Sue & Patrick – 10 Years with the Involvement Network
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Sue & Patrick: A decade of making a difference through Cancer Research UK’s Involvement Network
This story is part of a special series featuring people who have been involved with Cancer Research UK’s Involvement Network since it began 10 years ago. Each shares their reflections on what’s changed, what they’ve learned, and their hopes for the future.
For Sue and Patrick, involvement began with personal loss, but over the past decade, it’s become a shared mission to make a difference. Now married, they’ve worked side by side to ensure that people affected by cancer have a voice in shaping research.
Personal journeys that sparked involvement
Sue’s journey started after supporting her husband Philip through prostate cancer. “Philip was lucky to take part in a clinical trial for a new drug, abiraterone,” she recalls. “It extended his life and improved his quality of life. After he died, I wanted to do something meaningful to help others benefit from research.”
Patrick’s story began after losing his wife, Pam, to bowel cancer at just 52. “I simply wanted to make a difference and help ensure as few families as possible go through what we did,” he says. He began volunteering at events before joining the Involvement Network when it launched.
From early days to established practice
“When I first joined, the landscape was less structured,” says Sue. “Now, there are clear role profiles and excellent support.” Patrick agrees: “Back then, there was still debate about why patients should be involved. Today, the question is, why wouldn’t they? Involvement is now firmly embedded, based on respect and shared passion.”
Highlights and proud moments
For Sue, a standout moment was presenting at the Junior Investigator Network Group (JING) plenary session. “I also love contributing to the two-day training workshops for early-career researchers. It’s rewarding to help them understand the value of patient involvement.”
Patrick’s proudest achievement? Becoming Chair of the Cancer Grand Challenges Advocacy Panel. “It’s humbling to work with global research teams tackling the toughest challenges in cancer. Together, we really do make a difference.”
Challenges along the way
While both Sue and Patrick describe their experience as rewarding, they acknowledge challenges. “Early on, it could feel daunting,” says Sue. “You’re sitting alongside world-leading experts and wondering if your voice matters - but it does.”
Patrick adds: “One practical challenge is ensuring involvement is accessible to everyone. Things like timely expense payments might sound small, but they make a big difference. We’ve also learned that balancing diverse views is important - there’s rarely one ‘right’ answer, and that’s the strength of involvement.”
Looking ahead
Both Sue and Patrick are passionate about the future. “If you’re thinking about getting involved - go for it!” they say. “You’ll join a diverse, supportive community where your voice matters.”
Their hopes for the next decade? “We’d like to see involvement embedded across all of Cancer Research UK, with patients at the centre of every project."
“Together, we are a powerful force - patients, researchers, and Cancer Research UK staff, working to beat cancer.”
- Sue & Patrick