Our Founder
In 2017, Jen was told she had metastatic breast cancer. It was a diagnosis that turned her world inside out. Whilst facing uncertainty and disruption she quickly focused on doing what she could, engaging with her amazing clinical team and finding a path through. It did not take long for Jen to find the silver lining and focus on what she could do for others.
Jen became an advocate, an active supporter for Breast Cancer Now campaigning to ensure access to innovative treatments were made available via the Scottish Medicines Consortium. She was part of the community that supported access to better treatments for HER-2 positive breast cancer achieving access to a new drug in January 2019 which had been turned down on three previous occasions.
As a highly skilled co-ordinator who had spent her career in the university sector, Jen struggled to navigate cancer support. In the months and years following her diagnosis she connected and built her community of support.
Jen used her entrepreneurial skills, inspiring and enaging experts to create the innovative digital directory, recognising the unmet need to provide comprehensive information and support to people affected by cancer, the foundation on which Cancer Card was built.
In 2021, Cancer Card was launched. By 2022, we started making an impact on easing access to information for those diagnosed. Jen also built on Scotland's baby box model to create a Cancer Card Comfort Box, which includes practical and comforting items for people facing treatment. These are products she found very useful during treatment.
In 2023, Jen was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of her work campaigning and establish the charity. In December 2025 Jen was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Heriot-Watt University. Accepting the honorary title, Doctor of Letters, at a ceremony in the University’s James Watt Building, Jen Hardy, said: “What an honour it is to receive this recognition from Heriot-Watt. This university has been part of my family for three generations and the skills I developed during my time here became the foundation for everything that followed."
Cancer Card: Your Compassionate Companion on the Cancer Journey
Founded in 2021 by Jen Hardy, a stage 4 cancer patient herself, Cancer Card was born out of Jen's deep understanding of the challenges faced by those navigating the complex world of cancer care. Her personal journey has shaped our commitment to being your companion every step of the way, connecting you to the support you need, when you need it most.
We achieve this through our comprehensive Cancer Support Directory, a one-stop resource that brings together over 350 national and local cancer support services. From well-known charities to smaller community initiatives, we've curated a diverse range of support options to cater to your unique needs.
1. Personalised Support: We understand that every cancer journey is unique. Our team takes the time to listen and provide tailored recommendations, ensuring you find the most relevant support for your specific situation.
2. Inclusive Approach: We're committed to breaking down barriers to access. Whether you're comfortable with digital technology or prefer person-to-person interaction, we have options for you. Our support is available online, via phone, and in person.
3. Digital Empowerment: For those facing digital challenges, our Digital Helpline offers free support in using computers, smartphones and the internet. We can even provide devices to those who need them.
4. Local Focus: While we connect you with national resources, we also emphasise local, community-based support, ensuring help is available no matter where you are.
5. NHS Approved: As an NHS-approved organisation featured on NHS Inform, Scotland's national health information service, we provide trusted, reliable information and guidance.
6. Strategic Partnerships: We have partnered with Social Security Scotland and their Local Delivery Service to help our users access vital financial support in applying for disability benefits to ensure that those affected by cancer can access the financial assistance they're entitled to.
7. Free Access: Our directory is completely free to use and free for all charities and non-profit organisations to list their services, ensuring even the smallest initiatives are accessible to those who need them.
At Cancer Card, we believe that the right support can make all the difference. Whether you need practical assistance, emotional support, or just a friendly voice to guide you, we're here to help. Our goal is to empower you with the information and connections you need to navigate your cancer journey with confidence and support.
Let Cancer Card be your companion, your guide, and your source of support. Together, we can ensure that no one faces cancer alone.
Our Partnership with Social Security Scotland
At Cancer Card, we understand that navigating the disability benefits system while coping with cancer can be overwhelming. That's why we've partnered with Social Security Scotland and their Local Delivery Service to provide crucial support with disability benefits applications.
Every year, 34,500 people in Scotland are diagnosed with cancer, and many are entitled to Adult Disability Payment or Child Disability Payment. These payments help cover extra costs associated with disability or long-term health conditions, such as transport or care equipment.
Key points about these benefits:
- Available to people in work; eligibility is not based on employment or income
- People with terminal illnesses automatically receive the highest rates they're entitled to, with no award reviews
Through our partnership, you can access:
- Free, one-on-one support with benefit applications
- Flexible meeting options - at home, in hospital, or over the phone
- Private and confidential appointments
As our founder Jen Hardy says, "Cancer is hard enough without the added stress of dealing with complicated paperwork and applications. This partnership ensures you have caring experts in your corner, working to get you the support you need so you can focus on your health and wellbeing."
For more information, visit our Social Security Directory Listing or contact us directly.