I started Side by Side so no woman has to face gynae cancer unheard, rushed or alone

My story

My interest in cancer care began as a student nurse on an oncology ward in Leeds, where I saw how much difference the right support could make. Since then I’ve worked in oncology across the UK, Australia and New Zealand:

• On acute oncology wards, including giving chemotherapy
• As an oncology research nurse, working on clinical trials
• As a gynae-oncology clinical nurse specialist at the Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre in Gateshead
• As Head of Services at an ovarian cancer charity

In every role I saw brilliant teams who simply didn’t have enough time to look after the whole person. Side by Side gives you that time: education, guidance and emotional support between your appointments, alongside your hospital team.

How I work

I work alongside your hospital team, never instead of them. I don’t diagnose, prescribe or change your treatment plan: I help you understand it, prepare for it and cope with it. My coaching is practical support, not therapy: if you need specialist psychological help, I’ll help you find it. Sessions are by secure video call, anywhere in the UK, with in-person sessions in the North East by arrangement. I’m based in Gateshead.