ALK Positive Lung Cancer (UK)

Who we are

ALK-positive lung cancer is a relatively rare disease, usually affecting younger never-smokers, often female. Unlike most lung cancers, treatments are available that may prolong life for many years for some but not all patients. The charity was founded by its current chair, Debra Montague, a patient, in 2018 to support patients, empower them, to advocate for best practice throughout the UK. Ths charity's online Support Group has increased from 55 to over 800 and we have over 5,000 followers on various social media platforms.  The website receives 18,000 visits a year.  The charity is patient-focused and patient-led.

The vision of the charity is that people with ALK-positive lung cancer in the UK will thrive and live long and fulfilling lives unhindered by their disease.

We provide a wide range of services, including -

• Online Support Group
• Information, publications and a website
• Life Coach
• Regional Lunches
• Hardship Fund
• Annual conference

In addition, we campaign (a) to raise awareness that anyone, including non-smokers, can get lung cancer and (b) for early diagnosis,

Our culture and values

We have an active Board of Trustees, the majority are patients, supported by a Chief Executive Officer, Operations & Administrative Officer, Admin Assistants (2), and a Finance Assistant - all working part-time from home. We also use external contractors.  We have a team of volunteers.  Our values are -

• We are welcoming in our approach and put the needs and interests of patients with ALK-positive lung cancer and their families first, treating them with the respect and the empathy that they deserve
• We are passionate about our work – our passion is driven by a deep personal connection to ALK-positive lung cancer which means we are highly committed and determined
• We always act with professionalism and integrity and our activities are based on the best available evidence.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Charity has an Equality and Diversity policy. Extract -

Equal opportunities

The Trustees of the Charity are committed to ensure that it does not discriminate against people who identify under the nine protected characteristics. No person should receive less favourable treatment because of a protected characteristic that they might have. Nor will such a person be disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable. 

Diversity

The Charity will treat all people with dignity and respect, valuing the diversity of all. It will promote equality of opportunity and diversity. It will eliminate all forms of discrimination on grounds of the nine protected characteristics,