A town is set to turn purple this March as it once again remembers the much-loved founder of a local charity.

Dereham Cancer Care is set to host its second Turning Dereham Purple Day on March 13 in memory of its founder Janet Money.

The remarkable charity worker, who supported the lives of hundreds of people throughout Norfolk, died in December 2020 aged 73.

Last year, the charity hosted the first Dereham Purple Day on what would have been her birthday.

Dereham Times: Janet Money at the Dereham Cancer Care CentreJanet Money at the Dereham Cancer Care Centre (Image: Newsquest)

Dereham Cancer Care celebrates its 22nd birthday this year and hopes to get the whole town involved, inviting shops to put on special window displays or host purple-centric events around town, following on from last year’s successful debut.

A statement said: “We are a local charity and here for anyone affected by cancer. We are celebrating Janet, but also raising our profile and letting people know we are here.

Dereham Times: Breckland Council turns its building purple last yearBreckland Council turns its building purple last year (Image: Breckland Council)

“We have a great community and it is so heart-warming to see all the other community groups from the AboutDereham meeting showing their enthusiasm to get involved.”

The charity has been contacted by several businesses and groups wanting to get involved, including Dereham Windmill, the Dereham Aid Centre, local schools, and the Railway Tavern, with messages every day from more people wanting to show their support.

Breckland Council also confirmed it will turn its building purple once again.

Dereham Times: Dereham Cancer Care is looking for people to help make crochet purple hearts and purple pebbles for the day Dereham Cancer Care is looking for people to help make crochet purple hearts and purple pebbles for the day (Image: Zoe Flint)

On the day there will be a special service at St Nicholas Church.

The charity is asking for help in making purple hearts, which they hand out to all those affected by cancer, for a display on the day. They also want to make purple pebbles as they target to create 2,000 to put around Dereham.

If you wish to help or find out more, contact the charity at enquiries@derehamcancercare.co.uk

If you need support, you can contact the charity on 01362 288089.