“We get it because we’ve got it.”
About
Who we are
Cancer in Common is a charity that was set up to enable people within the cancer community the opportunity to connect with other individuals with similar life experiences.
Why we started
During the pandemic, people living with cancer shielded and shut themselves off from the outside world. This affected many individual's mental health and wellbeing. Facing cancer is hard enough but doing it alone is far harder.
Our mission
To provide free events that give individuals the opportunity to form friendships, share experiences and create support networks. The money raised on this page will go towards paying for the events, so we can continue to run them for free.
Chloe Dixon, Founder
(She/Her)
Chloe started her professional career as a primary school teacher. In 2018, shortly after giving birth to her first child, Chloe was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia. In light of this diagnosis, Chloe took a step away from teaching. She put all of her energy into raising her family and prioritising her health. During this time, she created an online platform via Instagram (@chloedixon.london) with the aim of raising awareness of blood cancer and sharing her treatment journey. In doing so, she found a supportive and courageous online cancer community.
After shielding during the pandemic, Chloe decided to host the inaugural Cancer in Common event. The purpose was to create a space where those affected by cancer could evolve their digital communications into real-life connections. There were 200 tickets available for this event and in a matter of hours, they had gone. This further highlighted the profound need for real-life camaraderie within the cancer community. The success of this event spurred Chloe on to host more gatherings, eventually leading to Cancer in Common becoming a registered charity in 2024.
"Within an hour of the first Cancer in Common event, I knew that we had created something special. The room was filled with laughter, love and acceptance. There wasn't a "victim" or a "patient" in the room, just amazing individuals who shared similar experiences and a positive outlook on life. Before my eyes, friendships were being formed and support networks were being created. I am incredibly proud of how Cancer in Common has evolved and how much support it provides, and will continue to provide, to the cancer community."
Heather Opie, Chair of Trustees
(She/Her)
Heather is a civil servant at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and has over a decade of experience in international development. Prior to this, she worked for charities in the UK and across the world.
Heather volunteered to help host a Cancer in Common event and immediately saw the impact it had on the people who attended. She immediately told Chloe that Cancer in Common should become a registered charity and has been working alongside her in this endeavour ever since.
"It is my absolute privilege to be the Chair of Trustees. I have seen that finding a safe, fun and supportive space when you feeling vulnerable is something really special. I am delighted to have the opportunity to develop Cancer in Common and reach even more people who are looking for that special connection when they need it most.
Phil Marley, Trustee
(He/Him)
Phil has ten years’ experience working in the charity sector, including roles at Macmillan and Maggie’s where he led story and content teams. He’s currently the Storytelling Manager at Mind where he’s creating processes and strategies to create a safe and supportive environment for people facing mental health problems to share their experiences.
Growing up as a gay, working class man in the West Midlands, he's always had a passion for social change and creating a fairer, more equal society for all.
“It is so exciting and a huge privilege to join Cancer in Common as a Trustee. To create safe spaces where people living with cancer can get together, have a laugh and support each other is so important. I’ve seen family and friends who have really struggled with feeling isolated after their cancer diagnosis, so I can’t express enough how invaluable a network of people with similar experiences to yours can be.”
Helen Addis, Trustee
(She/Her)
Helen works as a TV producer for ITV and is founder of breast cancer campaign Change and Check.
The campaign was set up after her own BC diagnosis. Change and Check is a reminder sticker which goes on shop/gym changing room mirrors. Over 100 women have received a diagnosis thanks to seeing the campaign.
Helen supports Cancer In Common wholeheartedly. Having a community to lean on during cancer and beyond helped her no end to deal with her own journey to recovery. This is why Helen is chuffed to bits to be a Trustee of the charity.
‘Meeting, drinking, dancing, crying with fellow survivors and thrivers is immeasurable. It’s uplifting and supportive. Knowing that those there truly understand what you’re going through makes you feel less alone. Nobody wants to have cancer but Cancer in Common makes it just that bit easier’
Carly Moosah, Treasurer
(She/Her)
Carly has experience working as a talent agent before working in the fundraising team at Grief Encounter charity.
After her own breast cancer diagnosis and treatment throughout lockdown Carly now advocates for breast cancer awareness and is a compassionate coach currently training in end of life doula care.
Knowing just how important the cancer in common events have been for her to be surrounded by a community of people who get what it is like to hear the words you have cancer Carly is incredibly excited to join the special charity in the role of treasurer.
"Magic happens at a Cancer in Common event. Dancing, drinking, glitter, community and all with cancer in common but at these events it is joy that fills these rooms as friendships are formed and people feel connected and less alone. I am thrilled to be taking on this treasurer role and excited to see Cancer in Common grow and support even more people to find their tribes after a diagnosis."
Nicky Newman, Honorary Patron
(She/Her)
Our close friend Nicky @nicknacklou was a trailblazer in creating an online cancer community via her Instagram page. She raised awareness and provided comfort, laughter and inspiration to thousands.
Nicky attended our events and so generously shared her sprinkling of stardust with us. We had always planned on asking Nicky to be the Patron of Cancer in Common but she sadly died in September 2023 before we got the chance. Her wonderful husband (Alex Newman) has kindly agreed that as part of Nicky’s remarkable legacy, she can be known as a Honorary Patron of Cancer in Common and we couldn’t be happier.
We are doing it for you Nicky. We love and miss you very much⚡️