Tim's story is just one of many that show the real-world impact that Queen’s has made, and continues to make - not just through education, but through research, partnerships, and outreach.

"Had it not been for the research that was done 15 years before I hit the operating theatre and the post treatment that I got, I simply would not be here."

In 2012 Tim Kerr was diagnosed with bowel cancer, resulting in him needing two operations – one to remove a tumour that had metastised to his liver - and a six-month round of chemotherapy. In 2015 Tim’s cancer recurred, necessitating surgery to remove 70% of his liver. Post-surgery, Tim developed a clot in his portal vein which required a month-long stay in ICU, two weeks of which he spent on life support. In 2017 a tumour in his lung was found and successfully removed. It has now been 5 years since Tim’s last operation and the cancer has not returned.

Tim’s experiences of cancer and the impact it has had on those close to him motivated him to become directly involved in patient advocacy, cancer awareness, and cancer research.

“It’s become critically important that patients are involved in research, in trials, and studies from the outset.”

Tim became a volunteer for Bowel Cancer UK after experiencing the instrumental support service they provided to him and his family, providing comfort and clarity during often complex and confusing times. Next, Tim provided his insight and expertise, becoming a member of the Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum (NICRCF), a patient advocacy group that champions patient and public involvement. The goal of the NICRCF is to enhance the impact of cancer research by providing real-life experiences and feedback from those who have lived with cancer to those at the forefront of cancer research.

“Patients also have an expertise, and that lived experience is a vital component into making research as good as it can be.”

Tim’s work with the NICRCF led him to become the patient lead for the Belfast Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) run in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast. The ECMC focuses on early phase and experimental research, where Tim’s involvement gives him the power to champion the experiences and needs of patients, but also allows him to contribute to the research design process from the perspective of someone who has lived with cancer - something now being recognised as instrumental to the roll-out and success of patient trials.

The Future of Research

As one of the leading research universities in the UK and Ireland, Queen’s University Belfast is committed to building on our legacy of collaborative clinical research. Opening in 2027, the iREACH Health Centre will be a dedicated health innovation research hub where patients are at the very heart of research, co-designing trials alongside clinical experts to deliver improved healthcare for the people of Northern Ireland and beyond.  

Discover more impact stories at qub.ac.uk/180.