A Special Gift

'Anyone can have an idea. It's what you do with it that counts.'

Cancerbackup was founded in 1985 by a remarkable woman - Dr Vicky Clement-Jones - who refused to be defeated by her diagnosis of inoperable ovarian cancer. Given only three months to live, in fact she survived five years, long enough to establish Cancerbackup and be assured of its success.

The idea for Cancerbackup came to Vicky Clement-Jones in the midst of her cancer journey. Her own experience taught her that patients were in desperate need of good quality information, practical advice and emotional support. Too often it wasn't available. Daunted neither by her illness nor the magnitude of her task she set about establishing a national cancer information service.

The fascinating life and character of Dr Vicky Clement-Jones and how she made her dream a reality was graphically described by Carolyn Faulder in her biography "A Special Gift". Her inspiring story lies behind the message of hope and support which goes out each year from Cancerbackup to the many thousands of people seeking information and help from its services. It is her 'special gift' and it is her living memorial.

This text has been abridged by Carolyn Faulder from her biography of Dr Vicky Clement-Jones, A Special Gift.