Newcastle event helps young cancer patients share their stories

Young cancer patients from across the North East and Cumbria have gathered in Newcastle to share their experiences.

About 40 people are taking part in a two-day event organised by Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust and the charity Teenage Cancer Trust.

The event, which got under way on Saturday, is thought to be the first of its kind to be held in the area.

The team behind it said it gave attendees a chance to make new friends and build confidence.

Teenage Cancer Trust nurse Karen Hamlen said: "We want them to realise that they're not on their own, there are other people out there they can have difficult conversations with.

"Often people their own age don't understand what it's like to get that kind of diagnosis, so this is giving them the opportunity for some peer support."

Blake Myers, of Middlesbrough, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2022 and had treatment at the Teenage and Young Adults Cancer Ward in the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.

The 20-year-old is now cancer-free and has returned to work as a trainee electrician.

He said: "You just don't believe at this age it's possible (to be diagnosed with cancer).

"You hear a lot of people say 'my granda has got it' or 'my grandma has got it,' but I don't know anyone outside this community I can talk to about it so coming here helps."

Carlisle's James Saunders was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia when he was 19 and underwent a stem cell transplant, chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the Freeman Hospital.

Now 24, he continues to take oral chemotherapy and is free from leukaemia and works in a shop.

He said: "People are in the same boat as you. You can talk about it and it can help you get through it."

Organisers said they hoped to make the gathering a regular event.

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