Cancer Connections - An Insider’s Insight

In this month’s Insider’s Insight, we speak to Jonathan Carroll from our Jarrow office who is treasurer of Cancer Connections, a south Tyneside-based charity established in 2006.

Tell us about the aims of the charity

A cancer diagnosis often means dealing with uncertainty, anger, fear, and grief, as well as the side-effects of treatment and the practical problems that people who have not had cancer can never understand.

In these situations, it is often helpful to share problems with others can appreciate what they are going through. At Cancer Connections our staff and volunteers have experience of cancer and can help others in similar situations: being diagnosed with cancer, receiving treatment, having had cancer in the past, caring for someone with cancer, or being bereaved. Our aim is to help the people of South Tyneside wo are living with cancer to return to normal life as far as is possible and enjoy their family, work, and leisure. 

When the charity was established and what prompted it to be set up 

The charity was established in 2006 by Professor Reg Hall, a retired eminent cancer specialist who identified that whilst cancer treatment in the NHS is very good, the care available from the NHS rarely provides the emotional and practical help that many people need when trying to return to ‘normal life’ after cancer. 

This prompted the idea of a centre where people could come and share problems with others who have gone through the same experience. 

From this small beginning, when the charity relied solely on volunteers, we now have a modern bungalow in South Shields which has become a ‘home from home’ for those affected by cancer. There is always someone there for visitors to talk to in a welcoming, non-clinical setting.

How did you become involved?

I’d assisted with preparing the charity’s accounts for a number of years and in 2015 was asked by the directors to take over as treasurer. I’ve been in the role ever since, attending regular board meetings, assisting with the bookkeeping, and preparing the year end accounts. 

Tell us about some of the charity’s achievements

In 2015. Cancer Connections received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services recognising the invaluable work of so many local residents. 

In 2017, the charity published an award-winning book that tells the remarkable stories of people with cancer, illustrated by the renowned South Shields artist, Robert Olley. Copies of Connecting with Cancer can be obtained from the charity.

What are your aims for 2026?

This year’s aim is quite simple - to continue to provide the people of South Tyneside with the support and advice they need following a cancer diagnosis. 

Where can we find you online?

We have a website, https://cancerconnections.org.uk/ and we regularly post on Facebook and Instagram.

Anything else you’d like us to know?

Our charity has several Patrons who have played a significant role in the success of Cancer Connections. These are: - 

Dame Margaret Barbour, DBE DL. Chair of J. Barbour & Sons Ltd, the global clothing empire, and the Barbour Foundation.

Josef Craig MBE. Paralympic swimming Gold Medallist and BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2012. 

Jade Thirlwall. International singer-songwriter, formerly with Little Mix girl band.

If you would like to find out more about Cancer Connections or to make a donation, visit https://cancerconnections.org.uk/