Rooted in community. Driven by experience.
Join us in driving innovation and enhancing cancer service in the Region! Your donation fuels our mission to elevate patient experiences and advance research in cancer treatment.
Our organisational chart shows how each valued member of the Northern Cancer Voices team works with the wider team to achieve impactful change.
Our passionate team work exceptionally hard to represent people impacted by cancer in our area.
Our trustees work extremely hard in the background, helping to shape our strategy and oversee compliance and resources.
We wouldn’t be able to do the important work we do without our incredible volunteers who help in all areas of Northern Cancer Voices.
Join our mission to revolutionise cancer care though direct patient and carer input! Collaborate with us to shape services, ensuring every voice is heard and every need is met.
‘Too often, patients and carers are asked to share their experiences, but nothing visibly changes, and they’re left wondering if their voice mattered at all. At NCV, we do things differently. We take that feedback directly to Integrated Care Boards and challenge the system to respond. We don’t just advocate—we hold decision-makers accountable.’
Tori founded Northern Cancer Voices in 2021 after the death of her mother, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Motivated by her own knowledge of cancer care, she is determined to make sure the lived experience of all cancer patients is a driving force behind how health services are designed, delivered, and improved.
For almost thirty years Tori helped business enhance customer experience and improve efficiency. She brings the same person focused approach to her work with NCV, adamant no person should face cancer alone. She appreciates the impact of a diagnosis can last long after treatment and believes every patient story can help improve services.
A mum of six grown up children, Tori does 20 minutes of cardio each day accompanied by REALLY loud music. She liked travelling in her campervan and being ‘Nonna’ to her Italian granddaughter.
‘Cancer affects every part of a person, their body, mind, relationships, and future. That’s why we need a system that treats people as whole people, not just patients, and a community that truly listens, supports, and walks alongside each other’.
Giving a voice to people who aren’t always heard is the reason Lorna became involved in NCV. A people focused leader, she is inspired by the patients who share their stories and the volunteers who give their time she believes in challenging the system and pushing for the best service outcomes.
Lorna is rooted in the voluntary sector and her late mum’s experience of cancer care drives her to work towards a kinder care system for all. She wants to see every person treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background or where they live.
Watching her sons on the allotment with their dad and family Sunday dinners help Lorna recharge.
‘Enjoy every day’
Cancer has had a profound impact on Patrick’s family and he wants to use his experience to help NCV shape the future of services.
With a varied career history in the UK and South Africa, Patrick uses his business and HR knowledge to help the charity run smoothly .
Patrick admits to having an ‘eclectic’ music taste, from Billie Holiday to Iron Maiden. A man with many hobbies – ask him about steeplechase horse racing!
‘I believe that the most vital and impactful insights don’t always come from those in positions of power, but from the very people affected by the decisions being made’.
Thomas joined Northern Cancer Voices Trustee in 2021 and believes the charity’s mission to transform cancer care by prioritising input from patients and their families is more crucial than ever before.
With a career built around community engagement and fundraising, Thomas is dedicated to amplifying the voices of people who are often overlooked. Previously a Trustee for the North East Child Poverty Trust he has a good understanding of how small charities operate and provides guidance on funding and development.
A self-confessed history buff, Thomas loves to spend his weekends visiting historic sites with his partner.
‘I know how vital it is for patients and their loved ones to fully understand the care process and how to advocate for the support they need—especially in critical situations. Improved communication and transparency can help prevent unnecessary suffering and empower families to make informed decisions during an incredibly difficult time’.
Involved in NCV from the start, Jane has her own experience of cancer care and wants every patient and carer to feel understood and supported on their cancer journey.
An entrepreneur with extensive experience in the charitable sector, Jane has worked with Marie Curie and is CEO of the Dragonfly Cancer Trust. She’s passionate about making sure every patient and family receives clear, compassionate guidance about their care options and believes treatment with kindness and understanding is key to patient experience.
A lover of the outdoors, Jane enjoys going on long dog walks and spending time with her grandchildren.
‘If you spend time catching butterflies they’ll fly away. Spend time making a beautiful garden & they’ll come & stay.’ -Mario Qunitana
After finding it difficult to make sense of the cancer care given to his parents Raj hopes he can improve the support offered to patients and their families. He doesn’t want other families to feel the helplessness he did.
With a career spent working in big organisations and the health sector in the UK, Europe and Asia, Raj uses his experience to make the charity more technically strategic. He’s focused on looking for innovative ways to improve how data about cancer care is shared.
