Force is a Devon based charity committed to people whose lives are affected by cancer. Originally set up in 1987 to fund local cancer research, the Charity has expanded to serve the rapidly changing world of cancer services at a local level. Why local? Simply because anyone diagnosed with cancer deserves the best possible treatment and professional support close to home. In September 2004 we opened a purpose built cancer support centre in the grounds of the RD&E Hospital. The Centre is open five days a week and offers a whole range of non-clinical cancer support services. The aim of these services is to ensure that patients and families are never without good support and information from the time of diagnosis. Despite moving into supportive care, research remains a very important part of our work. FORCE funded research is currently focussed on lung and ovarian cancers. Furthermore, FORCE has also helped fund a new generation of equipment. Anyone treated for cancer locally is likely to benefit from equipment provided by the Charity at a total cost of over £2 million. To cover the cost of these commitments we need to raise £700,000 p.a., all of which comes from voluntary donations.