Each person whose life has been affected by cancer has a different story to tell.

Scroll down to read, hear and view the personal stories told to us by patients and carers. Our thanks to those who have been willing to share.

Beckie, a girl in her mid-20s, smiling at the camera. She has blonde hair that's just longer than her shoulders, blue eyes and a piercing in her left nostril.

Beckie’s Story

Beckie, 25, attended her very first cervical screening appointment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, Beckie shares her experience of visiting her GP with the new measures in place and explains why it’s so important to attend an appointment if you’re invited.

Click here to view Beckie's story
Carol Miller, founder of York Haematology Support group and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia survivor smiling and holding an award from the Lymphoma Association.

Carol’s Story

York Haematology Support Group founder, Carol Miller was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in 2004. Since her diagnosis, Carol has used her experience with cancer treatment to help others going through the same thing. Carol shared her experience of attending her GP surgery and hospitals for tests during the coronavirus pandemic.

Click here to view Carol's story
Image of Lizzie P, who is living with cancer through Covid-19. Lizzie wears a white blouse and has short brown hair. She is smiling and the sun is shining in the background.

Lizzie’s Story

Mum of three Lizzie Parker was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2019. Since then, Lizzie has been using her own experience to raise awareness and help others by sharing tips and advice on how to “live your best life despite the forecast”.

Read Lizzie’s story to find out about how she’s found living with cancer through the coronavirus pandemic.

Click here to view Lizzie's story

Zoe’s Story

Zoe lives in York and is an ovarian and breast cancer survivor.

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, Zoe co-founded York Breast Friends and is heavily involved in voluntary work with Yorkshire Cancer Patient Forum. Zoe is also a Project Officer for the Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance Cancer Champion programme.

Click here to view Zoe's story

Ian’s Story

After being diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer in 2013, Ian is now in remission with ongoing treatment.

Click here to view Ian's story

Sarah’s Story

Sarah was diagnosed with cervical cancer just before her 42nd birthday. Having struggled to meet anyone her age who was going through a similar journey, Sarah found support from the Living With and Beyond Cancer, Gynaecology and Smear not Fear teams based at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Click here to view Sarah's story