Originally founded as an online support group for people living with laryngectomy, Life After Lary has recently become a registered charity. Co-founder Jono Organ, who is also an advocate for Radiotherapy UK, tells us more.
Life After Lary: Our Story
“Life After Lary began in July 2023 as a small, patient-led space built entirely from lived experience. It started with myself and Ian Phillipson, who have both been through a laryngectomy and understand the shock, the silence, and the long road of rebuilding life after cancer and the loss of a voice box.
“What began as two voices quickly grew into a community grounded in honesty, dignity, and the belief that no one should face this journey alone. From those early conversations, Life After Lary became a support group offering care packages, essential items, monthly Zoom meetings, newsletters, and in‑person gatherings across the UK. The growth was beyond anything we imagined.
“In January 2026, we took the next step and became a registered charity so we could reach further and support more people than ever before.”
Our Purpose
As a charity, we exist to:
- provide practical, accessible support for anyone living with a laryngectomy
- offer clear, patient‑led information shaped by real experience
- create a safe, stigma‑free community where people can connect, learn, and be heard
- raise awareness of life after laryngectomy so the wider world understands what we face
- champion dignity, visibility, and inclusion for people who speak, or don’t speak, in different ways
- work with families, carers, and professionals to improve understanding and support
At our core, we’re here to make sure people feel less alone, more informed, and more confident as they rebuild their lives. Becoming a registered charity gives us the structure and recognition to expand that work and continue shaping a community built on compassion, resilience, and lived truth.