A New Chapter for NIPANC as New Lisburn Office Officially Opens

We were delighted to officially open our new office in Lisburn — an important milestone for NIPANC and a permanent base from which we can strengthen our presence and expand our reach across Northern Ireland.

The opening brought together supporters, political representatives, health professionals, researchers, partner organisations and members of the wider cancer community to celebrate how far we have come and look ahead to the next stage in NIPANC’s development.

Among those attending were Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Junior Minister Aisling Reilly, Health Minister Robbie Butler, former Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA, Department of Health Permanent Secretary Mike Farrar, Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim David McCorkell KStJ, Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh Brian Higginson and Lady Mary Peters.

They were joined by representatives from across healthcare, cancer support, research and education, alongside our trustees, staff, supporters and friends.

A poignant official opening

We were particularly honoured that our new office was officially opened by Margaret Magennis, wife of the late Brian Magennis, a former NIPANC Board member who sadly died from pancreatic cancer in January 2025.

Margaret was joined by her sons Daniel and Ben for an occasion that held particular significance for everyone connected with NIPANC.

Brian made an important contribution to NIPANC, and it was both fitting and poignant that his family should play such a central part in marking the beginning of our next chapter.

Building on more than a decade of progress

Since our beginnings in April 2014, NIPANC has grown from a small group determined to make a difference into a Northern Ireland charity with an increasingly important role in pancreatic cancer awareness, patient and family support and research.

Our three core objectives — awareness, support and research — remain at the heart of everything we do.

Pancreatic cancer continues to present enormous challenges. Symptoms can be difficult to recognise, and diagnosis can come late, making greater public awareness vital. For those who receive a diagnosis, and for the families around them, access to specialist information, practical help and emotional support can make an enormous difference.

At the same time, research is essential if outcomes for pancreatic cancer are to improve in the future.

We bring these strands together by helping more people recognise the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, ensuring patients and their families have somewhere to turn for support, and championing and supporting research that can contribute to earlier diagnosis, better treatment and improved outcomes.

Our new Lisburn office gives us a permanent home from which to develop and coordinate these activities, build partnerships and reach more people across Northern Ireland.

Leadership for our next chapter

The opening comes at an important time for NIPANC following the appointment of Susan McLaughlin as our Executive Director.
Susan’s appointment strengthens our leadership as we develop our services, build our capacity and look at how we can make an even greater impact for people affected by pancreatic cancer.

Working alongside our Board of Trustees and growing team, Susan will have a key role in translating our ambitions into action — developing partnerships, strengthening support and awareness activity, helping NIPANC grow sustainably and ensuring the needs of patients and families remain at the heart of what we do.

Our Chairperson Ivan McMinn MBE reflected on how far NIPANC has come since April 2014 and the collective effort of the many people who have helped us reach this point.

For Ivan, the opening represented much more than simply moving into new premises. Our new home, together with Susan’s appointment, puts us in a stronger position to build on that progress and take NIPANC to the next level.

Working together to improve outcomes

The breadth of organisations represented at the opening reflected the importance we place on partnership in addressing pancreatic cancer.

Guests included representatives from the Department of Health, Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, Action Cancer and Cancer Fund for Children, alongside healthcare professionals, researchers and representatives from across the wider cancer community.

Our President Tom Diamond and trustees including Professor Mark Taylor, Lisa Strutt, Cathy Booth, Gary Carson, Scott McCabe and Professor Gary Mitchell were also among those marking the occasion.

Researchers Lana Cook, Tara Anderson, Caitlyn McShane and Olivia Watson were among those from Queen’s University Belfast attending, while representatives from Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and other organisations involved in cancer support were also present.

Their presence underlined something central to our approach: meaningful progress in pancreatic cancer cannot be achieved by one organisation alone.

By bringing together patients and families, charities, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers and supporters, we want to help ensure pancreatic cancer receives the awareness, attention and investment it urgently needs.
 

In our video from the opening, NIPANC Chairperson Ivan McMinn MBE talks about the significance of having a permanent home and reflects on the appointment of Susan McLaughlin as Executive Director.

Susan discusses her new role, her priorities and her ambitions for NIPANC as we build on the progress already made.

Looking to the Future

The opening of our Lisburn office is an important moment, but it is also a beginning.

With a permanent home, strengthened leadership and a growing team, we are well placed to extend our reach and continue delivering on the three objectives that have always driven NIPANC: raising awareness, supporting patients and families, and driving vital pancreatic cancer research.