We are The Christie magazine - Edition 6

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christie.nhs.uk We are The Christie Building confidence How Minecraft is helping young patients prepare for treatment

EDITION 6

Welcome

A word from our Chair

Joining The Christie as both Chair and a patient has given me a unique perspective on this remarkable organisation.

I started here in May 2025, after more than 20 years in NHS leadership. What I didn’t anticipate was experiencing the Trust from such a personal, first-hand perspective, following a diagnosis of prostate cancer just two days after being appointed.

excellent but also personal, and as easy to access as possible - something that is very much our priority. In these pages of our sixth edition, you’ll find stories that reflect these priorities, from using Minecraft to help young patients feel more prepared for treatment, to how our Future Christie programme is improving patients’ experience with easier to access information. I’m also particularly pleased to see examples of services delivering care closer to home, including our clinical haematology service at Leighton Hospital. Now that I’m back on my feet, I’m looking forward to seeing even more of our services and our visitors - continuing to listen and to learn.

As Chair, my role is to help guide the board, looking ahead while listening to our patients and staff. Spending time in waiting rooms and treatment areas gave me the chance to speak to patients and families and hear directly about what matters most to them. It also reinforced how important it is that the care we provide is not just

Professor Joe Rafferty, Chair

Contents

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2 3

Around the Trust

Introduction News in brief Feature stories Staff stories Patient stories

Transforming cancer care through Future Christie Life through Kymara’s lens

4-7 8-9

17 18 19

Puzzle section Charity corner

10-13

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You Made A Difference Awards

We’d love to hear your thoughts about this new magazine. Please send any feedback or ideas to the-christie.internalcomms@nhs.net You can also get in touch by post at: WATC Editor, The Christie, 2-4 Candleford Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 3JH 2

News in brief

Farewell to Julie and Lorraine Two well-loved staff members, Julie Davies and Lorraine Burgess, retired recently. Lorraine had a remarkable 51-year NHS career, including 14 years at The Christie. In 2013, she became the UK’s first Macmillan dementia nurse consultant in a specialist cancer centre, helping transform care for patients living with both cancer and dementia. Lorraine supported families, improved staff understanding, and developed dementia-friendly services. Her work was recognised nationally, winning the Nursing Times Nurse of the Year award in 2014 and being named as a Queen’s Nurse. Julie spent almost four decades at The Christie and has led The Christie at Oldham since it opened in 2010. She helped build the service, bringing cancer treatment and care closer to home for many people. Over her career, she also contributed to developments in radiotherapy research and innovation. Both leave a legacy and will be greatly missed.

News in brief

Lorraine Burgess

Julie Davies

Five-fold success at the Greater Manchester Cancer Awards The Christie celebrated a fantastic night at the Greater Manchester Cancer Awards, taking home five awards recognising our work in research, innovation, education and equality. Winners included the RAPID-RT trial, which won the Commitment to Equality Award, and the proton beam therapy team, which won the Innovation Award for its use of virtual reality distraction therapy to support children and young people during treatment. Dr Sindhu Retnabai also received the Spark of Excellence Staff Award for her compassionate advocacy for teenagers and young adults with cancer. The Trust was also recognised for work improving oesophageal cancer detection in Kenya, and in Educational Impact for Digital Clinical Placements – the Manchester Model.

Results of UK’s first proton beam therapy trial published The results have been published in The Lancet, one of the world’s leading medical journals. The TORPEdO trial found that standard intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is as effective as proton beam therapy for treating oropharyngeal cancer, a type of throat cancer. Professor David Thomson, the Christie consultant who led the trial, said: “Long-term outcomes with IMRT were very good and matched proton beam therapy. We are extremely grateful to the patients and multidisciplinary teams who made this trial possible. IMRT is widely available and delivers excellent patient outcomes. Proton beam therapy also plays an important role in cancer care. The treatment is standard of care for several groups, including children and young adults” Our upcoming restaurant refresh Our Withington site restaurant will undergo a refresh in the second half of this year, to improve the whole dining experience. This will include a new entrance, increased seating, a new outdoor terrace, more service and till points to reduce queues at busy times, and an increased ‘grab and go’ concept for those buying lunch in a hurry.

