I joined Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - Wirral in September 2019 as a Band 2 Healthcare Assistant, before applying to be a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant as I wanted to progress within my role.
I then wanted to train as a Nursing Associate but didn’t have the qualifications to continue this journey. Still looking to push myself and take on a new challenge, I applied to be a Sarcoma Cancer Support Worker. I wasn’t initially shortlisted as so many applied – but I never gave up! When a fixed term post became available for maternity cover, I applied and was successful and have been with the Sarcoma team ever since.
I haven’t always wanted to follow a career in nursing. When I left school, I completed an NVQ level 2 in Hairdressing. But my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2013 and sadly passed away in August 2013, which led me to want to work in health care. I always felt I wanted to work at CCC to give something back for the care my mum received in her short time being treated.
What truly makes this job so rewarding is the connection. When patients open up and share their lives with you, those conversations can go on forever. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey, and that’s what makes every challenge worthwhile.
People often say, “Your job must be so hard and sad,” and I understand why they think that. There are times when I feel the weight of the world - I get attached to patients, their families, and their stories, because I’m only human. But, by staying professional and compassionate, the difficult moments become easier to manage.
One of the biggest challenges in my role as a Cancer Support Worker is accepting that I can’t always solve everyone’s problems. There isn’t always a clear solution, and sometimes all I can do is listen, support, and be present. That can be difficult, especially when you care deeply about the people you’re helping. But I’ve learned that even when there isn’t an answer, just being there - offering understanding, comfort, and time - can make a real difference.
The highlight of my time here so far has to be winning the People’s Choice Award this year at CCC's Staff Excellence Awards 2025, and receiving the Highly Commended Clinical Team award last year alongside my fantastic team. Those moments really remind me why I do what I do.
Because CCC is a specialist cancer centre, there’s a real depth of compassion and understanding here. Patients aren’t just numbers or names on a list. I’m really proud to be part of a team that lives those values every day.
