Patient stories

Find out about the impact our work has on patients.

John Dabell with his dog outside in the sunshine
“Immunotherapy is keeping me alive” - John’s story

13/06/23 - John Dabell

On his daughter’s second birthday in 2009, John Dabell was diagnosed with advanced head and neck cancer. He went through extensive surgery and treatment and was on the road to recovery when he was diagnosed with cancer again – this time, a tumour in his throat. John was told he didn’t have long to live. But then he started immunotherapy. Here, he talks about its incredible impact and the opportunity it’s given him to spend more time with his wife and daughter.
daniel davidson with dog 547x410
Running the Marathon in memory of Mum – Daniel’s story

20/04/23 - Daniel Davidson

Daniel Davidson’s mum, Amanda Hood, died of cancer during the pandemic, just months after her diagnosis. Now to celebrate her life, he is running the 2023 London Marathon as part of #teamICR. Here Daniel explains why, despite the challenges of working on an oil rig in the North Sea and not being a keen runner, he is determined to take on this gruelling race to raise vital funds for our research.
susanna-with-husband-neil-and-their-children-yasmin-and-ethan 547x400
From cancer patient to marathon runner - Susanna’s story

20/04/23 - Elspeth Massey

Susanna Stephenson was diagnosed with breast cancer just three days before her 42nd birthday in 2014. Following treatment, the mum of two has now recovered and is part of our amazing #teamICR runners taking on the 2023 London Marathon.
Alfred Samuels leaning against a fence
“It’s not just about surviving, it’s about so much more” - Alfred’s story

11/01/23 - Alfred Samuels

When Alfred Samuels was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2012, it felt as if his world had fallen apart overnight. Doctors said surgery wasn’t an option for him because the cancer had spread beyond his prostate, and he started to lose hope. But then he joined a clinical trial and began treatment with abiraterone, a drug discovered and developed by our scientists, which is now extending the lives of thousands of men worldwide. Eleven years later, Alfred explains how he wouldn’t be here today without our research.


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