Health

Cancer Survivors in Leicester Share Powerful Stories Ahead of National Cancer Survivors Day

Good News Post

Jun 6, 2026 — 2 min read

Dr Abeer Kholgi - Image supplied University of Leicester

By Health Correspondent

As National Cancer Survivors Day takes place on Sunday 7 June, cancer survivors in Leicester are sharing their personal stories as part of a new community film project exploring life after diagnosis.

The initiative, Heritage of Hope, has been produced by Leicester-based charity Live Cancer Free in partnership with the University of Leicester.

It brings together voices from across the city to highlight lived experience, reduce stigma and raise awareness of cancer prevention.

The project was founded by University of Leicester alumna Dr Abeer Kholgi, whose charity focuses on supporting healthier lifestyle choices and encouraging open conversations around cancer.

Among those featured is breast cancer survivor Mina Marjoria, 72, who describes how her Hindu faith helped her cope following diagnosis, finding strength in acceptance during a difficult time.

Leicester-born patient Fiona speaks about feeling isolated during treatment, while neck cancer survivor George Westhighlights the importance of being seen as a person rather than just a patient.

Professor Karen Brown of the University of Leicester features in the film, stressing the need to focus on prevention as well as treatment.

“We can’t treat our way out of the cancer problem,” she says. “We need to reduce the number of cases of cancer and switch to prevention.”

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah also appears, praising ongoing cancer research and its impact on families and communities.

Dr Kholgi said the film aims to preserve lived experiences, tackle stigma, and highlight research work. She added that with around one in two people expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, sharing stories can help others feel less alone.

If you have a positive story or uplifting news to share, we’d love to hear from you! Just email us at news@goodnewspost.co.uk.

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