A much-loved woodwork tutor is hanging up his chisels after more than a decade providing specialist therapy for people coping with cancer and bereavement.
Cabinet maker Tom Webster has been overseeing the workbenches at CancerCare on Blackhall Yard in Kendal for nearly 15 years as part of the charity’s creative group support service.
During that time, he has delivered more than 800 sessions of woodwork and helped dozens of people from across South Lakeland and North Lancashire lose themselves in the creativity, industry and intricacy involved in working with wood.
Tom’s expertise and skills have helped with the production of handcrafted items including coffee tables, rocking chairs, toys, garden furniture, jewellery boxes and bug hotels.
Tom is an experienced cabinet maker and he is leaving the charity to enable him to spend more time in his own workshop in Lancaster.
Tom said: “I have really enjoyed my time at CancerCare and I will be sad to leave. The big thing for me has been getting to know the clients and seeing how strong they are and help each other cope with some really tough situations as part of a group.
“They enjoy working in the workshop together in a social setting with others who know what they are going through and what it is like. For people who are acting as carers, it’s easy to see how that break away from the situation at home is so important.”
