Could a clinical trial play a role in your treatment? Hear from real patients who've seen the benefits first-hand

20 May 2026

Clinical Trials are central to our work here at Velindre. Thanks to our dedicated research and trials teams, we are playing a vital role in developing and delivering new and improved cancer treatments, helping to shape the future of patient care.

To mark this year’s Clinical Trials Day, we’re sharing personal stories from both our patients and staff involved in our trials. Hear from four patients, Alison, Leigh, Patricia and Andrew, who are receiving care in our dedicated clinical trials unit, as well as Amy, one of our specialist trials nurses, as they reflect on their experiences and the impact of clinical research at Velindre.

Alison Longman and Amy Matthews-Stanbury

Alison was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and began treatment at Velindre earlier this year. During an outpatient appointment, she was offered the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial, presented as the best option for her treatment.

At the time, Alison was in a very low and difficult place, coming to terms with her diagnosis. Despite this, she chose to take part in the trial, driven not only by the hope it might help her, but by a deep sense of purpose. She felt she owed it to herself, and to future generations, including her daughter and granddaughter, who could one day benefit from advances made through research like this.

Now receiving her treatment through the trial at Velindre, Alison speaks warmly about her experience. From her very first appointment in the trials unit, she felt instantly at ease. She has since built a strong and trusting relationship with the nursing team, especially her nurse, Amy, whose care and support have been a constant source of comfort throughout her journey so far.

Inspired by these stories?
Speak to your healthcare team to find out if a clinical trial could be an option for you.

Andrew Edward

At the end of 2025, Andrew learned that his lung cancer had returned. Faced with a palliative diagnosis, he made the decision to join the SWENSAN clinical trial and began treatment at Velindre in January 2026.

Initially, Andrew felt apprehensive about taking part in a clinical trial. However, with encouragement and support from his wife and children, he decided to go ahead, a decision he is now extremely glad he made.
“If it helps me, it can help other people,” Andrew said.

Reflecting on his experience at Velindre, Andrew describes it as overwhelmingly positive. He speaks warmly about attending the unit, sharing laughs with the nursing staff, and feeling genuinely grateful for the opportunity to receive this treatment. The care and support he has received have made a significant difference during a challenging time.

When asked what he would say to someone considering joining a clinical trial, Andrew’s advice is heartfelt and sincere. He added: “I would go for it, because it could save their life. I could’ve been dead two months ago, but they found the clinical trial, they mentioned it to me, we decided to go for it, and I’m here today.”

Leigh Wujewski

Following a GP appointment after experiencing difficulty breathing, Leigh was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2025. Just two years earlier, he had suffered a stroke, another significant health challenge, but this did not prevent him from accessing the care and opportunities available to patients like him.

Leigh began his treatment journey at Velindre, where he received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Throughout this time, his resilience and positive outlook remained clear. When he was later offered the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial, Leigh approached it with his trademark laid-back attitude, simply saying: “Why not?”

For Leigh, joining the trial wasn’t just about trying something new, it was a chance to continue fighting his diagnosis with the hope of also helping patients in future. His story reflects the importance of ensuring that patients, regardless of their medical history, have access to potentially life-changing research and care.

Patricia Jones

Back in 2020, Tricia received the news that she had terminal cancer, with a prognosis of just weeks or months to live. It was an incredibly difficult time for her and her loved ones, as they came to terms with such a life‑limiting diagnosis.

At that point, Tricia was offered the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial at Velindre. After conversations with her son and the trials team at Velindre, she chose to go ahead, a decision that would go on to change the course of her journey.

Six years later, Tricia is still attending Velindre for ongoing treatment. She speaks with heartfelt gratitude about the care she has received, particularly from the trials nursing team, whose compassion and support have made such a difference. For Tricia, being given the chance to take part in a trial didn’t just extend her life, it helped her regain a sense of hope and positivity.

The impact has been profound. The trial has given Tricia more precious time with her family, creating moments and memories she once feared she would never have. She reflects on how positive the experience has been overall, describing the trials unit as welcoming, reassuring, and filled with kindness: "I know this sounds really sad, but I love coming here, I really do. They life my spirits. I don't even get to my seat and the welcome I get is just amazing."

Find out more about Clinical Trials at Velindre here.