Guitarist is first in Europe to go home the same day after robotic operation Sam Birchall, lead guitarist in indie band The Lilacs, is believed to be the first person in Europe to go home the same day after a lymph node removal operation for testicular cancer that had spread. Sam was diagnosed last year at the age of 24. After surgery at his local hospital, he had three cycles of chemotherapy at The Christie before further tests showed he needed an operation to remove enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. The procedure was carried out robotically by Mr Aziz Gulamhusein, Consultant Urological Surgeon at The Christie. Sam said: “I had a robotic operation, which generally has a much shorter recovery time than open surgery, but I never expected to leave hospital the same day. It really couldn’t have gone any better.” Mr Gulamhusein said the milestone was “amazing” and showed how less invasive surgery can help patients recover more quickly.

Work is due to start over the summer and does unfortunately mean the restaurant will be reducing services. We hope to unveil our brand-new facilities by the end of this year.

If you’d like to read more about these stories, please visit: christie.nhs.uk/news

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Feature story

Exploring treatment through Minecraft

Young patients at The Christie are using Minecraft to help them prepare for cancer treatment, thanks to an innovative collaboration with Microsoft and Minecraft Education.

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A virtual version of the proton beam therapy centre has been carefully recreated in Minecraft, giving children and young people the chance to explore what they will experience during treatment. It is believed to be the first time a working NHS facility has been brought to life in this way. The project has been developed with input from clinical teams and health play specialists at The Christie, who support children to understand their treatment in ways that feel familiar and less overwhelming.

Ten-year-old Ramatulaye, known as Rama, was the first patient to try it. She said: “It looks just the same as the hospital, it’s so cool. The centre feels very big when you get here, so being able to explore it in Minecraft helps you to understand where everything is, which is great. I think other children will love it just as much as me.” Sessions are supported by the health play team, who guide each child through the experience and use it to start conversations about treatment. The aim is not only to reduce anxiety, but to help children feel more prepared and involved in their care. Proton beam therapy centre manager at The Christie, Tom Edwards, said: “Having seen through my own children how fascinated they are by Minecraft, I knew that this would be a fantastic way for our young patients to explore the proton beam centre and overcome their fears. That’s why I was so excited to work with the Minecraft developers to help them build a version of our proton beam therapy centre in Minecraft.” The project attracted widespread media attention when Rama first used it. She featured on the BBC News website and the children's programme Newsround, and it was covered on BBC Radio 5 Live and North West Tonight, as well as in the Daily Express. You can watch the Newsround video by visiting bbc.co.uk/newsround and searching for ‘Minecraft Christie cancer centre’.

By exploring spaces such as reception areas, waiting areas, treatment rooms and scanners in Minecraft, patients can build confidence, ask questions, and feel more in control during what can be an uncertain time. Each year, The Christie treats around 120 children with proton beam therapy, a highly targeted form of radiotherapy. It uses protons, tiny particles found in atoms, to deliver radiation precisely to a tumour, helping to protect healthy tissue and reduce side effects. For many families, the scale and complexity of the treatment environment can feel daunting at first.

It looks just the same as the hospital, it’s so cool. The centre feels very big when you get here, so being able to explore it in Minecraft helps you to understand where everything is, which is great. I think other children will love it just as much as me. Rama, Christie patient

The Minecraft world has been designed to reflect real patient journeys as closely as possible. Children can move through the centre, interact with equipment, and even discover playful features such as hidden rooms and a keyboard piano. The environment has been scaled up to make it easier to navigate, while still being recognisable to those attending for treatment.

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Feature story

A day of hope on the BBC Rama’s visit to explore our proton beam therapy centre in Minecraft was part of a wider moment in the national spotlight, as The Christie worked with BBC Radio 5 Live on a special ‘Day of Hope’.

Professor Aziz said: “The chance to shine a light on a rare tumour type that receives little national attention was a great opportunity and an important thing to do”. Supportive care was also a key focus. Professor Richard Berman spoke on Radio 5 Live about the role of supportive oncology in helping people live as well as possible with cancer. Professor Fiona Thistlethwaite was also part of the programming, discussing early-phase clinical trials and the importance of research in offering new hope to patients. She had treated the BBC presenter Rachael Bland, who was the driving force behind the powerful BBC podcast – ‘You, Me and the Big C’. The BBC’s ‘Day of Hope’ was created to celebrate the legacy of the podcast, and they asked Professor Thistlethwaite about Rachael and the impact the podcast has had on patients and people like her working in cancer care. At the heart of the coverage, however, was Rama’s experience with Minecraft. Her story demonstrates how innovative approaches at The Christie, such as helping children explore treatment through play, can make a big difference in how they feel about treatment.

