As I write this final message as Chair of EGFR+ UK, my heart is filled with gratitude, pride, and a touch of nostalgia. Serving this incredible organisation for these past years has been an honour beyond words, and as I prepare to move into my new role, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have achieved together.

I had been a trustee with EGFR+ UK for 18 months when, in one year, both of our founders died. Kathy Beattie and Jenny Abbott were both EGFR+ patients with a shared commitment that ‘no one faced with EGFR+ lung cancer should feel alone’. To achieve this, they created a peer support group hosted on Facebook and established EGFR+ UK as a charity. An ambitious, award-winning advertising campaign to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis followed. In December 2021, Jenny died, Kathy having died earlier that same year. I was a reluctant Chair, but having been a trustee for 18 months, I could not, in all conscience, fail to step up and hold the charity during this sad and traumatic phase.

I was appointed Chair in January 2022. As I saw it, we had 3 clear challenges: continue the work that Jenny and Kathy had begun, create a sustainable, scalable organisation supported by a robust infrastructure, and manage the move from an individual founder-led organisation to a team leadership model.

In the early days, I used to talk about ‘keeping the train on the track’, but we have done much more than that. I am so proud of the community we have created, and the original aspiration that everyone in the UK who is diagnosed with EGFR-positive lung cancer will receive the best care possible and live their best lives for as long as possible remains core to our work.

A Journey of Growth and Impact

When I first took on the role of Chair, I was quite overwhelmed with the challenges of picking up and continuing Jenny and Kathy’s work, creating the necessary structure in the organisation, and ensuring we delivered on previously agreed commitments. I entered a new world that was outside any of my previous professional experience. I am greatly indebted to Debra Montague, Chair of ALK+ UK, another mutation-driven lung cancer, for the unwavering support and encouragement she gave me as I worked to understand the complexity of the networks, politics, opportunities, and language of this new world.

I could never have imagined the remarkable personal impact being Chair of a small health-related charity would have on me. It has filled my everyday life, and as a patient, it became my therapy. I was learning, I was helping, and I was increasingly hopeful. We have faced many challenges but also achieved extraordinary milestones. We’ve grown our reach, expanded our support programmes, and deepened our impact on the lives of those touched by EGFR+ lung cancer.

From launching new initiatives that address the changing needs of our community to securing critical funding that will ensure the sustainability of our work, it has been a privilege to witness the dedication, passion, and resilience of everyone involved in our charity. I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made together and, most of all, of the community we have created.

Angela Terry highlighting the role of biomarkers in the House of Commons.

The Power of Collaboration

None of our achievements would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our community and supporters. We are a small charity whose agenda is shared by others. Working in close collaboration with ALK+ UK and The Ruth Strauss Foundation has enabled us to punch above our weight. The teamwork and respect that exist between the three charities have been energising and inspiring. The opportunity to work together on challenging, creative projects has brought joy and laughter to many a sad tale, whether it was working through tough decisions, launching innovative programmes, or organising our next joint initiative. It is this spirit of teamwork, creativity, and optimism that has driven our success.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my fellow trustees, both past and present, and to every single person who has contributed to our cause. Your commitment to our mission has been the backbone of all that we have accomplished, and I am deeply grateful for your unwavering support and friendship.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

While this marks the end of my time as Chair, it certainly doesn’t mark the end of my involvement. I am moving to the newly created role of Non-Executive Chair, and I will remain a passionate advocate for our cause and continue to support EGFR+ UK in any way I can. I know that our members and the trustee team will continue to bring fresh energy and ideas, building on the solid foundation we’ve laid.

Having been closely involved with the charity since my diagnosis in 2019, I now find that I crave more time for my family and to take greater care of my health. A health scare earlier this year, the loss of yet another cherished friend and fellow trustee, and the wonderful news that we have a new grandchild arriving this Christmas have all led me to evaluate where I focus my energy and spend my time.

My new role will be to support the trustees as they deliver the strategic aims of the charity. My days will be less full of EGFR+ UK, and I look forward to ‘me’ time and baby cuddles.

The future is bright, and I have no doubt that we will continue to flourish and make an even greater impact in the years to come. The calibre of the existing trustee group is exceptional, and it is only because of this that I feel I can step back in this way. As I pass the baton, I do so with immense pride and optimism, knowing that the best is yet to come.

A Personal Thank You

Finally, I want to personally thank each and every one of you—our supporters, partners, donors, and beneficiaries. It has been a privilege to serve as your Chair, and I am deeply moved by the trust you have placed in me. Together we have made a real difference, and that is something I will carry with me always.

Here’s to the next chapter for all of us and for EGFR+ UK.

With gratitude and warmest wishes,

Angela Terry, Retiring Chair, EGFR+ UK