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Families, friends and carers

Peter, NCUK Trustee

By: Leanne Talbot

Posted on: 6 years ago

Trigger Warning.

Please note that while some stories end on a positive note, others may depict the challenging and difficult road that many neuroendocrine cancer patients face.

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Peter helped found the patient support group, ‘Living with Carcinoid’, with his late wife Liddy in 2000. Liddy (Oldroyd) was an outgoing and successful TV comedy director and was eventually diagnosed with a neuroendocrine cancer in 2000. The pair were encouraged by Prof Martyn Caplin to address the lack of patient and carer support and both had quickly recognised the need for sound information on such a rare cancer, ready assistance and contact with others. Many wonderful friends, including those from stage and screen, helped fund-raise both for LwC and Martyn’s ‘Quiet Cancer Appeal’ at the Royal Free Hospital.

Liddy died in 2002 and Peter, with a colleague Carolyn Marshall,  continued to run LwC in Liddy’s memory.

Cathy Bouvier, Peter and others widened the umbrella to all neuroendocrine cancers with the launch of the NET Patient Foundation in 2006 and the team assembled by Cathy built the structure to serve patients and carers across the UK.

With the re-launch as Neuroendocrine Cancer UK in 2020, Peter considers that the operation has progressed beyond his ‘wildest dreams’ of over 20 years ago and he so appreciates the work of the team, the trustees and many supporters in continuing to provide a very valuable service and in truly making a difference to the NCUK community. Regular trustee meetings are held with Cathy present, and with the team reporting, and activities are monitored and supported.

Peter is a Chartered Surveyor/Leisure Property Specialist living in Surrey with his wife Andrea, and Liddy and Peter’s 3 grown-up children live in London

Everyone’s experience of neuroendocrine cancer is different. Take your time, and engage with the stories in whatever way feels right for you.

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Sharing what you’re going through with others can be incredibly powerful, helping others to feel less alone, find hope and reassurance, and feel more confident and empowered.

If you have a story to share, we would love to hear from you.

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Share your story

We’re always looking for people to share their experiences with Neuroendocrine Cancer. Whether you have the personal experience yourself or through a family member or friend, we use stories on our website, on social media, in our patient information, and on occasion, in the press.

By raising awareness of Neuroendocrine Cancer (NC), we can reach and help more people. Personal stories highlight many relevant aspects of living with NC.

Experiences provide insights that support the education of healthcare professionals, raise awareness of possible signs and symptoms pre diagnosis, raise awareness of NC in the general public arena and encourage and inspire other people who have just started their pathway.

Please complete the form below to share your story.

A note about reading and listening to personal stories

Everyone’s experience of neuroendocrine cancer is different. Some stories may offer hope and reassurance, while others may be difficult or upsetting to read or hear. Take your time, and engage with the stories in whatever way feels right for you.

Remember that treatments and outcomes vary from person to person. These stories offer personal perspectives and support, but should not replace advice from your own healthcare team. If something raises questions about your care, speak to your doctor or clinical nurse specialist.

Support and next steps

You do not have to face this alone. Support is here when you are ready.

Disclaimer

The stories and opinions shared here reflect the personal experiences and views of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of Neuroendocrine Cancer UK. They are provided for information and support and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.


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