Ahead of World Cancer Day and alongside the launch of the government’s National Cancer Plan, the BBC spent time at our hospital to understand how we are improving the lives of people with cancer. Across BBC Radio 5 Live, Newsround, BBC News online, and regional BBC TV and radio, audiences heard about pioneering research, our supportive care service, and listened to several of our consultants being interviewed. Alongside Rama’s story, the BBC visited the Paterson Building to explore groundbreaking research aimed at better understanding and treating pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) – a rare appendix cancer.

In total, The Christie was mentioned on the BBC more than 200 times in one day, reaching millions of people across the UK.

“The chance to shine a light on a rare tumour type that receives little national attention was a great opportunity and an important thing to do”

Professor Omer Aziz and research fellow Rags Nagaraju shared how

they are working to better understand and treat PMP,

growing patients’ tumours outside the body, and analysing mutations with a view to developing more

personalised and effective treatments in the future.

Professor Omer Aziz

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At the heart of the coverage, was Rama’s experience with Minecraft. Her story demonstrates how innovative approaches at The Christie, such as helping children explore treatment through play, can make a big difference in how they feel about treatment.

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Staff stories

Roxy Afzal, advanced nurse practitioner and REACH staff network lead Roxy works as part of the team providing medical support to children receiving proton beam therapy, for example, helping to manage complicated or unexpected side effects during treatment.

Staff stories Each and every person who works at The Christie performs a valuable role which directly links to patient care. Whether it is a nurse delivering chemotherapy or an IT engineer keeping our computer systems running, there is a huge variety of roles that come together to make The Christie special.

Roxy has been at The Christie for around two years now, having previously worked in public health and in neonatal health. She said: “Before I joined the NHS, I’d had quite a varied career. I’d done all sorts, from marketing to acting and even working as cabin crew. When I started training as a nurse, I knew I’d found my vocation.” One of Roxy’s big passions is racial equality - from both a staff and a patient perspective. She is the engagement lead for the REACH staff network group (race, ethnicity, and cultural heritage) bringing her experiences both personally and

professionally to raise awareness about how someone’s race, ethnicity and culture can have a profound impact on their experience in the NHS. She said: “Over the years, there have been some improvements, but ethnic minority patients still face issues with their care that put them at a disadvantage.

“It’s important to celebrate our differences, ask questions and have open discussions about how we can learn from different cultures." Roxy Afzal

All our staff go to tremendous lengths to help each and every one of our patients and, together:

Black and Asian women, for example, are proven to have higher mortality issues during pregnancy and childbirth and in cancer care there are many cultural barriers that can impact upon someone’s experience, for example, during early detection and screening. Roxy believes it’s vital to celebrate diversity, and that staff from different backgrounds improve the care we offer because of their lived experiences and the knowledge they have of different cultures. She said: “It’s important to celebrate our differences, ask questions and have open discussions about how we can learn from different cultures. When we understand the issues that our colleagues and patients face, we can take action to improve our interactions with others and promote equality.”

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Debra Jones, occupational therapist Debra Jones has been an occupational therapist (OT) for over 30 years. She currently works with teenage and young adult patients going through cancer treatment at The Christie.

Barbara Parker, medical secretary Barbara Parker, known to colleagues and patients as Babs, has worked at The Christie for 30 years and is a PA and medical secretary within the medical oncology lung team.

“Not very many people know what an occupational therapist does,” Debra says. “The way I describe it is that we find out what is important to someone – whether that be having a shower, getting back to university or being able to stand independently – and, with the support of others in the team, rehab, self management strategies, and sometimes specialist equipment – help them to do it.”

“Every day is extremely busy. When I arrive in the office, I hit the ground running. My phone starts to ring soon after 8am. Priorities change all the time, so you’re always adapting and dealing with what can be complex and time consuming tasks.” Barbara says. Barbara manages clinic changes and consultants’ appointments, responds to calls and emails from patients and family members, types up patient notes and handles a wide range of requests. A big part of her role involves liaising across services to make sure things happen when they need to. “I’m always multitasking,” she explains. “Ultimately, it’s about making sure that the patient’s needs are met.” For many patients and families, Barbara is one of the first members who feel confident about contacting me because they know they can depend on me.” she says. Over the years, Barbara has seen the impact of her role. “I’ve received many heartfelt thank you cards and emails from patients and their family members. I feel this shows that I do make a difference.” She describes how administrative professionals serve as the link between consultants, nurses, patients, and their families. “If we didn’t do our jobs professionally and effectively, the system simply wouldn’t work. We’re an essential part of the team, supporting and reassuring patients between their visits.” Her connection to The Christie is also personal, having been a patient here herself. “I have insight from both sides,” she says. “Now, being able to support patients through their own cancer journey means a lot to me.” their visits.” Barbara Parker “We’re an essential part of the team, supporting and reassuring patients between points of contact. Speaking to people when they are worried, overwhelmed or dealing with difficult news. “Being the first point of contact is a privilege, I’ve built strong relationships with patients and family

