Patient stories

Find out about the impact our work has on patients.

Headshot of Jolyon
“There cannot be enough research into cancer. That’s why a legacy gift makes perfect sense” – Jolyon’s story

04/09/25 - Jolyon Armstrong

Jolyon, 75, faced his own cancer diagnosis in 2018 and has also seen members of his immediate family and ‘too many friends’ touched by the disease. That’s why he has pledged to leave a gift in his Will to fund our ground-breaking research.
Rick Freedman wearing sunglasses
“I like to think I am contributing to our breakthroughs in cancer research” – Rick’s melanoma story

12/08/25 - Rick Freedman

Rick Freedman, 50, who is Head of Research Finance at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), explains why our summer fundraising appeal, which is supporting our melanoma research, holds personal significance for him…
Bea Buckley with her family
“I’m so grateful for cancer research, I have directly benefitted from it” – Bea’s melanoma story

08/08/25 - Bea Buckley

Bea Buckley, 40, was diagnosed with stage 3b acral melanoma, a rare type of skin cancer, in 2022. After three surgeries and 12 months of targeted therapy, she is now disease-free and feels hopeful about the future.
David Bateson (credit: David Bateson)
“Without immunotherapy, I wouldn’t be here now. I feel so lucky” – David’s melanoma story

23/07/25 - David Bateson

David Bateson, 49, was first diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, in December 2019. By August 2021, it had spread to his liver, lungs and spine. Thanks to immunotherapy treatment, David has gone from having aggressive cancer to having no evidence of disease in his body. He explains why he now has hope for the future and a new-found appreciation of life…
Sally stands in her garden surrounded by greenery. She smiles at the camera and wears a pink top
"Every day is valuable" - Sally’s melanoma story

11/07/25 - Sally Steadman-South

Sally Steadman-South, a mother of two from Sheffield, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2014 at the age of 34, after visiting the GP about a small mole on her chest.
Elen Hughes smiling into camera
“New breast cancer drug capivasertib is allowing me to live life to the full” – Elen’s story

27/06/25 - Elen Hughes

Elen Hughes was first diagnosed with primary invasive lobular breast cancer in 2008 at the age of 37. Eight years later, her cancer returned and spread, and she has been on a rollercoaster journey ever since, experiencing the highs of remission and the lows of numerous relapses. Since February 2025, she has been treated with the drug capivasertib, the discovery of which was underpinned by research at The Institute of Cancer Research. She is now doing well and feels hopeful for her future.
Sophie Norman by the sea
"I am grateful for my treatment plan and the fact that it worked" – Sophie’s blood cancer story

23/06/25 - Sophie Norman

Sophie Norman had just turned 16 when she was diagnosed with the blood cancer acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in the summer of 2021. Now aged 19 and cancer free, she is in her first year at Bath University, studying Biochemistry. She is looking forward to a career in medical research, inspired by the scientists she met at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) during a work experience placement in our Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery.
Ellie smiling looking into the camera
“I try to live my life the way that Ellie would be living hers” – Karen’s story

08/06/25 - Karen Mawdsley

Karen Mawdsley’s daughter, Ellie, was diagnosed with DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma), an aggressive brain tumour, in December 2021. She sadly passed away in July 2023, aged 23. Ellie was determined to improve the lives of young people with brain cancer and selflessly donated her brain tissue to The Institute of Cancer Research. Her parents, Karen and Ian, are continuing her legacy and have set up The Ellie Mawdsley Foundation to raise awareness and fund further vital research into brain tumours in Ellie’s memory.


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