CEO MONTHLY / JANUARY 2026 10 ecognised as the UK’s Best PatientLed Cancer Support Organisation 2026, Northern Cancer Voices is a cancer advocacy charity striving to amplify the voices of anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis. The organisation is driven by a group of volunteers, patients, carers, and health professionals, all united by a shared passion for ensuring the best possible quality of care and support for cancer patients, their families, and their friends. The story of Northern Cancer Voices’ inception is deeply personal, shaped significantly by the life-changing experiences of Founder Tori Bradison. In 2019, Tori’s mother was diagnosed with lung cancer and sadly passed away just four weeks later. Unfortunately, Tori’s mother was not the only person in her life to be impacted by cancer. Her best friend, a strong rugby player from South Africa, was diagnosed with lung cancer at just 48 years old and was placed on research medication. Another close friend faced bowel cancer at age 50, and her cousin was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 74. These repeated encounters within her close circle deepened Tori’s resolve to ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. “These experiences gave me a unique perspective on the gaps in support and the emotional toll cancer takes across different ages and circumstances,” she told us. “My work today is driven by those stories, and those my team hear every day, plus the belief that empathy and action can change lives. This is why I am so passionate about creating a platform where lived experience drives change.” Initially, Tori worked as a volunteer patient partner at her local hospital, driven by her own experiences to make a positive change. She gradually began to connect with likeminded people across the region, forming a strong network of individuals passionate about cancer care and services. Tori leveraged her extensive business skills to build a model of success and, fastforward to 2023, Northern Cancer Voices was born – a charity built by people who have lived this reality, on a mission to ensure every voice is heard. Since establishing Northern Cancer Voices, Tori and the team have seen a number of transformative opportunities. “Speaking at NHS cancer improvement events and working with strategic partners has allowed us to Tori Bradison: Championing Change in Cancer Care Since 2023, Northern Cancer Voices has operated with one clear purpose: to make sure that every person affected by cancer feels heard, supported, and empowered. This mission is headed by Founder and CEO Tori Bradison, whose visionary leadership has positioned Northern Cancer Voices as a trusted advocate for patients across the North East and North Cumbria. We spoke with Tori below for more, as she is named in the 2026 Most Influential CEO Awards. amplify patient voices where decisions are made,” she shared. “Awards and recognition also open doors, giving us credibility and helping us build partnerships with councils and businesses. These opportunities have pushed me to think bigger – moving from local advocacy to shaping systemic change.” Of course, the charity has also encountered its fair share of adversity. Ongoing funding pressure and uncertainty has made longterm planning difficult, but the team has tackled this head-on by diversifying income streams and building strong partnerships across the industry. Tori’s corporate background and Six Sigma training helps Northern Cancer Voices to cut through the bureaucracy and stay efficient, ensuring that every pound and hour spent is an investment in patient-led support and community-based cancer care. Named the UK’s Most Influential Non-Profit CEO 2026 in the field of Cancer Advocacy, Tori aspires to continue building Northern Cancer Voices into a sustainable, influential force for change. The charity is looking to the future with stabilisation as a key priority, aiming to generate more funds to ensure it can continue shaping the sector. Current funding runs until March 2026, with bids in progress, though confirmation is not expected until February. “Collaboration and innovation will be key to navigating the future,” Tori concluded. “We want to reach more communities and launch a corporate sponsorship offer to build sustainable partnerships. We need more investment in patient-led support and are actively seeking strategic partners who share our vision for equitable, community-based care, because collaboration is the key to lasting change.” To learn more about this remarkable mission – and discover how you can get directly involved in shaping change – visit Northern Cancer Voices’ website today. R Contact: Tori Bradison Company: Northern Cancer Voices Web Address: www. northerncancervoices.co.uk NORTHERN Cancer Voices
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