Debra, who was an international gymnast when she was younger, was always keen on a career in healthcare but decided to become an OT after seeing the difference that her school friend’s mum made to people’s lives. She’s worked in a lot of different settings, including end-of-life care, and set up the rheumatology at Salford Royal. She joined The Christie team in spring 2024. “I’d gotten to the point where I was looking for something new from my career,” Debra says. “My son was a

“It was a bit of a role reversal to come to the hospital as a patient rather than to start my new job, but I got first-hand experience of just

how brilliant everyone is.” Debra Jones

teenager at the time, and I’d had experience of working with cancer patients, so I decided to give it a go, and I haven’t looked back since.” Debra had to delay starting her new job for a year while she went through treatment for breast cancer. “It was a bit of a role reversal to come to the hospital as a patient rather than to start my new job, but I got first-hand experience of just how brilliant everyone is,” she says. “Going through treatment also gave me a bit of insight into what our young people go through. I really love this job. We take a holistic approach to care and patients might work with physios, complementary therapists, clinical psychologists, youth support co-ordinators, speech and language therapists and dietitians during their treatment, alongside doctors and nurses. Working closely with my colleagues to improve young people’s health and wellbeing truly is a privilege,” Debra adds.

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Patient stories

Isla Gault 12-year-old Isla Gault was

Irish dancing the day she got diagnosed with a brain tumour. Now, following successful treatment, she's back doing the thing she loves best. Isla, who lives in Northern Ireland with her parents and older sister, was just nine when she was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma - a tumour that starts in the back part of the brain. She had a nine hour operation, 30 sessions of proton beam therapy at The Christie, and chemotherapy last year, all of which went well. In addition to getting back to gymnastics and dancing, she has also just finished her first year of secondary school, another big milestone. "I am so proud of how far Isla has come,” her mum Hilary says. “Her cancer was in the part of her brain that controls balance, so to see her back to doing the things she loves is amazing.” She's just so determined to get on with things; once she puts her mind to something, that's it. She's happy to be getting back to her daily life after a lot of time spent in hospital." While at The Christie, Isla benefitted from virtual reality (VR) distraction therapy while having her bloods taken. It’s part of a trial to see if it reduces treatment-related anxiety in children and teenagers going through cancer treatment. “The VR headset is just one of the ways the team made Isla feel as comfortable as possible while she was having treatment at The Christie. Her wellbeing was at the centre of everything. Before I came over, I was so worried about what it was going to be like, but they put us both at ease straight away. I can’t thank them enough,” Hilary adds.

"She's just so determined to get on with things; once she puts her mind to something, that's it. She's happy to be getting back to her daily life after a lot of time spent in hospital."

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John Blackston When John Blackston’s leukaemia came back, the person who helped save his life was 3,000 miles away.

John, 46, was first diagnosed with mixed phenotype acute leukaemia in November 2022 after collapsing at home. He was rushed to hospital, where blood tests showed he was critically unwell. He also had sepsis. “My daughter found me at the top of the stairs and my wife rushed me to hospital,” John said. “They did some blood tests and told me I was only a couple of days away from not being here.” Mixed phenotype acute leukaemia is a rare type of blood cancer. After several rounds of chemotherapy, John had a stem cell transplant at The Christie in April 2023, using donor cells from a 21-year-old in Israel who was a perfect match. The transplant was successful and he returned home the following month. But in July 2025, while out on a run, John began to feel unusually breathless. A blood test confirmed the leukaemia had returned. “I’d been doing a ten-mile run and just felt unusually out of breath. A few days later, The Christie rang me to say the leukaemia was back.” John immediately called his younger brother David, 42, who lives in New York. There is around a one in four chance of a sibling being a suitable donor, and

David had already been identified as a match. He had not been able to donate the first time because of anaemia, but had worked to improve his health in case another opportunity came. When the call came, he flew thousands of miles to Manchester to donate. The night before the transplant, the brothers spent the evening together sharing a pizza in John’s room. The next day, David’s stem cells were collected during a six hour procedure, before being given to John. “When I saw the stem cells coming out in the bag, and then the day after watched them give them to John, I didn’t really know how to react,” David said. “It was like an out of body experience.” John is now recovering well. His latest results show that 99.5 per cent of the cells in his blood are from his brother’s donation. He has started running again, is doing boxing classes and says the experience has changed the way he looks at life. “It’s strange how things come full circle. If I can help raise awareness or support research into this rare leukaemia, that’s something I’d really like to do. I’m feeling good and getting back to normal. I know how lucky I am.” he said.

