Who Cares for the Carer? Cancer Support Guide Expands Nationwide as Millions of UK Carers Go Without Help
This carers week, 15 Things – the practical guide and support platform for people caring for loved ones with cancer has announced that copies will now be distributed across Maggie’s Centres nationwide. The support platform is also hoping for 30,000 downloads of the guide by the end of the month.
15 Things founder Paul Evans, who cared for his wife Melanie following her terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2023, created the guide for the estimated 1.1 million cancer carers in the UK with the question ‘who is caring for the carer’ in mind.
With research from Macmillan Cancer Support showing that 43% of cancer carers receive no advice or signposting after their loved one is diagnosed, Paul began documenting the lessons he wished someone had shared after her death in February 2025.
Broadcaster and writer Janet Ellis MBE said: “How I wish I’d had 15 Things alongside me after my husband’s diagnosis and throughout his cancer treatment. Wise, kind and positive, this leaflet is all your best friends rolled into one. There’s no topic left uncovered, no fear unexplained and no instructions so general you feel they simply don’t apply. A brutal experience of his own has made Paul the ideal voice in your ear and hand holding yours.”
Unlike traditional information leaflets, 15 Things is designed not simply as a resource, but as the foundation of a wider community for carers – combining practical advice, lived experience and access to an online platform where people can find guidance, connection and support when they need it most.
Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive of Maggie’s, said:
“15 Things has been written by someone who shares their lived experience in a way that is incredibly relatable. The tips feel very similar to the conversations people have in our centres, and I know they will be of great value to those caring for someone they love. We are delighted to include it as a resource across our UK centres.”
The ambition is for 15 Things to become part of the cancer care journey itself, with NHS oncology teams eventually able to share the resource alongside treatment advice – ensuring carers are supported from the moment of diagnosis, not left to navigate the experience alone.
Paul Evans said: “When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, your life changes overnight. Yet so much focus rightly goes to the patient that carers often feel invisible. We found people turning to anonymous forums because there wasn’t a clear place to ask difficult questions honestly. 15 Things exist so carers know they are not alone – and that practical help, understanding and community are there when they need it most.”
Access and support
15 Things is available free through Maggie’s centres nationwide, with plans to expand distribution through NHS oncology teams and cancer support organisations. Carers can also access guidance and connect through the growing 15 Things online platform and community.
