Several patients, researchers and staff members are featured in this year’s Impact Report for The Christie Charity.
The Impact Report focuses on the life-changing projects, pioneering research and enhanced patient services made possible through the generosity of Christie Charity supporters. It showcases how patients at The Christie NHS Foundation Trustbenefit from world-leading treatment and care, innovative clinical research, and additional support services that go above and beyond what the NHS funds.
Among those featured is Gilly Morgan from Moston, who was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2014 at the age of 49 and was told he had just three years to live. Twelve years later, Gilly is fit and well and continues to advocate for prostate cancer research, treatment and care. Gilly shares his experience alongside researcher Mr Ashwin Sachdeva from Altrincham, whose Christie Charity-funded work is helping develop kinder, more targeted treatments for prostate cancer patients while reducing the long-term side effects associated with standard therapies.
Also featured is Annette Illing from Didsbury, whose life was transformed through a groundbreaking breast cancer prevention programme funded by The Christie Charity’s Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal. Annette was just 39 years old, had no symptoms and no family history of breast cancer when genetic testing and personalised risk assessments identified her as being at increased risk of developing the disease. Following further screening, Annette was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Without taking part in the study, she would have waited another decade for her first routine NHS mammogram.
The report also highlights the impact of Christie Charity-funded therapy dogs Lilo and Luna, who support children and young people receiving treatment at The Christie’s proton beam therapy centre. Health Play Specialist Therese Smith from Rossendaleand 11-year-old patient Dominic from Lytham St Anne’s share how the service helps reduce anxiety, provide comfort and make treatment less overwhelming for young patients and their families.
Specialist dietitian Ashleigh Maske from Cheadle features in the report, showcasing the work being undertaken within The Christie’s Colorectal and Peritoneal Oncology Centre. Funded by Christie Charity supporters, Ashleigh provides nutritional and prehabilitation support for patients undergoing complex cancer surgery, helping them prepare for surgery, improve recovery and long-term outcomes.
The importance of support beyond clinical treatment is also reflected in the stories of Steve Harcourt from Slaithwaite, Huddersfield who is the Education and Employment Youth Lead within the Teenage and Young Adult Service, and Adil Hafezjifrom Rusholme, who was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 20. Through tailored educational and employment support, Adil has been able to continue developing skills and confidence while navigating cancer treatment.
The Christie’s Cancer Information Centre is another service highlighted in the report. Natasha and her partner Anthony from North Manchester share how the centre has provided trusted information, practical guidance and emotional support following Natasha’s breast cancer diagnosis, helping them feel informed and supported throughout their cancer journey.
The report also features Head Gardener Phill Walker from East Manchester and Julie Oxley from Sale, whose son James was treated at The Christie for a rare and aggressive liver cancer. Julie reflects on how the gardens and green spaces provided a place of comfort, reflection and escape during an incredibly difficult time.
As well as looking back on the impact of supporter funding over the last year, the report also looks ahead to the future. It outlines ambitious plans for a new state-of-the-art scanning centre at The Christie, the development of a new pathology centre and continued investment in cutting-edge imaging technology, including a Total Body PET-CT scanner that will be among the most advanced in the country.
The report also reaffirms The Christie Charity’s commitment to investing £30 million in cancer research by 2030. Through supporter funding, researchers and clinicians working within the Paterson research building are accelerating discoveries, developing new clinical trials and helping bring tomorrow’s treatments to patients faster.
Together, these projects are helping ensure more cancers are detected earlier, treatments become kinder and more effective, and more patients can live longer, fuller lives.
The Christie Charity 2025/26 Impact Report can be found here: The Christie Charity Impact Report for 2025/26