"Obviously we’re close anyway, but when your brother is about to save your life, it’s a different type of bond."

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Patient stories

David Macartney

A dad who once ran the London Marathon, completed 10k runs, and cycled 50-100 miles a week has described how cancer treatment left him unable to walk, but thanks to specialist care at The Christie, he has rebuilt his life.

David was diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in early 2022 after noticing a small lump under his armpit. “Being put on a cancer pathway was a huge shock,” he said. “The eight weeks waiting for a diagnosis felt like forever. When I was diagnosed, I was terrified. I had real fear; the fear of dying, fear of leaving my family behind, and fear of what the treatment might do to me.”

Struggling with pain and mobility, David was referred to The Christie’s supportive oncology team, led by Professor Richard Berman. The service focuses on managing symptoms, supporting recovery and improving quality of life during and after cancer treatment. Through tailored pain management and physiotherapy, David slowly began to rebuild confidence and strength. “The pain hasn’t gone away, but I no longer rely on medication every day. The team helped me understand my body and use it differently, which gave me back some independence.” He also credits his physiotherapist, Nicola Chesman, for supporting both his physical and mental wellbeing. Nearly a year after finishing treatment, David reached a milestone he once thought impossible. “I managed to walk up Snowdon. Slowly and carefully, but I did it. Now I hike, and getting back on my bike is my 2026 goal.” David continues with ongoing monitoring and follow-up care, which he says is crucial. “Care at The Christie feels different from any other hospital. You’re treated as a person, not just a patient,” he said. “Staff go above and beyond, so you feel listened to, valued, and cared for.”

“Movement gave me a sense of control when everything else felt out of my hands. It reminded me I was still me."

When chemotherapy began, he tried to stay active, even cycling to appointments. “Movement gave me a sense of control when everything else felt out of my hands. It reminded me I was still me.”

The intensive treatment was successful and put his cancer into remission, but it came with life-changing side effects. David spent six weeks in hospital, in severe pain and unable to move the lower half of his body. He believes steroid medication weakened his spine, leading to eleven fractures in his back. “I went from being active to being dependent on others. That mental shift, learning to accept help, was one of the hardest parts.”

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Kieran Metcalfe

Kieran Metcalfe was treated for bowel cancer at The Christie for two years before sadly dying last year. In the last 11 weeks of his life, he was cared for as an inpatient by the team on ward 12.

His wife Susie recently came back to The Christie with a special gift for the people who looked after her husband and the whole family during the most difficult time of their lives. “Kieran was a talented photographer, so I brought some of his prints to

His work is also raising money to help other patients. “We had a Thanksgiving service for him and displayed many of his prints in exchange for a donation and our sons and Kieran’s goddaughter raised money by doing the Manchester Marathon. We’ve raised around £15,000 for The Christie Charity and Maggie’s Manchester so far. I posted about it on his social media and have had so many lovely comments from people all over the world. He meant a lot to so many people,” Susie adds. “Photography was a big part of who Kieran was. It was his way to escape his desk when working from home. If he was in a bit of a grump, I’d suggest he went out with his camera, usually to the Peak District, and he always came back refreshed."

"His photographs are brilliant and bring joy to so many people, just like the man himself."

the people who looked after him with such warmth, compassion and care. He had some of his pictures in his room at The Christie, and he knew I was going to donate some of his prints to the ward. The team had become like family to us, and I wanted to leave a memory of him with them,” she says.

Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you, please get in touch at the-christie.press.office@nhs.net

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You Made a Difference Awards

YouMadea Difference Awards

At The Christie, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible contributions of our staff and volunteers through our You Made a Difference Awards (YMAD). Here are our recent winners.

