Testimonials

Working in clinical research (oncology), I have always been involved in patient care from the research side—focusing on protocols, data, and outcomes aimed at advancing treatment and improving survival. While this work is deeply meaningful to me, I knew I wanted to understand the patient experience beyond charts and clinical endpoints. I wanted genuine, human-to-human engagement with the individuals behind the research.

This desire led me to volunteer in the cancer ward with AL’s Pals, and that experience has been truly transformative. Through AL’s Pals, I was given the opportunity to connect with patients in a way that went beyond my professional role—simply being present, listening, answering multiple questions and offering comfort during incredibly vulnerable moments. The organization fostered an environment centered on compassion, empathy, and meaningful connection, which allowed me to engage with patients on a deeply personal level.

Volunteering with AL’s Pals helped me better understand the emotional realities of cancer care. I witnessed resilience, courage, and strength in ways that cannot be captured in data or clinical reports. Small moments—sharing a conversation, offering encouragement, or bringing a sense of normalcy—showed me how powerful kindness and presence can be in a patient’s journey.

This experience has profoundly influenced how I approach my work. Working with AL’s Pals bridged the gap between research and human experience, reminding me that scientific progress and compassionate care must go hand in hand. It has strengthened my commitment to patient-centered care and reinforced the importance of seeing each patient not just as a case or outcome, but as a person deserving of dignity, understanding, and empathy.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to Linda your Als Pals representative who works at the Cancer Centre on Tuesday mornings, I’ve been having fortnightly treatment and the last year Linda has made a huge difference to my visits, I look forward to seeing her, nothing is too much trouble for her & she has me in stitches.

Having been through what she’s been through she really understands the patients perspective. I am actually an in patient at the moment, I’ve relapsed and have been poorly, she even visited me today on the ward, she really is a lovely lady that has made my journey all the more bareable.

 I have been a recipient of Al’s Pals for a couple of years now.

My sponsor Sally was & is an absolute lifesaver to me. I just want to thank Al’s Pals & all that you do, it means so much when you are at your lowest to know there is someone you can talk to.

Thank you for giving up your time. It is very much appreciated.

Peggy has  been visiting me for the past few months. I began to struggle to cope with my youngest daughter’s terminal illness.

Peggy has helped me through many sad periods.

 I find Peggy to be understanding, professional and able to listen.

She has excellent people skills and is kind, thoughtful and patient.

Peggy always arrives at the agreed time; she is supportive and able to empathize with me  over my daughter’s untreatable illness.

I believe she is a good nurse and should take advantage of any training to ensure her skills continue to be used in nursing.

You must be so proud for the difference you are making to these patients, your vision has turned to reality and it is a fantastic service which is growing fast

 We are so privileged to have you working with us and look forward to the ongoing work together

 Thank you

Whilst being treated with high dose chemotherapy as an in patient at the back end of 2022, I met a volunteer called Kev. I was always sceptical about opening up about my diagnosis and struggles to a volunteer but almost instantly, Kev and I established a really strong bond and sense of trust that I have not felt with many people in my life.

During our initial meeting, Kev sat down for over an hour with me and listened. But the key point here is that for the first time in a long time, I did not have to worry about the narrative, worry about how the other person was feeling, I was able to really open up. This in itself is invaluable, because along this journey – I haven’t really felt like I have been able to do that. It really felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Following on from this initial meeting, I regularly stay in contact with Kev – speaking to him at least once a week. His life experience, coupled with his sincerity and willingness to help in any way possible is something that is so unique and something which I value immensely. I believe that if all cancer patients can have someone like Kev, the world will be a better place.

Cancer is a very lonely journey, but with Kev and the support of Als Pals – it becomes a bit less lonely and more manageable.

Can I just say that I’m so grateful to have had visits from two of your Volunteers this week. I have been in a really low place, struggling to manage my thoughts and fears. Kevin visited me on Tuesday, and we walked though issues bit by bit. He was so calm, patient, and really understood, and when he left I felt lifted and more positive.

