John McGartland, Christie patient

John was diagnosed with cancer in his oesophagus, stomach, adrenal gland and lymph nodes back in 2019. He said that when he got the diagnosis, he went home with his wife Kath and cried. John and Kath had been married for nearly 35 years at that time and John said it was the lowest point of both their lives.

But thanks to his treatment at The Christie, John says that he and Kath have a new life ahead of them. John’s now in remission but returns to The Christie for regular check-ups.

John’s backing The Christie Charity’s appeal to invest in a new, innovative piece of equipment called a Total Body PET-CT scanner. Total Body PET-CT scanners are the latest and very best in PET-CT technology. They can scan the entire body quickly, in one go, and produce high quality images that help identify cancer more easily and develop targeted treatment plans faster.

“If it wasn’t for wonderful, compassionate, dedicated staff at The Christie – the amazing researchers, the drugs, the surgeons – I may not be here today. The advancements in treatments and technology are amazing but are only possible if resources are made available. Please support this appeal to bring a Total Body PET-CT scanner to The Christie, so that others like me are given hope and a chance to get back their life.”

When you are diagnosed with cancer, it is always on your mind. The Christie gave me back my life. Please give whatever you can to support its vital work and bring a Total Body PET-CT scanner to the hospital.

John McGartland, Christie patient

The Christie Charity has pledged £7m to bring a Total Body PET-CT scanner to Manchester and transform patient care in the North West. Your donation today would help make that possible – see our Total Body PET-CT scanner appeal to find out more.

A photo of Christie patient John McGartland standing in the garden at The Christie.