Nicola Dunwoodie, apprentice therapeutic radiographer, joined The Christie in 2001 as a radiotherapy bookings administrator and now works as an apprentice therapeutic radiographer. She balances degree-level study with hands-on clinical experience, supporting

Keerthi Kancharla, clinical trials coordinator, works in the haematology research team, where she supports the delivery of clinical trials. Colleagues praised her organisation, attention to detail and willingness to help, as well as the kindness and positivity she brings to the team. Zoe Chadwick, haematology research team nurse, said: “Nothing is ever too much trouble, and her kindness, patience, and supportive attitude have been a genuine godsend to all of us. She completely embodies the spirit of teamwork, and we feel lucky to have her.”

patients through planning scans and daily radiotherapy treatment. Nicola’s nomination praised her commitment and teamwork, as well as the care she shows to patients throughout their journey. Patient Joseph Harvey said: “Very courteous and compassionate. Ready smiles and interested in my life outside. A superstar in the making.”

Layla Bostock, lung cancer clinical nurse specialist, has worked at The Christie for years and been a lung cancer clinical nurse specialist for the past seven years, supporting patients and families and helping coordinate their care. Her nomination praised the way she builds trust quickly, offers reassurance

Jacquline Hyatt, domestic assistant, joined The Christie in 2022 as a domestic assistant and was recognised for the care and kindness she shows to patients and colleagues. Her nomination praised the pride she takes in her work and the warm, welcoming environment she helps create each day. One of our patients, Joanne Philips, described how, when she was upset after losing her hair during chemotherapy, Jacquline took the time to reassure her and later returned to show her different ways to tie a headscarf. Joanne said: “Jacquline did not have to do any of this, but her compassion, kindness and genuine care made a huge difference to me at an incredibly vulnerable time. She is a true credit to the hospital.”

and brings warmth and humour to difficult moments. A relative of a patient wrote to say Layla had lifted their spirits and made even the hardest days feel lighter. Jackie Fenemore, nurse clinician, said the family described Layla as “simply the best, a credit to the hospital”.

Congratulations to all our winners for their exceptional work and the positive impact they have on The Christie community. Visit christie.nhs.uk/ymad for nominations.

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Around the Trust

Around the Trust

One year of haematology at Leighton The Christie is marking one year since taking on the clinical haematology service at Leighton Hospital, bringing care closer to patients across mid and south Cheshire. Since April 2025, patients have continued to receive their treatment locally in Crewe, supported by a dedicated team of consultant haematologists, advanced clinical practitioners and clinical nurse specialists based at Leighton Hospital. One of those patients is Sharan Bannaghan, a hairdresser from Sandbach. She was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023 and went into remission, before being diagnosed again in 2025. Following further treatment, including a stem cell transplant at The Christie in Withington, her most recent scan has shown no evidence of cancer. Sharan now attends Leighton Hospital every six weeks for follow-up care. She said: “My experience at Leighton has been amazing. My consultant, Dr Georgina Talbot, is fantastic and has made this experience much easier to deal with. All the staff are warm and friendly, and the chemotherapy nurses really put me at ease at such a stressful time.” Over the past year, the team has delivered around 1,000 new outpatient appointments and 10,000 follow-ups, alongside more than 3,500 treatments.

Integrative therapies pioneer retires For more than three decades, Jacqui Stringer has helped transform cancer care at The Christie through integrative therapies. Jacqui joined The Christie in the early 1990s, working on the adult leukaemia unit. At that time, patients receiving chemotherapy often spent weeks in isolation, with limited contact and significant physical and emotional strain. She began exploring whether approaches such as massage and touch could reduce symptoms, including pain, anxiety and muscle cramps. “At the start, complementary therapies were seen as a nice extra. But for some patients, they are not optional. They can be an integral part of helping them through treatment safely.” What began as a small, nurse-led initiative grew into a pioneering integrative therapy service. Working with clinical and microbiology colleagues, Jacqui ensured that treatments using essential oils were evidence-based, carefully risk-assessed and aligned with clinical governance - demonstrating that integrative therapies could stabilise some patients enough for cancer treatment to go ahead. Today, The Christie’s integrative therapy service is internationally recognised. Reflecting on her career, Jacqui said “Cancer treatment is incredibly challenging. Making that journey more manageable for patients, that is what matters most." Patients who may benefit from integrative therapy can ask their clinical team about referral options.

Oldham patient benefits from faster cancer treatment A retired nurse is benefitting from a new way of receiving cancer treatment that takes minutes instead of hours.

Rosemary Andrew was diagnosed with kidney cancer in June 2022 after experiencing symptoms including blood in her urine, weight loss, and tiredness. She had surgery to remove a kidney and was referred to The Christie for ongoing treatment. Rosemary began immunotherapy, initially delivered through a drip into a vein, which could take at least an hour. Since November 2025, she has been receiving nivolumab as a quick injection under the skin at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Royton. Her appointment now takes around 10 minutes. “It’s faster and more convenient. It means less time in a clinical setting and more time doing the things I relish, including volunteering with Age UK, reading, watching football and spending time with my family.” she says. Rosemary, who has two daughters, three grandchildren and three great-granddaughters, continues to respond well to treatment. Her latest scan shows no measurable disease. “I feel very lucky to be under The Christie’s care.”

