Chai Lifeline was founded in 1990 by Susan Shipman and Frances Winegarten z"l who, after bitter personal experience, were determined that there should be a resource in the Jewish Community that could offer the support and care they were unable to find in their time of need.

Chai's first Centre was opened in 1994 and was pioneering in its attitude to cancer support. Using a holistic approach, treating the person not the disease, Chai helps those affected by cancer to develop the positive and determined attitude that is so important for people fighting this devastating illness.

Due to the increase in the number of people being diagnosed with cancer and having reached capacity level, in November 2003 Chai Cancer Care took an enormous leap forward and moved to its magnificent 0.6 acre new Cancer Support Centre in the heart of the Jewish community. Reflecting its wider remit, Chai Lifeline changed its name to Chai Cancer Care.

This move enabled Chai to meet the current demand for its services and also the scope to plan, implement and respond to the ever-growing needs that the future will inevitably bring.

In June 2007 Chai began offering services to the Redbridge Jewish Community, based at Sinclair House.

Chai was established with a passion and commitment that continues to drive the organisation forward, ensuring that no-one should have to suffer cancer alone.