Head and neck cancer charity reveals huge impact of its work

Leading head and neck cancer charity Get A-Head has revealed the huge impact its work has had over the last 18 months.

The charity – founded in Birmingham more than 30 years ago – says it has enjoyed a significant period of impact, investment and collaboration in the fight against head and neck cancer

Its newly released 2024/25 Impact Report reveals that it:

• Raised more than £220,000 to support its work
• Distributed over £194,000 in grants to accelerate research, improve treatment pathways and enhance patient support
• Contributed £40,000 to the nationwide Head and Neck Cancer Audit, a critical project designed to improve outcomes and drive consistency in care
• Funded five research studies to improve treatment and outcomes for patients
• Awarded over £60,000 in grants for equipment and patient support

Get A-Head director Danni Heath said the charity had strengthened its role and impact by taking a collaborative approach.

“We’ve focused on strategic collaboration to drive meaningful change and I’m particularly proud of how we’ve evolved to get closer to the people we support.

“By working directly with patients, carers and grant recipients, we’re gaining invaluable insights that help us target our resources where they can have the greatest impact.

“Supporting the national head and neck cancer audit is a prime example of this approach. Without knowing what’s happening now, it’s virtually impossible to identify where improvements are most needed.

“This year’s impact is proof of what can be achieved when charities, clinicians, researchers and patient groups work together with a shared purpose. Collaboration has allowed us to extend our reach, fund more innovation and support more people than ever before.”

Partnerships forged by the charity include with the Head and Neck Cancer Coalition, Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK, Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Support Group and BAHNON.

Research grants have helped fund research into anterior skull base surgery and reconstruction, improving follow-up care for patients who have had surgery near the base of the skull and rapid genetic sequencing for anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Chair of trustees Tom Bromwich said: “Against the backdrop of increasing rates of head and neck cancer and the challenges faced by patients, our work funding research, equipment, education and patient support has never been more vital.

“The projects, research, campaigns and collaborative partnerships highlighted in this 2024/25 impact report demonstrate our commitment to making a tangible difference to people’s lives.”

To read the report visit https://getahead.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/GetAhead_Impact_Report_2025.pdf