Peter’s Passion: A Golf Tournament that Tees Up Charity Support
In the world of charitable endeavours, the spirit of giving often takes shape in diverse and creative forms. One such example of this philanthropic spirit is Peter Papanastasiou, an individual whose dedication to making a difference has taken the form of a remarkable golf tournament.
A Golfer with a Heart of Gold
Peter, a lifelong golf enthusiast, found himself searching for a meaningful way to combine his passion for the sport with his desire to pay tribute to his son Nicholas John Papanastasiou and friend Pamela Jean McQuire, whilst raising much needed funds for both MNDA Charity and Oracle Cancer Trust.
Driving Change, One Swing at a Time
The tournament is unquestionably a testament to Peter’s determination and spirit. When asked what motivated him to keep organising, he said: “I put on this event for two main reasons: Firstly, in memory of my son who had a motorbike accident in Vietnam and secondly because I had Thyroid cancer, which spread to the lymph. Therefore, I want to help as many future patients as possible, which is why I raise money for Oracle Cancer Trust.”
So, with the support of friends, family, and local businesses, he transformed his vision into a reality. Golfers from all walks of life converged on the lush greens of Farleigh Golf Course in May 2023, and their swings held the promise of change, by raising a staggering £1,650 for Oracle Cancer Trust.
Inspiring Others to Tee Up for Good
Undeniably, Peter’s story is more than just one individual’s journey; it’s an inspiration for others to follow suit. Furthermore, his golf tournament has become an annual tradition, drawing more participants and supporters each year. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that anyone can make a difference, regardless of their passion or expertise.
A Heartfelt Thank You
In September Peter officially handed over a cheque for Oracle Cancer Trust to his surgeon Mr Wong at the Royal Marsden Sutton. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to him and all those who took part. Your efforts certainly remind us that compassion, commitment, and community are the driving forces behind making meaningful change for the Head and Neck cancer community.
Get Involved
If you’re inspired by Peter’s story and want to do something similar, then reach out to fundraising@oraclehnc.org.uk for support. Together, we can tee up for a brighter future and continue to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Head and Neck cancer.
Peter is already busy planning his next Golf Day. So if you are interested in participating, please contact him via email ppapps55@hotmail.com or phone +447812340909
F

2 Minutes to Save Your Life: Oracle Launches HeadNeckCheck Campaign for Make Sense Week
This Make Sense Week (15-20 September), the European-wide head and neck cancer awareness initiative, Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK, is championing both prevention and early detection – recognising that stopping cancer before it starts is just as vital as catching it early. Two Ways to Fight Cancer This Week Prevention Today: Head and neck…

Leadership update
After four successful years as CEO, Tamara Kahn has transformed Oracle into a respected national voice for head and neck cancer patients. She established a national presence, created a four-pillar RACE strategy (Research, Awareness, Collaboration and Patient/Community Engagement) and built strong policy influence. With these foundations now firmly in place, Tamara will transition from her…

Finding Light in Adversity: Seven inspiring stories through head and neck cancer
A new collection of patient stories from Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK reveals how individuals facing head and neck cancer have discovered unexpected sources of strength, purpose and even joy during their treatment and recovery. The seven contributors share remarkably similar themes despite their unique journeys. Almost all emphasise the power of maintaining a…

NHS to fast-track patients with head and neck cancer into cancer vaccine trial
Patients with advanced head and neck cancers in England will be fast-tracked into a trial of a new cancer vaccine, as the NHS expands its world-leading trial ‘match-making’ service. The investigational cancer vaccine uses mRNA technology to help the immune system recognise and kill cancer cells containing human papillomavirus proteins. More than 100 patients with advanced head…

World Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Day 2025: The HPV Vaccine Could Save Your Life
27th July 2025 This World Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Day, Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK has a simple but urgent message: HPV vaccination saves lives. With HPV-related head and neck cancers having doubled in the past 20 years, the charity is using today to remind the public that these devastating cancers are preventable…

Data from the National Disease Registration Service on HPV associated and HPV independent oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
The Get Data Out Programme from the National Disease Registration Service (NDRS), part of NHS England, has published statistics on incidence, routes to diagnosis and treatment for patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer in England by human papillomavirus (HPV) status. To our knowledge this is the first time data on oropharyngeal cancer by HPV status has…

Join Us for an Evening of Research, Impact, and Conversation
Research & Impact EveningDate: Monday 28th April 2025Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PMVenue: Skyline, Tower Suites, 100 Minories, London EC3N 1JY A Celebration of Research Join us for a meaningful and action-focused evening where we’ll be diving into some of the big conversations around head and neck cancer – especially those linked to HPV (human…

What the Rare Cancers Bill Means for Head & Neck Cancer
14 March marked a crucial moment for research into rare cancers, as the Rare Cancers Bill took another significant step toward becoming law! Dr. Scott Arthur, a Labour MP, introduced this legislation in Parliament to drive much-needed research into cancers affecting fewer than 1 in 2000 people in the UK – including many types of…

Theatre Meets Healthcare: Breaking Barriers in Cancer Conversations
In Leicester, theatre is transforming how Black communities talk about cancer. Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK, alongside Theatre Sans Frontières, is using interactive Forum Theatre to tackle stigma, improve healthcare conversations, and break down cultural barriers. Actors bring real-life cancer diagnosis experiences to the stage – but the audience isn’t just watching. They step in, suggest changes, and…

Jamie Theakston Announces He is Cancer-Free After Laryngeal Cancer Treatment
Heart Breakfast’s much-loved presenter, Jamie Theakston, has shared the incredible news that he is now cancer free! After completing treatment for stage one laryngeal cancer – cancer of the voice box (larynx), Jamie made his highly anticipated return to the airwaves today, reuniting with listeners and co-hosts alike. Diagnosed in September 2024, Jamie initially thought…