LOTTERY FUNDING FOR CANCER CAFE PODCASTS
Cornwall Cancer Cafe Podcast, a new CIC enterprise, was awarded nearly £20K from The National Lottery Community Fund to support people living with cancer through weekly support audio podcasts.
The new service is being launched by Matthi Clarke after experiencing his own tough cancer journey.
The 56-year-old Camborne-based broadcaster and radio journalist is using the medium of podcasting to give those with a diagnosis, as well as those supporting patients – a ‘virtual hug’.
Matthi Clarke, said: “I decided to launch the project after experiencing a tough cancer journey myself. I was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Spring 2022 and later relapsed that year after a course of chemotherapy.”
“That was then followed in 2023 with more chemo and a stem-cell transplant, and I relapsed from that too and was put on a brand-new treatment called Glofitimab at Christmas 2023 and have been in remission since completing my third line of treatment in August 2024 – but suffered pneumonia and a collapse of my immune system in 2025.”
“It has been a long haul in recovery from blood cancer which has affected every part of my life. I learned lots about myself and those around me. Now, I want to give back as I rebuild my life.”
Matthi was treated at the Royal Cornwall Hospital and Derriford Hospital and received invaluable help through Macmillan Cancer Support at the Cove in Truro.
“Cornwall is blessed with amazing people working in cancer services, and it has been a privilege to be in the care of so many wonderful people in the NHS and associated services.”
The podcasts will draw from his experience and radio training to produce easy-listening podcasts which can be there for patients, families, and friends whenever they need it. None of the team are trained-but all have a level of life experience.
“We will be interviewing many people over the coming year who have had their own experiences as well as those who offer support. We will always remember that every person is different, as is every cancer experience.”
Matthi will be joined by co-presenter Emma Coombe and also contributions from Mark Guymer (CEO of Cancer Support UK).
The podcasts can be found on www.cancercafepodcast.org and on Spotify and Apple.