I joined CCC back in 2018 part time in the scanning bureau, as the Trust moved from physical to digital patient notes. It was only a temporary position but I really enjoyed working at Clatterbridge, so when a position came up to join administrative services as a medical records clerk, I jumped to apply for it, and got the job!
After a few years in this role, I felt like I needed a new challenge, and always liked the idea of working in a patient facing role. I like to think I’m good with people and finding common ground with others.
I worked in the same area of CCC-Wirral as the Radiotherapy Department, so I saw the radiographers and radiotherapy support workers daily and they always seemed welcoming and lovely to our patients, and I could really see myself working there.
I could see my goal, but I wasn’t quite sure how to get there, as I’d only ever worked in an office/admin style environment.
Earlier this year, I decided to approach some of the radiotherapy support workers to ask if I could shadow them for three months in my own time, coming in early or staying late, around my current admin role. I didn't mind the extra hours - this just reinforced a career in this field was for me. I just really wanted to learn everything I could and better myself.
When a position as a radiotherapy support worker came up, I took the leap and was successful! I’ve now been working in this role since June 2025 and love every minute of it. It’s a steep learning curve, but 100% worth it for how rewarding the role is.
I do Motocross and got chatting to a patient the other day who was really into motocross bikes. On his way out, his wife came over to say how much she appreciated me chatting to him like normal because he was really nervous about his treatment and I’d helped take his mind off everything. It’s moments like that, where you feel like you’ve helped someone, even in the smallest way, that make me so grateful I now work in this role.
Getting to see patients ring the bell, and even being asked to record it for them to send to their friends and family, is also incredibly rewarding.
Looking to the future, I’d love to continue to progress in the field of radiotherapy, and I feel like it’s possible as I’m surrounded by such encouraging and supportive colleagues.
To anyone who wants to follow a different career path but thinks they’re stuck, or apprehensive about taking the leap, just have faith In yourself. This time last year I never thought I’d be wearing scrubs and learning how to take bloods. But I knew I could do the job justice and help patients, and that was my drive. Just go for it!
