CONNECTING WITH CANCER, by R. R. Hall, with illustrations by Robert Olley. Published by Melrose Books (www.melrosebooks.co.uk). £14.99 hardback, £10.99 softback.

A RETIRED Newcastle surgeon and cancer specialist, the author acknowledges that for anyone to be told they have cancer it is a life-changing moment. This book tells the stories of different people affected by different cancers: how their lives were changed, how they found an inner strength, and how they found hope – and a life –after cancer. All proceeds from book sales will go to Cancer Connections, a South Tyneside-based cancer support charity.