Real Stories, Real Impact
How Patients Help Future Patients: The Maxwell Family Fund supporting Velindre’s Immunotherapy Toxicity Service
It is always something special when patients choose to give back to Velindre Cancer Service, whether their support is large or small. In this case, it is difficult to put into words just how significant an impact one individual – Craig Maxwell – has made on the care of current and future patients at the Hospital of Hope.
Craig Maxwell, a current patient of Velindre and an ambassador of Velindre Cancer Charity, is living with an inoperable, incurable stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Throughout his journey, Craig has remained determined to raise vital funds for the cancer service. Together with his family, he established the Maxwell Family Genomics Fund, administered by Velindre Cancer Charity.
Craig and his family’s aim, is to continue funding new research and developments in cancer care, while supporting the cancer service at Velindre. This commitment has recently translated into support for Velindre’s Immunotherapy Toxicity Service, through the funding of an Immunotherapy Toxicity Junior Clinical Fellow, Dr Thomas Clarke.
Velindre’s Immunotherapy Toxicity Service is a responsive, Velindre-based service that supports immunotherapy patients across southeast Wales. The service focuses on the early detection of immune-related adverse events – often referred to as ‘toxicities’ – and the prompt management and resolution of treatment side effects. It supports patients both in primary care and those admitted to local health boards, with the aim of treating patients quickly and effectively to prevent avoidable hospital admissions.
Dr Thomas Clarke, Immunotherapy Toxicity Fellow, has been in post since September 2025, following the completion of his foundation training. Working within the Immunotherapy Toxicity Service, Tom’s role helps ensure that immunotherapy patients can be managed predominantly at Velindre Cancer Service. This includes offering same-day reviews and reducing pressure on local hospitals.
Dr Thomas Clarke explains: “I think the role ultimately allows us to identify the side effects of immunotherapy more quickly, treat patients more effectively, and help them get back on treatment sooner. That’s the idea behind the role — to identify people quicker, see them sooner, and get them back on treatment.”
The role also involves contributing to immunotherapy research. “We’re really getting stuck in with harvesting the data we have as a service and, hoping to take that to ESMO conference in Madrid this sunmer, and the ESMO IO conference in the winter”
”I think there’s so much opportunity for using the data we have as a service, to use that for ongoing research and contribute to the immunotherapy toxicity community as a whole and improve outcomes for patients longer term as well.”
The impact on patients and families
One patient who has recently benefited directly from Tom’s role and the Immunotherapy Toxicity Service is Philip McDonough.
Philip describes his patient perspective: “I was first diagnosed at the Nevill Hall site in Abergavenny with stage 4 metastatic melanoma. I wasn’t expecting it at all – it caught me right out.
After my first round of immunotherapy, I was admitted to Velindre with an adrenal crisis. Tom put me on steroids and antibiotics and monitored me meticulously.
I went for a scan, and Tom came to see me – even though he’d finished work. He came back, which was above and beyond. Tom said to me, ‘Phil, I’ve got some news about your scan.’ He was beaming. ‘From the measurements, it’s shrunk by 78%.’ I said, ‘Are you sure that’s me?’”
Philip continues to express immense gratitude for the care he received from Tom during his immunotherapy treatment. He describes Tom as “dedicated,” adding:
“His heart, soul and mind are all focused on the patient. I could shower him with praise, but two words to describe Tom and his work are simply: He’s Tom. And Tom is a wonderful man. However long forever is, that’s how long I will be in Tom’s debt — as well as everybody at Velindre. None of us know how long forever is, but that’s how long I’m going to be grateful for.”
Ricky Frazer, Oncology Consultant and Clinical Lead for the Immunotherapy Toxicity Service at Velindre Cancer Centre, expressed his appreciation to Craig Maxwell’s fund:
“A massive thank you to the Craig Maxwell Family Genomics Fund for supporting the immunotherapy toxicity service, and for providing the funding for a junior clinical fellow role at Velindre.”
Ricky explains the positive impact of having Tom in post:
“Having Tom on board has meant that we’re able to work more ambulatory – by that, I mean reviewing more patients who don’t need to stay in hospital. We can often manage their care through our ambulatory corridor, keeping them out of hospital and bringing them back for the treatment they need. For patients, that’s a massive step forward.”
He also highlights the rapid growth of immunotherapy, and the need for the toxicity service as a crucial resource:
“More than 50% of patients who receive systemic cancer treatment through a drip or subcutaneous injection are now receiving some form of immunotherapy. We’re using it across early- to late-stage cancers, and its real advantage is the potential to provide durable, long-term outcomes for a proportion of patients.
However, we know that some patients will develop severe and potentially permanent side effects. This funding has allowed us to develop the service locally at Velindre — within our assessment and ambulatory units — and, importantly, to extend our support across south east Wales. We’ve also been able to support colleagues across Wales by improving access to medications used to manage these side effects on an all-Wales basis.”
Ricky concludes by extending his thanks once more to the Maxwell Family Genomics Fund for enabling the service to grow beyond regional impact:
“With the support from Craig and his family, we’ve been able to build our infrastructure and capacity not only to support patient care, but also education through initiatives such as our ImmunoBuddies podcast. This has allowed us to have an impact nationally and internationally — and for that, it’s a massive thank you.”
Craig’s Impact
Craig and his family’s generosity and commitment to giving back has enabled Velindre to strengthen a service that is already making a measurable difference to patient outcomes across south east Wales and beyond. By funding specialist roles, improving early intervention, and supporting education and collaboration across health boards, the Maxwell Family Genomics Fund is helping Velindre deliver safer immunotherapy care for more patients. This extraordinary support demonstrates the lasting impact that patient-led fundraising can have — not just on individual lives, but on the future of cancer treatment across the entirety of Wales.
More stories
“Velindre gave us an extra two and half…
Velindre will always hold a special place in my heart…
A Community of Care and Support: Maria Appleby’s…
It’s a different kind of place; it’s a special kind…
Transforming Palliative Care with Technology: QR Code Wristbands…
A charity-funded project at Velindre is pioneering QR code wristbands…
Shaping the Future of Cancer Care: Inside the…
The Cardiff Cancer Research Hub is transforming cancer care in…
Velindre’s FAKTION trial paves the way for a…
Velindre’s FAKTION trial paves the way for a transformative new…
QuicDNA: Transforming lung cancer care with rapid diagnosis…
This partnership has brought us closer together as a business,…
Share your story
Our Story Capture service is a space for patients, relatives, staff and supporters to share their journeys with our charity. Your words have the power to uplift others who may be walking a similar path and offer hope and comfort in challenging times.
If you’d like to share your story, simply complete the form, and our creative team will be in touch soon.
Sign up to our newsletter
We need you to join us in achieving
ictory Over Cancer