Mike's 10-year journey of patient involvement with Cancer Research UK

A life-changing diagnosis

On Valentine’s Day in 2014, Mike Thorpe received a life-changing diagnosis: prostate cancer. A retired electrician with no prior experience of patient involvement, he found himself navigating unfamiliar territory. He still remembers the pack he received; he refers to it as his “welcome to cancer” pack, a bag of leaflets and guides that sat untouched for months.

After completing radiotherapy, curiosity led him to open it. Inside was a leaflet for a local support group - a small moment that would spark a journey transforming not only his own life, but the lives of many others.

First steps into patient involvement

Mike had never attended a support group before, but he gave it a try. From there, he joined a patient forum at The Christie Hospital, where he had received treatment. While exploring further opportunities, he attended a Cancer Taskforce workshop in Newcastle, chaired by then Cancer Research UK CEO Sir Harpal Kumar. Facilitated by Cancer Research UK's Patient Involvement team, the session was part of a national consultation for England’s cancer plan.

It was here that Mike discovered the power of turning a negative into a positive, and the joy of meeting “amazing people” across the country.

Joining Cancer Research UK’s Sounding Board

In 2015, Mike applied to join Cancer Research UK’s Sounding Board (now known as the Cancer Insight Panels). With limited IT skills, he was supported to complete the application by hand and was accepted as one of the original members. The Sounding Boards became a gateway into understanding the cancer system, helping Mike build knowledge and confidence.

A defining moment

One standout memory was a consultation on a project that was already well underway. Mike and other members voiced hesitations about the concept. To his surprise, Cancer Research UK took their feedback seriously and made changes that reflected their input. For Mike, this was a defining moment, a clear demonstration of Cancer Research UK’s commitment to listening to the patient voice.

Leadership and national impact

Over the years, Mike’s involvement deepened. He became Vice Chair, and later Chair, of the National Cancer Programme’s Patient and Public Voices Forum. He also sat on the National Cancer Board, the highest board in cancer in England.

“This is probably as good as it gets for patients doing what we do,” he says.

Mike has helped shape national policy, advocated for diversity in recruitment, and worked to ensure patient voices are heard at every level. He prefers not to be called an “expert by experience,” believing instead in the power of shared learning.

Advice to others

His advice to others? “Try it! Talk to people. Look at your own cancer journey, not just what didn’t work, but what did. Then share that.”

Looking ahead, Mike hopes for a more unified and consistent approach to patient involvement across the NHS.

The story continues

Mike is contributing to the planned Introduction to Involvement for New Involvement Network Members sessions, currently being designed by Jonathan. Mike will co-present the session, aligning with Mike’s perspective on how Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement should be presented - by those with the insight of longstanding experience.

Mike’s story is a testament to the power of involvement, showing how lived experience can shape research, policy, and care. As Cancer Research UK continues to evolve, voices like Mike’s remind us why patient involvement matters, not just for today, but for the future.