
After months of hard work and preparation, in an extraordinary display of unity, compassion, and community spirit, our founders, Mandeep and Em officially achieved a Guinness World Records for "Most Signatures on an Awareness Ribbon in 8 Hours" in support of cancer awareness.
The duo brought together hundreds of individuals to take part in a powerful Guinness World Records Attempt aimed at tackling cancer loneliness and raising awareness for those affected by the disease.
In a remarkable milestone, there were not one, but two world record attempts including the Largest Human Awareness Ribbon – both being UK firsts. While the ribbon attempt didn’t have the needed numbers of 8265 people, the team secured an incredible achievement: a Guinness World Records "Most Signatures on an Awareness Ribbon in 8 Hours" with 891 signatures! Knowing these attempts had never been done before in the UK made the success even more meaningful, and the win even sweeter.
The event saw overwhelming support from across the UK, with participants travelling from Birmingham, Northampton, London, Brighton, and even as far as Ireland to stand together in solidarity. Hosted in the heart of Suffolk at Trinity Park in Ipswich, the day was filled with connection, emotion, and a shared purpose to ensure no one facing cancer feels alone. Attendees shared personal stories, united in strength, and filled the space with an outpouring of love that defined the true spirit of the day.
"Hope to Connect so clearly brought their mission to life through two record attempts. The successful attempt for the 'most signatures on an awareness ribbon in 8 hours' saw a steady queue of contributors waiting to add their name throughout the day, and the final piece looked very impressive. Part of the verification process required confirming that each signature was unique, and it was incredibly powerful to verify 891 individual names, each representing a person and their own story.
Alongside this, the attempt for the ‘largest human awareness ribbon’ was full of ambition, colour and team spirit. Although the organisers and participants knew they did not have the numbers required to surpass the existing record, 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!" - Joanne Brent, Guinness World Records Adjudicator
The event raised over £2,500 for five chosen cancer charities and in addition, “Hope” - the crowdfunder car - was signed by hundreds of attendees as a powerful symbol of the shared journey of hope the community will continue together, as Mandeep and Emma now focus their efforts on the wider mission of building the Hope to Connect app, the world’s first friendship and companionship app for people touched by cancer, helping to reduce cancer loneliness and nurture human connection.
“This was never just about breaking a record,” said the founders. “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.”
Mandeep and Emma would also like to give special recognition to their top sponsors, Fleximize and East of England Co-op, whose support helped bring this vision to life. A heartfelt thank you goes to Tesco Martlesham for fuelling the incredible volunteers throughout the day, and the team of volunteers made up of family, friends and supporters, whose dedication ensured the event ran so smoothly. They also extend their sincere gratitude to all suppliers who offered support, guidance, and generosity at every step of the journey.
Official event photos and keepsakes, including Guinness World Records participation certificates, will soon be available, alongside a range of merchandise to commemorate the day.
This landmark achievement not only celebrates a world record but highlights the power of community in driving awareness, support, and lasting impact.
Photo Credit to Owen Broom from Broom Films, and Tony Southgate

With Emma having stage 4 terminal cancer, and Mandeep having lost friends and family to it, the two joined forces to create the Hope to Connect app, an app dedicated to people who have or have had some form of cancer.
"Users can find others going through the same type of cancer and even the same stage of cancer. We hope we can fill a gap in this world, where people with cancer can connect as a community, where they can find each other for companionship, friendship and even love."


With Emma having stage 4 terminal cancer, and Mandeep having lost friends and family to it, the two joined forces to create the Hope to Connect app, an app dedicated to people who have or have had some form of cancer. And on April 11th 2026, our co-founders organised the Guinness World Records attempt in the UK, in honour, support, remembrance and celebration of all those touched by cancer!
"I've been ghosted and stood up after being honest about my diagnosis. It's the most demoralising feeling that no one should have to go through. It's my dream to see this platform launched before I pass, to leave a legacy for my daughter, and to help others like me for years to come. Having Mandeep as my friend and fellow founder is invaluable. With her own story of losing loved ones to cancer, we have a mutual passion and urgency to bring this app to life as soon as possible." - Emma

