Marc on how the Macmillan Horizon Centre supported him when he was diagnosed with incurable thyroid cancer

Facing incurable thyroid cancer and surgery during Covid-19

Marc’s thyroid cancer had spread to his larynx. He was told that if they didn’t operate, he would have just 2 weeks to live.

“I used to sing and be a performer, a coach and a teacher, all led by my voice, so this news was devastating but they told me that removing my voice box was the only way to keep me alive.” 

Marc had surgery and a hospital stay, just as the UK was going into lockdown. He recalls being the only one from his ward to survive, with the other patients there sadly dying of Covid-19. He credits the doctor that allowed him to go home after 8 days as someone who saved his life ‘twice in one week’. 

Supporting men with cancer through peer groups and volunteering at the Macmillan Horizon Centre 

Marc set up the group Mick’s MOT (Men Only Tuesdays), a group for all people who identify as male, going through diagnosis, treatment, recovery and those who are caring for people with cancer. He hopes to see more groups like Mick's replicated for, and by, other men, across the UK.  

The sessions enable the men in attendance to talk openly in a ‘zero pressure environment’, or just sit and listen and ‘enjoy the fellowship of being around men in a similar situation’. Marc reflects on his pride for volunteering for Macmillan at the Horizon Centre, where he still receives treatment in a non-clinical environment.