Alison's story
"In 2016 I was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, located in an equally rare position in the nasopharyngeal cavity above my left ear.
"After a number of biopsies and intensive consultations with experts in this field at Addenbrook Clinical Research Centre, Cambridge, and with my consultants in Altnagelvin Hospital, Mr Greg McBride and Professor David Stewart, I was advised that radiation to my head and neck at the Belfast City hospital would be the best and safest route to follow. They also advised me of the side effects that could occur but I trusted their judgement and followed their recommendations.
"Prior to the radiation I attended the School of Dentistry at the Royal Victoria hospital where my consultant, Mr Neil Markey, and students informed me about the NI Biobank. They asked if I would be willing to donate my tissue samples for research by simply signing a form to allow this to happen.
"My biopsies had previously been taken to identify my type of cancer and to formulate my treatment, but by giving my consent it meant the samples could also help with further research. I told them I would be delighted to sign.
"The information leaflet awakened my interest to the importance of cancer research. It was only later during my treatment at the City Hospital cancer centre that I became aware of the important work at the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research (PGJCCR) at Queen’s University.
"During my two months of radiation, I was approached by PhD students who were involved with the cancer research centre at Queen’s University. Again, I was more than happy to get involved with their research studies. I was receiving free medical care and treatment through our NHS, so helping in any way to assist and improve cancer awareness was the least I could do.
"In December 2022 my tumour had returned in the same location but, on this occasion, was embedded around vital arteries and was classed as inoperable. I was given months to live, but the medical team were determined to investigate every avenue and expert to find a treatment that could prolong my life.
"Because the oncology team at Altnagelvin were able to send my samples and PET scans to the leading experts in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma in the U.K. and Europe immediately, I was offered a type of new radical radiation in the space of a month and I believe is the reason why I am living today!
"After my recovery from intensive radiation I joined a cancer support group and actually was introduced to two lovely young women called Alison Wilson and Jillian Jinks who also had the same rare cancer as myself. This was not only astounding but was such a blessing to be able to share our experiences and support each other. They had various forms of treatments as the location of their tumours were also different from mine.
"Sharing positive scientific research and information is an important factor when faced with cancer. Every cancer patient is different, and each cancer even if the diagnosis is the same, does not mean that we will have a similar outcome.
In honour of our loved ones
"Unfortunately, that was the case of my two lovely Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma warriors: Alison was only forty-three years old when she died, leaving a grief-stricken husband and two young children; and Jillian, who was only fifty four, leaving three young daughters.
It is in their honour, and in the honour of my brother Derek who died from bowel cancer at the age of fifty three, and whose generous gift to me means that I can offer a bursary to conduct further research into Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and hopefully save lives.
"If you are in a similar position to mine, please consider signing this simple form as it not only could save your life, that of a loved one, but your children too.”
You can find out more about the NI Biobank and how you can get involved as a participant like Alison here.
If you have any questions about leaving a gift in your Will to Queen's, or how your gift can help, please contact our Legacy Manager at l.carey@qub.ac.uk or on +44 (0) 7727 234 282.