Digital clinical placements The Christie Institute for Cancer Education has developed an innovative approach to workforce learning through digital clinical placements, known as the Manchester model. Over the past five years, the programme has connected cancer experts with 5,000 learners and delivered over 10,000 placement weeks. It supports nurses and allied health professionals across various specialities, helping widen access to cancer education and reduce inequalities in learning opportunities. Grounded in trauma-informed coaching, the model recognises how personal experience can shape the care people provide. Developed with input from patients, professionals and wider stakeholders, it focuses on inclusion, wellbeing and the full cancer care pathway. The work was also recognised at this year’s Greater Manchester Cancer Awards, winning the Educational Impact award.

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Transforming cancer care

Transforming cancer care through Future Christie

Future Christie is our long-term programme to improve how we deliver cancer care at The Christie, bringing together changes to systems, technology and ways of working to support both patients and staff.

It is a phased programme, with different elements being introduced and developed over time. The aim is simple, to make care more responsive and more personalised, while supporting staff to deliver the best possible care. And some of these changes are already starting to be seen by patients. One of the most visible developments is MyChristie, our secure online health account. More patients are now using MyChristie to view appointment details, clinic letters and other key information. Much of what can

This technology is being used in some clinics, with clinicians reviewing and editing all outputs. The aim is to support conversations, improve the clarity of information for patients, and reduce administrative workload. Future Christie is not just about technology. It is also about how these changes are introduced in practice, with support and training for staff, and ongoing feedback from patients helping to shape what comes next. To help bring these changes to life, we have launched a new video series, Future Christie and me. These short films share real experiences from patients and staff, showing how new approaches can make a difference in day-to-day care. supported, and having confidence in their care. New videos will be released regularly throughout the year on our website and social media channels. Future Christie will continue to develop over the coming years, with further improvements planned, including a new electronic patient record and better use of data to support care. Throughout, our focus remains the same, to support patients with clear information and high-quality care, and to support staff with the tools and systems they need to deliver it. The first videos feature Professor Adrian Bloor, alongside patient stories from Lynn Thompson and Robin Edwards, who speak about the importance of clear information, feeling

be found in MyChristie is also now integrated with the NHS App, meaning many patients can see their Christie appointments alongside information from other NHS services.

Throughout, our focus remains the same, to support patients with clear information and high-quality care, and to support

Work is continuing to expand the number of appointments available and to improve how information is shared, helping patients feel more informed. Alongside this, digital treatment reviews have been introduced for some patients receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy. These allow patients to report how they are feeling between appointments, helping teams respond earlier if support is needed. Another important development is the introduction of ambient voice technology, a digital notetaker that supports clinicians by capturing conversations during appointments and turning them into structured clinical notes and summaries. staff with the tools and systems they need to deliver it.

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Life through Kymara’s lens

Life through Kymara’s lens

A renowned artist has used her experience as a patient at The Christie as inspiration for an award-winning self-portrait.

Kymara Akinpelumi has a background in photography and has had her work displayed in the National Portrait Gallery and on billboards throughout the UK. Working primarily through self-portraiture and photo essays, her images are autobiographical, intimate and effective. Kymara was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, which hugely affected her life as a young person who enjoyed sport. As a former county netball player and coach, Kymara was disheartened by her lack of strength after treatment, not recognising herself or her appearance. During this time, her sister, Kaitlyn, was still able to push her body to the limits through competitive running. Kaitlyn encouraged Kymara to also use running as a source of healing and, on her first community run, Kymara was brought to tears by her sister's encouragement. Kymara used Kaitlyn as a mirror before cancer creating an emotional self-portrait of the two sisters together. She said: "Watching my sister able to push her body reminds me of my blood and DNA, and what I'm capable of. Because of Kaitlyn, I want to reclaim my body, to give it the love and strength it deserves. She's my role model." This joint self-portrait displays the sisterly relationship of the two, Kymara leaning on Kaitlyn as a beacon of power. She hopes the work will encourage other young patients to focus on building an active life after cancer, despite the challenges treatment brings.

