Retired teacher Judy was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2019. After taking part in a clinical trial, three-years later she was given the all clear.

"In 2006, my husband Trevor was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Thirteen years later, unbelievably, I was diagnosed with exactly the same tumour. At the colonoscopy, the practitioner told me then and there, ‘you’ve got cancer’. It was such a shock. I already knew all there was about this cancer after the hard journey with Trevor.

But this time, it was me feeling: ‘I'm going to die’. You spend the first few weeks just collapsing in a heap and crying. When I opted for a new clinical trial of intensive chemo and radiotherapy, a whole supportive network kicked into action here at Leeds Cancer Centre. The daily regimen made me feel safe. It just felt very optimistic to be in a teaching hospital with world-class oncology treatment. The confidence in the system carried me through. Despite the stress, it was a really positive experience. I couldn’t fault the support, the encouragement and kindness of all the team involved. They’re just amazing.

Surgery saved Trevor. Unlike me, he didn’t have a treatment choice. It’s life altering for Trevor to have a colostomy bag attached to his stomach. All that, miraculously, was avoided for me. Sadly, cancer will touch most people’s lives. It's in everybody's interest to support Leeds Hospitals Charity to fund this pioneering work."