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.
We are always happy to have someone who shares the same passion as us join us as a volunteer.
If you are interested and would like to find out a little more about the volunteer positions we can offer and what’s involved simply get in touch.
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.
Let us know a bit about yourself, where you’re based, and why you’re interested.
Help us create more safe spaces for people who need them.
Because no one should face cancer alone.
‘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.
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.
“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.
‘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.
