It was a row of trees wrapped in vibrant purple knitted covers that first caught my attention during an evening walk around Purley with my husband and our little daughter. Curiosity got the better of me. After searching online and coming across the Paint Purley Purple campaign on Instagram, I discovered that the colourful display was much more than a piece of public art. It was part of a community initiative organised by the South East Cancer Help Centre (SECHC), a local charity supporting people affected by cancer. Wanting to learn more, I reached out to the charity, and Kate kindly shared the story behind one of Purley’s most recognisable annual campaigns.

Paint Purley Purple began in 2017 with just five trees wrapped in handmade knitted panels created by members and volunteers of the South East Cancer Help Centre. Today, it has grown into a much-loved community tradition, with more than 3,000 knitted panels decorating 119 trees across Purley. Every panel is lovingly made by volunteers, local residents and supporters, with volunteer Davina Hizzey leading the project from its inception. Together with a team of volunteers and local businesses, she spends countless hours preparing and installing the displays each year.

Purple was chosen because it is the colour of the universal cancer awareness ribbon and forms part of the charity’s identity. For the South East Cancer Help Centre, it symbolises hope, support, compassion and community. More importantly, it sends a powerful message that nobody should face cancer alone.

While the eye-catching displays bring colour to the streets, they also shine a light on the important work carried out by the South East Cancer Help Centre. Established in 1983, the charity provides emotional, physical and practical support to people living with cancer, as well as their families and carers. Services include counselling, complementary therapies, wellbeing activities, exercise classes, support groups and practical advice. Although recognised by the NHS and working closely with healthcare professionals, the Centre receives no NHS or government funding and relies entirely on donations, grants and community fundraising to continue its work.

The charity’s impact is significant. Over the past year alone, it has supported around 130 people every week, delivered more than 2,700 counselling and complementary therapy sessions, welcomed 190 new members and organised hundreds of group activities. Behind those figures are people like Margaret, who turned to the Centre after being diagnosed with breast cancer during the COVID-19 lockdown. Through counselling, complementary therapies and the Loss Recovery Programme, she found emotional support and confidence to move forward alongside her medical treatment, describing the Centre as a place that helped both her and her family through one of life’s most difficult experiences.

As demand for cancer support continues to grow, campaigns, such as Paint Purley Purple, have become increasingly important. They not only raise awareness but also generate the funds needed to sustain the charity’s vital services. The campaign has also become a true community effort, bringing together residents, schools, businesses and volunteers. This year, local businesses have even been given the opportunity to sponsor individual trees, helping the campaign continue to expand across Purley.

For anyone inspired by the campaign, there are many ways to get involved. Whether it’s volunteering, knitting squares, donating, sponsoring a tree, taking part in fundraising events or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps ensure that people affected by cancer know they have somewhere to turn for support. The charity also has places available for future fundraising events, including the London Marathon, and regularly shares updates through its social media channels.

Now, when I walk through Purley, I no longer see the purple tree wraps simply as colourful decorations. Instead, I see a community coming together to support neighbours facing one of life’s greatest challenges. Before speaking with Kate, I had no idea of the story behind the campaign, and I suspect many local residents may not either. I hope that, after reading this, the next time you pass one of these beautifully wrapped trees, you’ll see it not just as a splash of colour, but as a symbol of hope, kindness and the incredible work taking place quietly within our own community.

To find out more, follow South East Cancer Help Centre on Instagram or check out their website. You can donate to the Paint Purley Purple campaign here.

Posted by guest writer Anna Pappachan Kakkassery 

Photos 1 to 4 courtesy of South East Cancer Help Centre, photos 5 to 7 courtesy of Anna Pappachan Kakkassery

Anna is a Malayali from Kerala, India, living in Croydon since 2021. A working mother of a two-year-old, she runs a small home decor business on Instagram. She writes occasionally on her personal blog and also creates travel videos for her YouTube channel.