Watching my sister able to push her body reminds me of my blood and DNA, and what I'm capable of. Kymara Akinpelumi

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Enjoy completing these puzzles just for fun, or to pass the time. If you submit your answers, you might be in with a chance of winning a prize. ? Fancy yourself a puzzle master? To qualify for the draw and a chance to win a Christie Charity bundle, please send a picture of your puzzle page to the-christie.internalcomms@nhs.net Alternatively, cut out your completed puzzle section and post it to WATC editor, The Christie, 2-4 Candleford Road, Withington, Manchester M20 3JH. Entries close on Friday 28 August 2026. Answers available on The Christie website when entries close

Puzzles

Christie crossword

Across 5. Broad sweeping view or panorama (5) 6. Sound of disapproval (3) 7. An attack with words (8) 9. Precarious position of responsibility (3, 4) 12. Famous Manchester venue – Greek sun god (6) 13 . Conductor's wand (5) 15. Initial stake (4) 17. Keen enthusiasm – Flavourful skin (4) 18. Painter of matchstick men (5) 19. Nice idea, unlikely to happen (3,2,3,3) 22. The art of paper folding (7) Down 1. Fragile material – kind of paint (8) 2. Impervious to rain and harsh elements (12) 3. The desert's golden grain (4) 4. Filled puff pastry case (3-2-4) 8. Words with opposite meanings (8) 10. Triumphed – Asian currency (3) 11. Brief and clearly expressed (7) 14. Indicator of tiredness (4) 16. Simple (4) 20. Greek poet – Character from The Simpsons (5) 21. Metal used to make brass (4)

Christie quiz 1. Which creature can be seen on display in the window of Manchester Museum? A) A nurse shark B) A giant squid C) A Japanese spider crab 2. Which board game was originally called Lexiko? A) Boggle B) Scrabble C) Cluedo 3. Which material is traditionally associated with a 25th wedding anniversary? A) China B) Pearl C) Silver 4. In The Christie’s Minecraft world, what hidden musical feature can children discover? A) A drum kit B) A keyboard piano C) A karaoke booth 5. Which country gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States? A) France B) Spain C) Italy 6. In what year did The Christie move to its Withington site? A) 1928 B) 1932 C) 1948 7. Which bird lays the largest eggs in the world? A) Ostrich B) Eagle C) Swan 8. Which came first? A) Penicillin being discovered B) Sliced bread being sold C) The first crossword puzzle

Sudoku

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Charity corner

We need a state-of-the-art scanning centre. Together, we can build it. Every breakthrough in cancer care starts with the right technology, the right expertise and the right support.

It will also house an advanced 4D CT scanner which is significantly faster and more accurate than existing technology.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Charity supporters, we continue to invest in pioneering research, world-class facilities and life-changing care that will shape the future of cancer treatment for generations to come. Now, we’re embarking on one of the most ambitious developments in The Christie’s history: the creation of a state-of-the-art scanning centre on Wilmslow Road. Advanced scanning technology plays a vital role in diagnosing cancer earlier, planning treatment more precisely and monitoring patients throughout their care. It gives clinicians the detailed insight they need to make faster, more informed decisions, helping to improve outcomes and save lives. Nearly every patient treated at The Christie will require a CT scan at some stage of their treatment. For many, access to the very latest imaging technology can make a life-changing difference. The current scanning centre at The Christie was built in 1980 and must be brought in line with other elements of the hospital. The new scanning centre, due to be operational in 2029, will transform the experience for patients and

staff alike, providing a modern, purpose-built facility with more space, cutting-edge equipment and the capability to support groundbreaking research that could revolutionise cancer diagnosis and treatment. It will also house an advanced 4D CT scanner which is significantly faster and more accurate than existing technology. To make this vision a reality, The Christie Charity needs your support. To help raise awareness and vital funds for the appeal, The Christie Charity is proud to launch a major three-year media partnership with the biggest news outlet in the North West, the Manchester Evening News (MEN). The MEN will be throwing its weight behind dedicated campaign coverage to communities across the region. All funds raised through the appeal will go directly towards building the new scanning centre. We’re also delighted to be working with Transport for Greater Manchester, who will help share the campaign across buses and trams throughout the city. Together, we can continue to transform cancer care

To make this vision a reality, The Christie Charity needs your support.

for patients now and in the future. To support this campaign, go to

christie.nhs.uk/the-christie-charity and find the ‘what we are fundraising for’ page for more details or visit our Charity centre in the hospital.

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Walk of Hope Walk in memory. Walk in support. Walk in hope.

Saturday 19 September 2026 Tatton Park, Cheshire

Find out more christies.org/walkofhope