, tackling the 100-mile route, and when he crossed the finish line after completing the challenge again last year, Laura was there handing out medals.
It was The Nello that helped the couple overcome any anxiety about using the services FORCE offers.
Apprehensive
“Taking the first step through the doors at FORCE was a big leap forward. Laura was apprehensive about visiting, so our first time was to attend a pre-ride briefing event for Nello participants,” explained Joe.
“It was a lovely informal friendly evening and helped Laura to feel comfortable to come back to access more of FORCE’s services.
“Over the following months she was supported by a physiotherapist, worked with a specialist counsellor, had a reflexology session and completed a rehabilitative Pilates course.
“Laura’s genetic diagnosis means she’s now having preventative treatment too and, as tough as that is, she’s already looking forward to coming back to FORCE to see the physio as part of her recovery.”
FORCE receives no Government or NHS funding and is able to support thousand of local people at its main Exeter hub in the grounds of the RD&E and satellite centres in Okehampton, Ottery St Mary, Tiverton and Cullompton thanks to the generosity of the communities it serves.
Understanding
Nello cyclists have contributed more than £1.5million in fundraising since the first ride in the year 2000 and Joe is doing his bit again this year via his online sponsorship page –https://forcecancercharity.enthuse.com/pf/joe-baker-86bcd
“The RD&E offer superb, clinical cancer care however the impact of a cancer diagnosis can be felt in almost every part of our lives. That’s why it’s so critical that we have the complementary services provided by FORCE in Exeter and Devon,” he said.
“Whether you are struggling emotionally, financially or with the side effects of treatment, you aren’t alone and can easily access specialist support.
“When everything feels uncertain, worrying, overwhelming, FORCE is offering patients and their families warmth, understanding and a helping hand. Without them, we and thousands of other families across the area would struggle alone and that’s why I’m fundraising again for FORCE.”
