Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust (Butterfly) was founded by Kate Farnell in 2002, following her own thyroid cancer diagnosis in June 2000. Originally offering support locally as Butterfly North East, it expanded its reach across the UK, becoming the only charity in England to offer encouragement, information, and support solely to people affected by thyroid cancer. Best Thyroid Cancer Patient Support Charity 2025 As someone with first-hand experience of thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment, Kate Farnell brings a deeper level of empathy and compassion to Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust. Her experience goes further still, with her volunteering alongside medical professionals as a Thyroid Cancer Patient Advisor at the Northern Cancer Care Centre (NCCC) in Newcastle upon Tyne to help patients through their treatment journey which she did for 20 years. Here, Kate has acquired extensive expertise and knowledge that enhances her ability to provide the very best care for thyroid cancer patients in the UK. As a result of Kate’s work with her local hospital, Butterfly has received multiple awards including P5 Excellence in Oncology Award, NHS Innovation Award, and Inspirational Woman of the Year Award. Kate was also honoured with an MBE by His Majesty King Charles in 2014 for her relentless and inspiring work in improving the treatment journey for thyroid cancer patients. For 23 years, Kate has provided personalised, relevant, and sympathetic support for thousands of people, many of whom have become personal friends and joined the charity as volunteer support contacts, and two of these people have become Trustees. She continues to amplify the thyroid cancer patient’s voice, influencing national treatment protocol decisions by being invited to share her input on several medical committees, including the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, Scottish Medicines Committee, British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons, National Cancer Research Institute, and Cancer Research UK, for which she writes the patient information for thyroid cancer clinical trials. Butterfly has also been presented at major national and international thyroid cancer medical conferences, with Kate addressing audiences in Canada, France, Greece, and London, as well as attending conferences in Italy and Spain. This has enabled the charity to further grow its network of associates, increasing patient support. Patients undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer often have to stay in isolation for a short period, thus more of Butterfly’s work has included improving these difficult hospital stays by upgrading isolation suites. This has involved beautiful artwork on the walls ,individualised bedding, nightwear, hobby items, and treats for younger patients. The charity has also provided televisions, internet provision, and gaming units. Thirty eight isolation suites have had a Butterfly enhancement. Additionally, Butterfly has financially supported a variety of research projects with the aim of improving the outcomes of thyroid cancer patients. Notably, a successful PHD project sponsored by the charity has been published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal), available to read here. The charity has also published four patient information films, viewable online. This includes a generic film, Thyroid Cancer Uncovered; Living with Papillary Thyroid Cancer; My Thyroid and Me, primarily aimed at the younger patient; and Christine’s Story, which focuses on those patients diagnosed with advanced thyroid cancer. Kate’s profound work ethic is undeniable – but the charity also wouldn’t be what it is today without its exceptional team. Kate says, “The charity would not be as successful if it weren’t for the incredible network of people who have helped and assisted in its work over the years. There are far too many to name, but it would be quite remiss if Ujjal, Frank, Ian, Jon, Richard, Kate, Petros, Helen, Rachel, Dawn, James, Christine, and Euan, to specifically name but a few, weren’t mentioned. And also to our incredible fundraisers, without whom the charity could not exist and continue to provide support, information, and encouragement to people affected by thyroid cancer.” Looking towards the future, Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust will continue to support patients for as long as possible, while aiming to provide them with the most up-to-date information. To this end, due to changes in treatment protocols and guidelines, the charity will be producing a new generic film to supersede the existing film, Thyroid Cancer Uncovered. Prior to release, there will be a closed viewing with an invited audience. To learn more about Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust or to find out how to access support, please visit the charity website. Company name: Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust Contact name: Kate Farnell Email: [email protected] Website: www.butterfly.org.uk
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