Christie Impact Report 2025

When John McGartland from Stalybridge was diagnosed with gastro-oesophageal junction cancer — where the oesophagus (food pipe) joins the stomach — he faced an uncertain future. But thanks to a clinical trial at The Christie, funded by The Christie Charity, John was given a new chance at life.

The trial, led by consultant medical oncologist and scientist Dr Sara Valpione, is testing a new RNA-based immunotherapy — an innovative treatment that helps the immune system recognise and fight cancer more effectively. It is designed to offer improved outcomes with fewer side effects than traditional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. John was offered a place on the trial. “I agreed in a heartbeat and subsequently I was accepted, which gave us hope” he said. Today, John is in remission and attends regular check-ups. He credits the research, staff and care at The Christie with making his recovery possible. Research is a major focus for The Christie Charity, which has pledged up to £30 million of funding by 2030 to support more studies like this. The goal is to bring tomorrow’s treatments to patients faster, grow a pipeline of expert research leaders, and increase the number of people accessing clinical trials.

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