Our Patrons
We are very fortunate to have some fantastic patrons who support us whenever possible by raising awareness of our work and our increase our profile.
Dr Cheryl Palmer MA (Cantab) BM BCh (Oxon), MRCP
Patron
Dr Cheryl Palmer is the lead for Medical Oncology at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. She studied preclinical medicine at Cambridge University and clinical medicine at Oxford University. She undertook her specialist Medical Oncology training at Addenbrooke’s where she is currently a consultant specialising in breast and colorectal cancers, playing a vital role in supporting individuals through cancer treatment with both clinical expertise and genuine compassion. With qualifications from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, Dr Palmer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work in oncology.
Widely respected by patients and colleagues alike, she is known for her attentive, person-centred approach and for ensuring that every patient feels heard, informed, and supported throughout their care journey. She has supported and been involved with HCCN since its inception and has seen it expand, offering incredible, invaluable support to patients and their families.
As a Patron of HCCN, Dr Palmer’s commitment to holistic, community-based cancer support aligns closely with the charity’s mission to help adults across Huntingdonshire live well with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Her involvement reflects a shared belief in empowering individuals through both high-quality clinical care and wider wellbeing support.
Professor Robert Thomas
Patron
Professor Robert Thomas is a Consultant Oncologist at the Primrose Oncology Unit, Bedford and Addenbrooke’s Hospitals, a professor of Biological and Exercise Science at Coventry University, a professor of Sports Science at the University of Bedfordshire, a clinical teacher at Cambridge University. He is author of the book “Lifestyle after Cancer” and medical advisor for the lifestyle and cancer website Cancernet.co.uk. and the general lifestyle site keep-healthy.com. He has an academic interest in the evaluation of nutritional, lifestyle and self help strategies with aim to empower patients with the truth after cancer. He has published over 100 peer reviewed scientific papers including, in the last 2 years, the worlds largest randomised controlled trial of a polyphenol rich nutritional supplement in men with prostate cancer and the evaluation of an essential oil topical treatments which virtually eliminate distressing chemotherapy associated nail damage.
He was joint author for the Macmillan funded evidence review for the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative and designed the UK’s first government approved qualification in exercise rehabilitation for cancer patients. He has been awarded The British Oncology Association’s “Oncologist of the Year” and the Hospital Doctor magazine “Doctor of the Year” and the Royal College Medal for his contribution to medical research.
Twitter:@cancernetuk
Facebook: cancernetuk
Ste Greenall
Patron
After a career in accountancy, PR and football – once headhunted by Delia Smith – Ste is a classic case of “don’t l know how I used to fit everything in” after retiring three years ago. He has presented the weekday breakfast show for almost 8 years on Black Cat Radio, a community radio station based in St. Neots, and has featured the activities of HCCN many times.
The lively show is a mixture of music, news, features and live chat and Ste has collected a number of National Community radio awards, including Male Presenter of the Year in 2023. It has become part and parcel of St. Neots life and through the show, Ste has built a large network of both listeners and contributors.
Ste hails from St. Helens, moved to Cambridgeshire in 1987 to be come “Fred the Flour Grader’s Financial Controller” and enjoyed ten years with Cambridge United and Norwich City. Married to Ailsa in 1986, he enjoys good food and wine, spending time with his son Ben and his wife Liv, and recently joined St. Neots golf club.
He was honoured to become a Patron of HCCN and he looks forward to working with the charity, as well as learning more about it.
Graham Moore
Patron
Graham retired from the police service as Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police. During his career he served in the Cambridgeshire, South Yorkshire and West Midlands Forces. On retirement together with his wife, Susan, they decided to live once again in Cambridgeshire.
Susan of course was a person of special significance to HCCN, being the driving force behind the creation of HCCN the charity. As her husband, it was my role to assist her in her duties as she had always supported me in my policing career. This meant I was present at the very creation of the charity, sitting around the kitchen table and planning what has developed into the thriving organisation of today.
HCCN became the focus of Susan’s energies and she would have been so impressed by what has been achieved. I am honoured to take up the role of a patron of the charity and help to assist in making Susan’s dream ever more successful.