We are The Christie magazine - Edition 6

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.”

12