New initiative for UK adults living with cancer gains support of Leigh-on-Sea business, Shambhala Studios.

November 17, 2015 by Joanna Harrison

New initiative for UK adults living with cancer gains support of Leigh-on-Sea business, Shambhala Studios.

Ellie's Friends, a new cancer charity, is seeking the support of businesses in Essex, to bring rays of sunshine into the lives of adults living with cancer. Leigh-on-Sea business Shambhala Studios has been the first to sign up in the area, offering half-price yoga and pilates during the day.

Owner of Shambhala Studios, Lyn Long, explains why she is supporting the charity: “I started Shambhala 9 years ago after yoga helped me cope with breast cancer surgery and chemotherapy. I wanted to share the experience by providing a very safe and beautiful space with teachers and therapists that were very highly qualified and experienced. I have been extremely fortunate to have seen and heard first hand what can be achieved when people put their trust in ancient holistic practices such as Yoga and Acupuncture. Offering Ellie's Friends the opportunity to enjoy our daytime classes, when it is a little less hectic, at half price is another way in which we can reach out and help more of our local community.”

Ellie's Friends provides free and discounted products and services to UK adults living with cancer. Founded by TV producer Tom Thostrup in memory of his fiancé Ellie Jeffery, who died of secondary breast cancer in 2012, the charity has given away more than 700 experiences this year including X-factor tickets, massages, London Eye flights, beauty bundles and holidays. Tom was inspired by Ellie's belief that people living with cancer could have a relatively normal, if not fabulous life.

Unlike other cancer charities, Ellie's Friends is not seeking financial support, but is asking local business and individuals to pledge free or discounted products or services, which will help to make the lives of people with cancer more bearable. Initially piloted on Facebook, the charity is now encouraging users and donors to sign up through its new website www.elliesfriends.org.

Comments Tom Thostrup, founder of Ellie's Friends:
"We wouldn't exist without the generosity of our donors and I am hoping that we can forge some mutually profitable relationships with businesses in the Essex area in order to make the lives of our members that little bit better."

For more information please contact Alexis Bleasdale in the Ellie’s Friends press office on 07969 600673 or by email Alexis@eleanorrose.org.

Shambhala Studios can be contacted on http://www.leigh-on-sea.com/shambhala-studios.html