Purley has seen a slight décor change over the last few weeks, going from an urban grey to a vivid purple. This is all down to the work of the South East Cancer Help Centre, a non-profit organization based in Purley who have organised this colourful week of charity for the last four years. Schools, local businesses, residents and other organizations got involved from October 19th-26th. However, it is the colossal knitting that is most visible around Purley town centre, including on the parade outside KFC and Sainsbury’s.  

Some of the big hitters supporting the cause are Tesco, Santander and Frost Estate Agents, as well as many local businesses. Many events were put on over the course of the week, such as a Quiz Night at the Pear Tree pub, local schools had mufti days (purple themed of course!) and PopChoir visited to open the event at Tesco. The week ended with a Charity Ball at Farleigh Golf Club. A great end to a fantastic week of fundraising! When speaking about the aim of the campaign, Jennifer Mollett, SECHC chairman, told insidecroydon.com, “The aim of Paint Purley Purple is to raise people’s awareness about how SECHC helps people affected by cancer whilst raising as much money as possible to fund the vital services provided at the centre,”.  

SECHC offers bereavement, family, telephone and individual counselling sessions and there are various support groups including specific ones for those with ovarian, bowel, prostate, breast or oesophagus and gastric cancer. They can be found at 2 Purley Road, Purley, CR8 2HA.