Lola and Carnetta: inspiring each other to live life to the fullest
Lola's story
“I’m a health researcher, so most of my work focuses on helping people around the world access the healthcare they need,” says Lola. “But I really wanted to do something local – something that would make a difference here.
“Several members of my family have been affected by cancer. I knew first-hand how amazing it can be to be there for someone living with cancer – to be a non-judgmental outlet for their hopes and fears.”
Lola signed up as a volunteer Telephone Buddy in June 2024. Since then, she has supported three people through the service – each with their own story and strength.
“Every person I’ve spoken to has inspired me in a different way,” she says. “But the first person I supported, Carnetta, really showed me what this service is all about. Talking to her is the highlight of my week. In theory, a Buddy is there to support someone through cancer, but in reality, it’s mutual. Carnetta inspires me to be braver, bolder and to live life to the fullest.”
Lola describes Carnetta as ‘an incredible woman’ – someone who finds joy in the small things and puts everyone else before herself.
“She’s an amazing mum, partner and community member,” says Lola. “She takes the weight of the world on her shoulders for her family, but she’s still full of humour and energy. We talk about everything – painting, travel, her grandchildren, even banana sandwiches, which she insists I should try!”
Lola says Carnetta has taught her that people are much more than their diagnosis.
“It doesn’t define her – it’s just part of her story. She’s so strong and courageous. The fact that she can maintain joy, even after everything she’s been through, is inspiring. She reminds me that we’re all more than what’s happening to us.”
As a Buddy, Lola sees her role as ‘background support’ – someone who helps people feel a little lighter.
“We provide a safe, non-judgmental space for people to talk about whatever’s on their mind,” she explains. “Sometimes that’s cancer, sometimes it’s the birds outside the window or what they baked that week. The goal is for them to leave the call feeling a bit more empowered to face the next day – and the day after that.”
The work can be emotional, but the support from Macmillan helps.
“Sometimes people share things they’ve never told anyone before – it’s a privilege to be trusted that way,” Lola says. “Macmillan has a 24-hour safeguarding line and incredible managers who check in with us. It really feels like being part of a family.”
For Lola, volunteering has been life changing.
“If I can make someone’s day even a little brighter, I’m happy. This service shows what can happen when two people connect – it’s about empathy, laughter and knowing you’re not alone. Carnetta reminds me every week that we should live each day like it’s our birthday.”
Carnetta's story
When Carnetta was discharged from hospital following treatment for pancreatic cancer, she suddenly found herself without the daily support she’d come to rely on.
“I had a lot of people around me at first,” she says. “And then you’re on your own. You only see the consultant every so often. I needed more support – and then I heard about Macmillan’s buddy service. That’s when my buddy Lola came on the scene, and she was absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t have got through without her.”
Having someone at the other end of the phone made all the difference.
“She listened to everything I said and just made me feel comfortable,” Carnetta explains. “It’s been a long journey, and she was a key part of it. She simply made my life feel better.”
Each week, the pair would chat for an hour – sometimes about cancer, often about life, family and the little things that brought them joy.
“It was good to talk about things,” says Carnetta. “If I can talk about something, then I can cope with it. But we also had fun with it.”
Laughter and honesty quickly became central to their conversations.
“I’d always look forward to Lola calling on a Thursday,” she says. “We’d laugh, we’d joke, and I’d come off the phone feeling happy. It really was a pleasure.”
She recalls one running joke that became a firm favourite.
“I kept telling her she had to try a banana sandwich,” she laughs. “She said she didn’t like them! But I love them – it’s one of the few things I can always eat without thinking twice.”
For Carnetta, having a buddy who was kind, patient and genuinely interested in her made a world of difference.
“People mean well, but if they haven’t been through it themselves, they don’t always understand how you feel,” she says. “That’s why having a Macmillan buddy is so special. They’re there just to listen – they get it.”
Over the weeks, the bond between Carnetta and Lola grew stronger. What began as a weekly support call soon became something deeper – a space filled with laughter, honesty and shared strength.
“Sometimes you just need someone who isn’t family – someone you can really talk to,” says Carnetta. “Lola understood me. We could talk about anything, and I always came away feeling lighter.”
The experience has made her an enthusiastic advocate for the service.
“If anybody gets the chance to speak to a Macmillan buddy, do it,” she says. “They’re there to help you, and they’re the best thing ever. Everyone I’ve spoken to through Macmillan has been so nice. It’s been an absolute pleasure.”
As for her own buddy?
Lola is the best person I could ever have had. She’s wonderful – she knows her mind, she listens, and we just have a laugh. She really made a difference to my life.”
Inspired by Lola and Carnetta's story?
Find out how you can volunteer for or get support through our Telephone Buddy service.
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