Our History
On her daughter’s 2nd birthday in March 2005, Joanne Smith, then aged 34, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her son was just 7 years old. As she faced treatment and recovery, Joanne witnessed first-hand how a cancer diagnosis impacts not only the individual but their entire family, friends, and wider circle. While hospital care was excellent, she was struck by the absence of ongoing practical or emotional support for patients and their loved ones once they left the hospital.
Driven by a Powerful Goal
Following her long but successful treatment, Joanne was driven by a simple but powerful goal – to ensure that no one affected by cancer in the North East would ever feel alone. In 2008, she founded FACT from her spare bedroom, starting small but with a vision to provide free, accessible support to anyone affected by cancer, without the need for referral.
Growth
FACT quickly outgrew its home in Joanne’s spare room and moved into its first premises, a small room on Team Valley. As growth continued, FACT relocated multiple times to fulfil the demand for their services. Firstly, into their own, larger unit on the Team Valley. Then, to The Denise Robertson House in Swalwell. And later into premises at Pride Media Centre in Pelaw.
A New Chapter
In 2022, Joanne’s personal experience of cancer expanded when her husband was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, giving Joanne insight into what it’s like to have a close family member with the illness. Despite the challenges of supporting her husband and their family throughout his treatment, during this time Joanne led FACT into a new chapter. She successfully delivered a capital appeal to purchase and refurbish an old pub in Wrekenton, Gateshead. Work began in 2023 and in February 2024 FACT moved into its very own cancer support, awareness, and education centre, or as it is more fondly known, “FACT’s Family Home”. Services are still delivered across the whole of the North East with the centre providing a warm, welcoming community base.
Supporting Thousands
Joanne brings over 30 years of experience in business, administration, and management across private, public, and charity sectors. She also holds a Master’s Degree from Durham University. Under her leadership, FACT has grown into a trusted, region-wide charity, supporting thousands of beneficiaries every year. In recognition of her tireless work, Joanne was awarded an MBE in 2025 for services to cancer support in the North East.
From day one, FACT has stayed true to its founding aims:
Our Aims
- To support anyone affected by cancer - patients, families, friends, and carers.
- To offer free, accessible support without the need for referral.
- To raise awareness and provide information and education about cancer and cancer related issues.
- To create a safe environment for people to share their views and experiences.
- To maintain the highest standards of care - as Joanne says, “If it wouldn’t be good enough for me or my family and friends, then it’s not good enough for our service users.”
FACT’s journey continues - driven by lived experience and powered by community ,and as Joanne always credits and emphasises, delivered by a remarkable team made up of a small staff team, volunteers and community supporters. Collectively, along with beneficiaries known as The FACT Family.
Get Involved and
make a difference
There are numerous ways to get involved with FACT. If you would like to get involved please call us on 0191 442 0833, or click the button below to learn more about different ways to get involved and sign up to make a big difference.