A keen runner Raj enjoys taking on challenges for charities, his training soundtracked by everything from Bollywood classics to Ed Sheeran.
‘Cancer care would benefit so much from the barriers between statutory and voluntary sectors being reduced, or better still removed’
Mike joined the NCV team for a ‘short term’ role in 2023 to develop the charity’s business plan, he was so impressed by the vision and commitment of the group he decided to stay on and accepted a role as a trustee.
With a long career in the public sector Mike is focused on making the relationships between the organisations involved in cancer care more effective. He’s convinced NCV has a vital role to play in removing organisational boundaries to better support.
A nature lover Mike enjoys watching birds enjoy his garden, he’s also a keen Spanish cook – ask him for some Patatas Bravas!
It is a great pleasure to join the Board of Trustees of Northern Cancer Voices (NCV) as they move to a recognised charitable status.
Having followed NCV over the last few years it has been wonderful to see the passion and heart of the organisation as they bring together individuals and communities affected by cancer.
The disease has affected so many families, as well as my own, and it is a privilege to work with a team that aim to improve cancer outcomes in the northern region.
‘Living with cancer has shown me how overwhelming things can feel, and how important it is for people to feel listened to, respected, and supported. I wanted to use my own experience, alongside my professional skills, to help make things better for others and to ensure people never feel alone.’
Gemma is based in Newcastle upon Tyne and has been living with cancer for over a year. Through her own journey, she has experienced first-hand the challenges faced by people affected by cancer and the vital role that empathy, dignity, and feeling heard play in navigating diagnosis and treatment. These experiences inspired her to volunteer with Northern Cancer Voices.
With a career-long background in HR, Gemma brings extensive experience in people management, recruitment, and organisational compliance. In her volunteer role, she supports Northern Cancer Voices with people practices and processes, helping to strengthen the foundations that allow the organisation and its volunteers to operate effectively and sustainably. She is passionate about fairness, consistency, and creating supportive environments that benefit both individuals and organisations.
A mum to two children aged 10 and 14, Gemma is also kept on her toes by a Labrador puppy. She enjoys going to the cinema, spending time with friends and family, and watching cooking programmes, despite insisting she can’t cook, with MasterChef Australia being her favourite. A Disney fan at heart who loves Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Gemma describes herself as kind, empathetic, and fun, and she’ll always choose a caramel latte when given the option.
‘Northern Cancer Voices gives people a voice and helps improve experiences for those affected by cancer. Being part of work that genuinely makes a difference to people’s lives is what drew me to get involved.’
Lara is based in Bedfordshire and has a professional background in project management, change, and delivery, working across government, private, and health sectors. She enjoys bringing structure to complex situations, improving processes, and helping people work together effectively. Guided by strong values of empathy, fairness, and support for others, Lara believes deeply in ensuring people feel heard and understood, particularly during challenging times.
In her volunteer role with Northern Cancer Voices, Lara supports project and organisational activities, helping ensure work is delivered effectively and collaboratively. She is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that improve support and outcomes for people affected by cancer, and values the role community-based support plays in helping people feel connected and not alone. Outside of volunteering, Lara enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, staying active through walking and dancing, and keeping up to date with developments in technology and health. She describes herself as calm, reliable, and supportive.
“If it hadn’t been for research and clinical trials, I wouldn’t still be here. To me, research means hope. And without hope, we have nothing.”
Mary Peel is based on the border between Gateshead and South Tyneside and grew up in the East Durham Coalfield, where she lived for 36 years. Formerly known to many as Mary Sparrow, she ran her own flower shop and was a familiar face in the local community. Fourteen years ago, Mary was diagnosed completely out of the blue with Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia following a routine GP appointment. Despite feeling perfectly well, she was admitted to hospital within hours, later agreeing to take part in a clinical trial alongside intensive chemotherapy. Thankfully, she responded well to treatment and has remained in remission for the past twelve years.
Grateful to have been given her life back, Mary was determined to give something back and became a Research Champion, knowing research quite literally saved her life. She became involved with Northern Cancer Voices shortly after it was established and is passionate about promoting research and the importance of community‑based support. Through meeting people in familiar settings, Mary helps share information, raise awareness, and signpost patients, families, and carers to vital services. Spending time in her garden, walking, enjoying lunch out, and being with family bring her joy, and she describes herself as honest, funny, and determined.
