Audio story – With Dad
‘With Dad’ was developed and recorded by Carer Representatives from the Greater Manchester Cancer Voices Community and is a project by Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and Made by Mortals.
It shines a spotlight on the experiences of unpaid carers, supporting loved ones through their cancer diagnosis and treatment by following a fictional character Heather.
Heather, a woman from Manchester, is caring for her father who has cancer. She is compassionate, strong and resilient. But like many other carers, she just needs a little help with Dad.
Information for healthcare professionals
In this short (23 minute) video workshop for healthcare professionals, you will be taken through the production and story behind our new audio story ‘With Dad’ which was developed and recorded by carer representatives to shine a spotlight on the experiences of unpaid carers, supporting loved ones through their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Patient carers provide insight on three key topics:
- What is it really like to be a carer for someone living with cancer?
- What kind of support do carers need and where are the gaps?
- How can healthcare professionals better recognise and respond to carers needs?
You’ll gain an insight into how your practices can make a difference.
The people behind the audio story
Each carer’s experience is unique, yet their stories cross paths in powerful and relatable ways. This audio story reflects the World Cancer Day 2026 theme United by Unique. We worked with five carer representatives who have supported a wife, husband or parent with cancer.
Rebecca Finley, User Involvement Manager at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “The experiences of our carer representatives are really powerful to hear.
“We hope by shining a spotlight on their experiences, we can help more people and healthcare professionals understand the emotional and practical load carried by carers every day.”
We’d like to thank the five carers who took part in this project: Stuart, Dorothy, Wendy, Stephen and Mary.
Stuart Kohler, 63, from Standish, in Wigan, who was a carer for his wife Gill when she was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer – also known as cancer of the foodpipe – three years ago. Gill, a retired primary school assistant headteacher, underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, an operation to remove the cancer, as well as immunotherapy. She has now regained her strength, joined a Pilates class and is enjoying lots of holidays.
Stuart said: “Caring for Gill was a privilege, but it was also very tough at times for her and for me.
“I wanted to take part in this project to assure other carers that they are not alone in experiencing the multitude of emotions they will feel whilst caring for their loved one. It is also an innovative way to make family and friends aware of the impact cancer has on loved ones who become carers, as well on the patients. ”