John is a cancer patient, in remission after seven years from colon cancer (Duke’s C). He was also a cancer carer for his elder son who was diagnosed with a Glioma Grade 4 in 1982. He died in 1992.

Arising from his own experience with cancer John became committed to the Sydney Cancer Centre (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital) as a trained Patient-to-Patient Carer and now heads a small colon cancer Support Group. An Executive Member of Cancer Voices NSW since 2005 and later a member of The Cancer Council NSW Members’ Assembly.

Since establishing a consumer/advocacy base with Cancer Voices NSW john is now a patient member/representative on 16 committees and working parties at all levels from hospital, through Area Health Service, NSW Cancer Institute to Cancer Australia.

John was formally elected to the Position of chair in November 2007.