Read our stories

Read the inspiring stories of our patients, researchers, fundraisers and donors. We are all part of the cure.

Senior postdoctoral researcher, Anne Rogel, studying medical data in a laboratory.

Anne's story

"By gaining an in-depth understanding of how CD8+ T cells are regulated, we could design more effective drugs to harness them and target tumours." - Anne Rogel, senior postdoctoral researcher

Belle, a young patient who was the first to undergo an immunotherapy trial at Southampton for neuroblastoma.

Belle's story

"I feel proud to feel like we are part of the cancer immunology research at Southampton that the new centre will continue to progress." - Jane, mother of Belle, clinical trial patient

Michael Knowlton, the first person in the world to test a vaccine for his type of head and neck cancer, reading a book with his granddaughter.

Mike's story

"It was exciting to be the first, it felt that I was contributing more than I originally thought. I wanted it for myself, for my kids, the next generation..." - Mike, clinical trial patient

Michaela, a PhD student at the centre, conducting research in a laboratory.

Michaela's story

"Knowing that our laboratory discoveries will find their way into patient clinics makes the work so rewarding." - Michaela Christodoulaki, PhD student

Clinical trial patient Crispin Malpas with his wife, Claudia, and two sons.

Crispin's story

"I think immunotherapy is just the most amazing miracle thing ever. I wouldn't be here without it." - Crispin, clinical trial patient

Professor Gareth Griffiths, director of the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit

Gareth's story

"Immunotherapy is the future of cancer treatment and Southampton is at the forefront." - Professor Gareth Griffiths, Director of the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit

Donor Liza Butterworth hand-delivering her donation to the centre

Liza's story

"The Centre is truly remarkable and to have it on our doorstep is something to be very proud of." - Liza Butterworth, campaign donor

PhD student, Esme Fowkes, conducting research in a laboratory.

Esme's story

"I was drawn by the cutting edge research, the state-of-the-art facilities, and the emphasis on a collaborative approach to accelerate progress." - Esme Fowkes, PhD student

PhD student, David Arcia, conducting research in a laboratory.

David's story

"I'm sure that in the near future we'll be able to develop immunotherapeutic strategies that can eliminate tumours in a wide percentage of patients." - David Arcia, PhD student

Woody, a young clinical trial patient who is responding well to treatment.

Woody's story

"We are so grateful to everyone working on the trial. We know that it is still an uncertain road, but it has given us hope for the future." - Jack, father of Woody, clinical trial patient

PhD student, Lara Graham, conducting research in a laboratory.

Lara's story

"With more research and development of therapies such as the antibody I'm studying, there's potential to treat more patients and give them better outcomes." - Lara Graham, PhD student

Clinical trial patient Andy Ayres with his wife, Julia

Andy's story

"I consider myself very fortunate – not only to have been diagnosed early, but also to have had this amazing immunotherapy treatment at Southampton." - Andy, clinical trial patient