By Laura Kingston

Congratulations on the launch of Live Well with Cancer – what led you to set up the charity? 

I’ve been supporting people and their families to get through a cancer diagnosis and beyond for more than two decades. The support out there from the NHS and other charities is great – everyone does their best – but I could still recognise unmet needs in the region. 

The number of people living with cancer is increasing, with over 16,000 new cancers diagnosed in the North East each year. As the number of people surviving cancer increases, more people have significant unmet needs, particularly at the end of treatment. 

​For example, a lot of patients and their families struggle to open up to each other about their emotions surrounding the diagnosis and even their recovery. People try to protect those around them and it can lead to anxiety, low mood and sometimes depression.

In April 2019 I got a group of people together – who now make up the trustees of the charity – and all of who had been affected by cancer in some way. We came up with lots of ideas to provide support and importantly, to provide a safe environment where we break down any embarrassment or barriers that often stop people from asking for support. 

What services will it offer people in the region?

A big part of Live Well with Cancer is building an accessible community for people affected by cancer to support each other so that no-one has to feel alone.

We aim to help people live life to the full – with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Our focus is to empower people through self-help, mutual support and signposting to local services.

What are some of the events planned?

We have a full programme of events, workshops and exercise classes for men and women which are adaptable to all levels of fitness. 

Our workshops are tailored, we have simple ‘Let’s Chat’ sessions where people can ask questions about anything from sex, talking to their loved ones, anxiety – anything that they want to discuss in a supportive environment. We’ll also host sessions such as craft and chat where people can just get together regularly and talk, and then there are the fun exercise classes and choirs which everyone can enjoy. 

All sessions are free and open to anyone who has been affected by cancer, although all small donations are greatly received!

It’s really inspiring to see you and the trustees making such a difference to people’s lives in the region – tell us about you?

My vision is that every person in North Tyneside will get a follow-up visit from Live Well with Cancer within a month following their treatment. 

On Monday of this week, we had a launch event at Whitley Bay Playhouse and it felt amazing to see it all come to fruition after so many months of planning. For me personally, it was a significant night. I got divorced last month and whilst I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy I’m pleased it happened. I don’t think I would have set the charity up – it’s been really empowering to do something myself which will help and support so many people.