We are The Christie magazine -Edition 5

Jo, a development manager for arts and heritage charities, who is married to Ian, began 2025 as usual. But everything changed for the mother of three in March when she found a lump in her breast.

“I went to my GP, and when I found out out it was breast cancer, I was terrified. It felt unreal, like I was in a daze.”

"They made the most frightening year of my life manageable."

Further tests confirmed that Jo had HER2-positive breast cancer. In April, she was referred to The Christie for treatment, including 12 chemotherapy sessions, an operation, and radiotherapy sessions, finishing on Christmas Eve. She will continue with Herceptin injections in 2026. Jo speaks with genuine warmth about her experience at The Christie at Macclesfield. “The medical care is efficient and caring. But the non-medical care is just as important. Everyone is welcoming and smiling, even when they’re clearly busy. They make a difficult situation manageable". She remembers being “petrified” before her first chemotherapy session until senior nurse Sarah helped her through it. “Over the next 18 weeks, I saw many of the same friendly nurses - Eva, Matthew, Rachel, Emma and others - and that continuity meant the world.” The environment at Macclesfield also made a difference. “The chemotherapy suite is light and airy, with views of the trees. Everything is spotless and still feels new.” Before the centre opened, Jo’s treatment would have required a stressful two or three-hour round trip to Withington. “Having cancer treatment close to home made everything easier.” As she starts 2026, Jo is relieved there are no signs of cancer and feels hopeful. “Cancer still feels surreal in About our new breast care model Jo is one of around 250 patients each year benefiting from a pioneering regional breast cancer treatment model developed by The Christie. Led by Dr Caroline Wilson, this approach ensures patients continue to receive consultant-led expert care, while helping address national workforce shortages. One consultant now leads care for patients with a specific subtype of cancer across four surgical breast units. Pharmacists, an advanced nurse practitioner, a GP, an associate specialist in oncology and a dedicated secretary support Dr Wilson. Highly trained nursing teams do treatment reviews, and imaging and monitoring are coordinated with local surgical teams. Emergency side effects are managed through The Christie acute oncology hotline. Comprehensive protocols ensure consistent, safe care across the region. some ways, yet painfully real in others. I couldn’t have got through it without the amazing staff at The Christie, and without my family and friends. Cancer has taught me to appreciate them even more.”

Jo Williams

When Jo Williams from Buxton phoned BBC Radio 4’s ‘You and Yours’ recently, she simply wanted to thank the team at The Christie at Macclesfield. Her message

of appreciation soon led to an invitation to share her story directly with The Christie’s Board of Directors.

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