'No one has to face cancer alone': Suffolk duo break world record

Why it matters: Mandeep Birdy and Emma Adams, founders of Hope to Connect, have officially broken a Guinness World Record — securing the title for the most signatures on an awareness ribbon in eight hours, with 891 names, in a UK first. The pair also attempted the largest human awareness ribbon on the day, bringing hundreds of people together in formation despite not having the numbers to beat the existing record.

The details: The event, held at Trinity Park on Felixstowe Road, drew supporters from across the UK — including Birmingham, Northampton, London, Brighton, and Ireland — united by a shared experience of cancer. It raised over £2,500 for five cancer charities: the Harley James Reynolds Fund, Cancer Support Suffolk, Aoibheann's Pink Tie, Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, and The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Support Group.

Joanne Brent, the Guinness World Records adjudicator on the day, said: "It was incredibly powerful to verify 891 individual names, each representing a person and their own story."

She added: "Although the organisers and participants knew they did not have the numbers required to surpass the existing record [for the largest human awareness ribbon], they still chose to stand together in formation to create the image. It was incredibly powerful to witness that moment as it spoke volumes about the true purpose of the event. Congratulations to Hope to Connect and all who participated. You are Officially Amazing!"

The bigger picture: Hope to Connect was founded by Mandeep and Emma in March 2025, born out of Emma's experience of cancer loneliness following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2023. The pair are now developing what they describe as the world's first friendship and companionship app for people touched by cancer — connecting users by cancer type, stage, and location, for friendship, companionship, or even love.

"I would like to talk to somebody right now who's got triple negative breast cancer in Ipswich, perhaps with brain metastases," Emma said ahead of the event. "I don't know anyone who has that."

Emma, who began her latest course of chemotherapy the week before the event, described building Hope to Connect as the thing that has kept her going. "It's given me purpose. Even though it's all about cancer, it's not about my cancer — it's about helping other people. And I feel like that's rewarded me."

What they're saying: The founders said: "This was never just about breaking a record. It was about bringing people together, creating connection, and showing that no one has to face cancer in isolation. The support has been beyond anything we could have imagined."

Special recognition was given to sponsors Fleximize and East of England Co-op, along with Tesco Martlesham, which provided refreshments for volunteers throughout the day.

What's next: Mandeep and Emma are now focused on raising the funds needed to build the Hope to Connect app, pursuing investment and exploring multiple avenues to secure the capital required. Official event photos and Guinness World Records participation certificates will be available via hopetoconnect.com, alongside commemorative merchandise.

The bottom line: Emma and Mandeep have shown that community, connection, and compassion can fill the spaces where cancer leaves people feeling invisible — and they are only just getting started, as the work to fund and build the Hope to Connect app continues.

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