The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Support Charity is dedicated to supporting all individuals affected by head and neck cancers, including patients, carers, friends, and relatives. They aim to provide this assistance on a 24/7 basis.

In support of the mission of the Swallows, The Suzanne Vandervell Research Award has been created to recognise and promote the work of young researchers, committed to improving outcomes for patients living with and beyond head & neck cancer.

Suzanne’s Story

We have good reason to be appreciative of the amazing support of the dedicated Swallows team and the Patient Support network.

My history of head and neck cancer has been a long one, starting in April 2010 when, in my mid-forties, I was diagnosed with stage 3 tonsil cancer HPV16, with right cervical lymph node involvement. Despite being life changing, I was determined not let cancer get in the way of enjoying life. I recovered well but in 2017, had a massive shock following diagnosis with a non-operable metastasis in the nasopharyngeal space. I had no options, other than taking the very high risk of further radical radiation and chemo, which is not within normal treatment protocols.Although it eliminated the tumour, it left me with continuing severe after effects, including oral soft tissue damage, reduced jaw opening, impaired salivary and swallow function, plus many other late-onset consequences of radiation toxicity.

The cancer reached incurable stage in 2020 and over the following years I had four further metastases, two of which have been treated with good response to immunotherapy. However, this persistent cancer remains incurable so I have made the difficult decision not to have further treatment in order to maintain a modicum of life quality.

The importance of smaller charities like the Swallows is vital, especially with NHS cancer services under so much pressure. To achieve this goal, we are raising funds for this new annual Research Award, to be officially launched at the International Conference of the Swallows in November 2025.

With a target of £7,000, your generous contributions will directly help the mission of the Swallows to support a broad spectrum of head and neck cancer patients, as well as expanding the annual Research Award in future years.