46‑year‑old Jack Cronin is a husband to Claire, and a devoted dad to 13‑year‑old Connie and six‑year‑old twins, Arlo and Elba. He also has advanced cancer.

A mechanical engineer by trade, Jack is used to solving complex problems and following plans – he’s the kind of person who likes to “potter and tinker,” fix things and keep life running smoothly.

But when he was diagnosed seven years ago, he found himself facing a challenge no manual could solve.

To stay alive, Jack has had to overcome five major surgeries, 30 cycles of chemotherapy, specialised radiotherapy and “crippling pain”, to watch his children grow and be present for the moments that matter most, including a recent “trip of a lifetime” to Lapland.

Thanks to supporters like you, Jack’s not facing these challenges alone.

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“Mountbatten’s support has meant the difference between life or death,” shares Jack from his home in Niton. “Some of the chemotherapy was so brutal,” recalls Claire, “Jack probably wouldn’t have continued treatment without Mountbatten getting him through it.”

Mountbatten’s psychology and outpatient services complement Jack’s NHS care to help him navigate the “complicated knot” of living with cancer and the effects of treatment. Our Consultant Nurse, Jackie Whiller, manages Jack’s debilitating pain, whilst Director of Supportive Care Services, psychologist Dr Jane Hazeldine, supports Jack to cope.

“I felt so traumatised by the effects of chemotherapy, I would be sick before the needle even touched my skin. It was like PTSD,” Jack remembers. “Jennifer, my amazing Clinical Nurse Specialist at St Mary’s Hospital, referred me to Jane, who helped me find ways to get through it. She got me back onto the chemo ward. Without her, I don’t think I’d still be here.”

On the next page, read how Mountbatten Isle of Wight's Dr Jane supports Jack to cope with the effects of treatment.

Click here to turn the page and read more >

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