Charlie Charlie One was founded by Stuart Roberts (late RCT/RLC) after his own diagnosis with prostate cancer in 2019 for which he underwent surgery.  He received radiotherapy in 2020 and again in 2023 to address further spread.  While established as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) in August 2021, we seek to support individuals throughout the United Kingdom.

Cancer is indiscriminate and does not differentiate; age, gender, ethnicity, background, and status are irrelevant.  But those seeking our support, regardless of their rank, are united by military service, common values, and, of course, their cancer diagnosis.  In all other respects, everyone is unique, with different circumstances, fears, concerns, and needs.  We will honour the unique nature of those who seek our support and treat them with: Care, Compassion, Confidentiality, Dignity, and Respect.

Our Offering

A cancer diagnosis can be frightening and can often derail the individual – and their loved ones – physically, emotionally, and socially.   While the support of family, friends, and colleagues is vital, individuals may be unwilling or feel unable to share their fears and emotions leading to a feeling of isolation.   Charlie Charlie One exists for serving and ex-serving members of the UK Armed Forces and Reserves, their dependents, and carers affected by cancer.  It is run by volunteers with direct experience of the Armed Forces and of cancer and seeks to provide confidential support, information, and advice on a non-profit basis by offering:

• Peer Support. Peer support can be provided through a network of volunteers.  Between them they cover a wide range of cancers, stages, and treatment pathways.  Peer support does not seek to replace formal medical or clinical advice but enables those recently diagnosed or undergoing treatment to speak to someone who can personally relate to their military experience (often an ‘ice breaker’), the diagnosis they have received, and the treatment and journey they are facing.    
• Partnering/Referral. In addition to providing direct access to peer support, we can signpost individuals to other organisations – national, regional, and local – that are able to provide specialist advice and support.  Partnering will also be key to extending our own network and, in so doing, our reach and effectiveness.   
• Provision of Information, Education and Non-Clinical Advice. The charity will seek to engage with public healthcare and other appropriate agencies to facilitate access to information relevant to managing their condition.

Consideration will also be given to families for whom the diagnosis and treatment of their loved one is equally daunting and unsettling.  They also need support, advice, and encouragement. 

How to Contact Us

If you would like to speak to us about support or would like to volunteer, you can find us at https://www.charliecharlie.one