Becky Saunders

I am excited to be joining the LEAG and bringing my experience to support the ambitious North Star vision.

A great deal has changed, in treatment, in attitudes and in support since I was first diagnosed with cancer in 1982, at the age of 12. It is clear however that there is still a long way to go to meet the needs of those whose lives are disrupted by the experience of Cancer and it’s treatment, and to address the post-code lottery of care and the barriers to support.

My experience of illness, and it’s impact on my body, mind and relationships, undoubtedly shaped the adult I became. It led me to volunteering to support others with lymphoma, and ultimately informed my choice of profession, training as a child psychotherapist. I have worked in frontline clinical services and at a national level in systems change, policy and practice development.I am passionate about working collaboratively and bringing together different forms of knowledge and evidence so that services are accessible, inclusive and evidence based.

A second cancer in adulthood has reaffirmed my determination to live well and prompted me to explore nature based therapies in support of wellbeing, and group based interventions around grief, gratitude, community and purpose. A recent cancer diagnosis in one of our children has again revived the challenges and uncertainty that accompany cancer, this time as a parent.

I am particularly interested in wellbeing and mental health, in late effects, and in shaping support for the long term.