In 1998, Kenneth Man was told that he may only have months left to live, and faced surgery which he was warned could lead to the loss of his leg.
But Kenneth came through the surgery without amputation, and, almost three decades later, has paid tribute to the professionals at UHL who have supported him throughout his journey living with Ewing sarcoma, a rare bone cancer.
Kenneth experienced a recurrence of the cancer in 2025, and has since been cared for by UHL’s Macmillan sarcoma nurse specialists, Sally Clarke and Anita Pabla, and support worker Sam Parsley. He has received chemotherapy at Ward 40, Leicester Royal Infirmary, as part of a clinical trial, with the support of Senior Research Nurse, Theresa Beaver from the Hope Cancer Trials Centre.
He said: “My consultant, Dr Lesley Speed, has never given up, and I am determined to fight. When I was first diagnosed 28 years ago, I was told I may only have six months to live, but I am still up and running.
“The support from the nurses has been amazing, they do so much. I can’t imagine that things would have been as smooth without their support. They take all the pressure off me, so that I can just focus on my treatment. Every time I’m in hospital, they always come to see me – and every little thing they do means a lot.
“All of the team on Ward 40 have been brilliant, too. I don’t know how they do it, as it must be so challenging, but they are very professional, friendly and caring. I have become very attached to them.”
On World Cancer Day (4 February), we celebrate all our multidisciplinary teams of professionals – with roles including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, specialist nurses, allied health professionals and administrative colleagues – who support patients and families throughout their cancer journeys, providing everything from psychological support to palliative care to rehabilitation programmes.
As part of the East Midlands Cancer Alliance, UHL provides specialist services for a broad range of haematological and solid cancers. The Trust combines clinical excellence with research and innovation, working closely with partners such as the University of Leicester, the Leicester Cancer Research Centre and University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group to ensure that patients benefit from the latest advances in cancer treatment and care.