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There are a number of people who came into my life and contributed to the domino effect of diagnosing my cancer and saving my life when I was 35.

I remember those early conversations with Bryn, the Centre Head at Maggie's Royal Marsden: “Where are people my age? Where are the other black people going through treatment?” The centre put me in contact with three others, and we are still friends today.

I was at sea for many years where I achieved the rank of Captain. I'm retired now and I have just turned 70, become a grandfather and the sun is shining in the garden! Life feels very full and couldn’t be better. However, let’s turn the clock back to May

When you’ve got cancer, there are questions, concerns, areas of your life that you often need help in addressing. Over time, I began to notice four similar themes, but with my personal approach, I made it five.

Guy and I shared the same sense of humour, and he never failed to make me laugh. We became inseparable, and married in Manchester in 2009 – it was the happiest day of my life.

On the day my husband Andy died, my name was drawn to run the London Marathon for Maggie’s Barts. It was a centre that had supported us both during his treatment, and also welcomed his Mum, Dad and sister.

Supporting someone through treatment takes its toll, especially over a number of years. But what do you do if they decide they want to come off treatment entirely?

In 2018, Huei was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. On her last day of treatment she found Maggie's and it lifted her cancer experience. She tells us how joining the art sessions helped her to connect with others and reassured her she wasn't alone.

Years after Alison was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Maggie’s supported her and her husband as they dealt with the long-term effects of the cancer treatment. Support sessions at Maggie's Edinburgh has given Peter the opportunity to talk and reflect.

Katherine was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer on the third day of the first lockdown in 2020. Here, she tells us how Maggie's played a crucial part in her treatment plan during such a confusing time.

Kirsty was first diagnosed aged 11, and has been living with cancer ever since. Now 30, and engaged, she looks back on her life so far, the lessons she’s learned, and shares a funny story along the way.

Coleen, who has been deaf since birth, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. She struggled with her diagnosis, which came during the pandemic, so she was unable to take anyone with her to appointments or to book a sign language interpreter.

Gillian was working in the fashion industry in Paris when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged 31. Her interest in nutritional therapy took on a new significance, and has now paved the way for her new life and career.

Losing my career and having to adjust to a very different kind of life hasn’t been easy, but Maggie's have helped me to continue to feel like myself.

Police Officer Elizabeth had little contact from her hospital team during treatment due to the pandemic. It led to a very isolating period, made worse by lockdown restrictions. Maggie’s enabled Elizabeth to navigate a way ahead in the time she needed.

Jane and Tim were supported by Maggie's in Yorkshire when Tim's treatment was stopped due to coronavirus. We were able to support them both through the challenges they faced, with diagnosis, a pandemic, changing treatment and loss.

When I finished treatment for cancer, Maggie's was a huge support. I became determined to raise money.

When I finished treatment for head and neck cancer I wanted to give something back. I worked with Maggie's to bring back the Heads2gether support group.

I was determined to get stronger against the odds, and Maggie's has helped me achieve that.

During treatment I would have been lost without Maggie's, so I decided to sign up for the Great North Run.