A SADDLEWORTH woman’s tireless campaigning for better care for those living with a type of cancer has helped bring a pioneering strategy that is set to benefit thousands of people.
Jo Taylor, of Diggle, passed away on November 3 after living with metastatic breast cancer for several years.
But the work she did has played a part in a new framework – a UK and NHS first – that is hoped to ensure earlier diagnosis, joined-up care and the personalised support people need to live well for longer.
Jo was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 at the age of 38, while on maternity leave with her second child.
After her diagnosis, she dedicated herself to helping others, founding an organisation that provides support and resources for people affected by breast cancer.
She launched Abcdiagnosis, aiming to reduce fear, anxiety and isolation, while supporting others to resume normal life, living both with and beyond cancer.
She also ran popular free exercise retreats, offering weekend getaways focused on physical activity and wellbeing, bringing together those with cancer or who have lost someone to the disease.
Her retreat in 2024 saw a group of 24 people conquer Saddleworth’s Three Peaks, raising £10,000 to support the residential retreats.
In 2019, Jo launched charity METUPUK, focusing on secondary breast cancer and helping to tackle the lack of information available for patients, including about red flag signs and symptoms that the disease has spread.
She created infographics showing how to spot these red flags, and these are now signposted by NHS England for use throughout the country.
And her legacy lives on through the continued work to improve metastatic cancer care.
Claire O’Rourke, managing director at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “We wouldn’t be here without Jo and her passion for improving the lives of those living with metastatic disease.
“This is a pivotal moment in cancer care and I’m so proud of what we, collectively, have achieved and hope to see more and more improvements in the months and years to come.”
Metastatic cancer occurs when cells spread from the original site to other parts of the body and is generally more challenging to treat.
Paul King, 55 from Manchester, also shaped the strategy after being diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer following months of struggling to get answers for the pain he was experiencing.
Scans revealed that prostate cancer had spread to his spine, lungs, adrenal gland and liver, and had caused spinal cord compression affecting his mobility.
He said: “I went from working full time and travelling the country to being on benefits overnight.
“The ‘terminal’ diagnosis is always on your mind and the side effects constantly remind you of it.
“What I needed most during my diagnosis was to feel like someone cared and was helping me make sense of what was happening.
“I can’t change what’s happened to me, but if this strategy helps even one person avoid what I went through, then it’s worth it.”
The Greater Manchester Metastatic Cancer Strategy brings together hospitals, primary care and community organisations to ensure everyone affected by metastatic cancer receives seamless, compassionate and proactive care while reducing variation across the region.
Clare Garnsey, associate medical director and clinical lead for the metastatic strategy at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, added: “Metastatic cancer affects thousands of people across Greater Manchester, and too many tell us they feel lost in the system. This strategy is about changing that.
“We want people to be seen, heard and supported, not just medically, but as whole people with families, hopes and plans. We are determined that no-one should ever feel abandoned or left to navigate this journey alone.
“Metastatic treatment often focuses on controlling the cancer and managing symptoms, rather than cure but with more effective treatment becoming available, the future of metastatic cancer is promising and people are now living with the disease, more comfortably, for longer and this strategy underpins everything we want to achieve.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham welcomed the strategy, describing it as a landmark moment for cancer care and saying: “Greater Manchester is once again leading the way in showing what compassionate, joined-up healthcare should look like.
“This strategy is about making sure that everyone living with metastatic cancer – no matter who they are or where they live – gets timely diagnosis, clear communication, and the right support throughout.”
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