"Most of the time, you feel the troubles of your loved ones, but when it comes to cancer, you become acutely and painfully aware that you don't understand what they're going through, and you never will. Staying with Merry until she took her last breath was one of the hardest thing I've watched a loved one go through. Just as hard as seeing my close friend who survived cancer go through the anxieties of; "Will it come back?" "Am I really cancer-free?" "I had it, what if my son gets it?"
Watching loved ones suffer is horrible. I'd love for there to be something that exists, that friends and family can point their loved ones to, so they never have to feel alone. Hope to Connect, will be a go-to place for people with cancer, or who have survived it, to find each other, to bond, to share their experience, and to feel companionship during their journey." - Mandeep

We want to create a safe app that protects vulnerable users, and has custom-built features that truly nurture human connection, and provides a space where the therapeutic value in finding people living with the same experience as you, thrives.
That’s why we are seeking the right investors; every pound given helps lay the digital foundations of a safer, stronger community.
For those who wish to be part of building this journey, you can support the development of this unique app, planting the first seeds of change and watching them grow into a lasting legacy of hope.
One-off option
Recieve a personalised email from our Founders
Inside updates, early access to the app and a shout-out on social media (with permission).
Early access to the app
Shout-out on social media (with permission)
Handwritten thank you card from the Founders
Limited edition keyring
Recognition on the app’s Founding Supporters page
Everything in "Support Star"
Free exclusive Hope To Connect™ keyring & pen
Priority invite to a live Q&A or virtual event with the Founders
6 months free access to the app
Everything in "Circle of Care"
Access to behind-the-scenes video content (e.g., app development, Founders’ journey)
Invite to contribute a message of hope for inclusion in the app’s community space
1 year free access to the app
Everything in "Love in Action"
Private Zoom meet-and-greet with the Founders
Exclusive welcome bundle mailed (pin, stickers, printed thank-you)
Exclusive access to test the Hope to Connect™ app before it goes live
Lifetime free access to the Hope to Connect™ app
Everything in "Founding Friend"
Exclusive invite to the Launch Party (invitation-only)
Everything in "Legacy Champion"
A place to advertise on the Hope to Connect™ app for 1 month (subject to terms and conditions)
The opportunity to sponsor our networking events
"Our investors are very dear to us. Not only do they show faith in our vision, but they share the empathy and compassion we feel for every soul touched by cancer. Their support is a promise: that no one will have to walk this journey alone." - Em & Mandeep
Everything in "Corporate Bonus Gift"
Permanently dedicate a space on the Hope to Connect™ app in memory of a lost loved one.
Not at all. Sometime, even though you're with an incredibly supportive partners or spouse, you might still need support and friendship from someone who has actually lived your experience. For that reason, Hope to Connect is for anyone who is not looking for dating, but who is looking for support through friendship.
Emma and Mandeep have a watertight business plan, but you never know what's around the corner. If it happens that they do not raise the needed funds to build the Hope to Connect app, the balance of seed funding raised will go directly to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Hope to Connect Limited is an incorporated business (company registration number: 16350510) registered address at: 167-169 Great Portland Street, London, England, W1W 5PF. While it is not a not-for-profit organisation, 10% of its profits will go to cancer-related charities as voted by its subscribers, and grassroots activities.
We don't give advice, however, we are building a catelogue of organisations and resources we can signpost subscribers to, on our online resources page.
While not directly involved, we do host an online networking event for all cancer-related organisations to support them.
The Hope to Connect app is dedicated to those with cancer, or those who are in remission. Part of our future expansion plan is to offer the Hope to Connect™ app to those who do not have cancer, but have lost a loved one to it.
Copyright© 2025 Hope to Connect™. All reights reserved. Company registration number: 16350510. Registered address: 167-169 Great Portland Street, London, England, W1W 5PF.
*Disclaimer: In the situation where the founders of Hope to Connect® do not raise the needed funds to successfully build the Hope to Connect® app, the balance of seed funding raised will go directly to Macmillan Cancer Support. Terms of Service.
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