Anthony visited today, and again after he left, I felt calmer and more positive (he even stayed longer than he normally would) I’ve not been able, so far, to speak to anyone about my feelings, I think mainly because a lot of the time you have to make appointments and it becomes too official.

Al’s Pals is absolutely pefect as you’re there, just as someone might need you.

So thank you Kevin & Anthony, you were here just at the time I needed you. 

Thank you so much for your time and messages, they have meant a lot to me, and made a huge difference to me when I first started treatment. Your organisation is invaluable. 

I went to visit my friend yesterday and she told me what an amazing support you are being to her at the moment and I just wanted to contact you to thank you.  I worked closely alongside her at School Nursing some years ago and we became good friends. I moved to Dorset over 5 years ago so, although we stayed in touch via post and phone/messages I hadn’t  seen her in a while. It was good to see her yesterday and I very much hope she enjoyed my visit.  So, really, all I want to say to you is a heartfelt thank you. With very best wishes x

We have referred  a number of our patients, who either have cancer themselves or who have a family member who does, to Als Pals and the support and advice they have received has been excellent.  It has really made a difference to our patients and we would not hesitate in recommending Als Pals as a support service.

I finished my sessions with Andrew yesterday and I wanted to share with you how brilliant they were. Andrew was amazing and got me thinking about so much – at times it wasn’t easy, but I feel so different about myself than I felt 6 weeks ago. A lot has been achieved in this short time. I am starting 2022 as a brand new version of myself – there are things I still need to do as part of my full recovery and renewal, but a massive step has been taken, thanks to Andrew. So, thank you so much for referring me, your support will never be forgotten.

A massive thankyou to Suzanne and the volunteers for the care, love and interest they show in those of us receiving long-term chemotherapy in MK Cancer Centre! Fantastic service, guys!

So proud of what you give and achieve every week for this very worthy charity… making a real difference to Cancer Patients in our region.

I would like to thank you for the delicious afternoon tea that I enjoyed so much when I received my treatment yesterday at the Milton Keynes Cancer Centre this really lifted my spirits. Your lovely volunteers keep all the patients going with their care and attention. Without their loyal service we would be lost. Please also pass on my heartfelt compliments to the volunteers/businesses that made the scones, sandwiches and cakes. Absolutely delicious and better than any I’ve eaten at hotels/restaurants etc

I would like to thank you for the Christmas present, card  and  good wishes from your volunteer on 22nd December at the cancer Centre MK. . I was not aware of your organisation but thank you for the work  that you do., Thank you again!

I had just started my treatment and was settling down to reading my book as it was going to be a few hours when completely out of the blue a lovely lady with a beautiful smile came up and handed me a gift pack and said this is for you .
I was sitting in a pod with four other people , each one received a package .
Everyone’s face lit up on receipt of their gift , and all of a sudden the energy changed in the pod and people were smiling and so grateful for the lovely surprise that uplifted us all . We were made to feel special .
The gift package was filled with really lovely and thoughtful goodies . What really touched me , and actually brought tears to me eyes , was the card that was enclosed with the gift . It was handwritten with a lovely personal message and I felt that the writer really understood how I was feeling .
The cancer journey can be scary and lonely at times and I felt Als Pals understood this and I will never forget the impact of that gift and sentiment on one of those days – you are doing an amazing job Als Pals ….thank you xxx

I was sat in the oncology unit within mk cancer centre Milton Keynes hospital having bloods done for my next months treatment when This lovely lady came introduced her self and said she was from al’s pals buddy charity, she said they had been given a grant to put together gift bags for patients going through cancer treatment and coronavirus because they know and understand it’s a hard time for us at the moment xx
I was also given a gift bag from Boots Cmk both gifts helped make me smile and make the day a better one, well it certainly did that it made me feel a little special in these challenging times thank you for making me smile xxx

I would just like to say, on Wednesday I met a lady called Sally from Al’s Pals at the Cancer Centre in Milton Keynes whilst having chemotherapy treatment. We had a lovely chat and I felt so much more at ease that day as I was having a bad anxiety day. I just wanted to say it was so nice to have seen her, as the road is so hard as it is. Thank you for all you do, as it’s so hard to find comfort on this journey.