About

Our story

Life After Lary was created by people who live with a laryngectomy, for people who live with a laryngectomy. Founded in July 2023 by Jon Organ and Ian Phillipson originally as an online support group dedicated to helping people affected by laryngeal cancer and total laryngectomy. We have a valued network of supporters from volunteers, patients and their loved ones, to leading doctors, medical professionals, and other charities who have helped us to help you.

Our starting point is always lived experience. We know that clinical care, while vital, is only one part of the picture. Life afterwards can feel isolating, frightening, and overwhelming, particularly once regular hospital contact reduces. Our work exists to bridge that gap. Starting out as a support group through social media, the group grew in size and became an officially registered Charity in 2026. 

 

The Life After Lary Logo which includes the first letter of each word in blue.

Our Mission

Life after laryngectomy is a journey of profound change, physically, emotionally, and socially.

Our mission is simple: to make sure no one walks that journey alone. We walk beside every person with compassion, community, and practical support, so that isolation turns into belonging and fear into strength.

At the heart of everything we do is an unshakable belief: no Lary should ever be alone.

Through HEAL, we bring our mission to life:

H – Hope & Healing

Reminding every survivor that their life, though changed, can still be full of meaning, creativity, and purpose.

E – Empowerment

Giving people the confidence, tools, and encouragement to take control of their recovery, their voice, and their future.

A –Awareness

Sharing clear information about recovery, speech options, managing complications, and mental health, while raising public awareness to break down stigma and misunderstanding.

L – Life after Laryngectomy

Building a safe, supportive community where experiences are shared, strength is found, and every person is celebrated for who they are, not what they have lost.

We believe scars are not signs of weakness, but of resilience.

We believe that communication is more than a voice — it is presence, expression, and connection.

And we believe that with the right support, every person can discover strength in their new normal and live fully, with courage and hope.

This is more than a charity. It is a lifeline, a family, and a movement.

Together, we HEAL.

Life after Laryngectomy is here so no one walks this journey alone. Our mission, captured in HEAL, brings Hope, Empowerment, Awareness, and Life after Laryngectomy together to transform isolation into belonging and struggle into strength.

We believe every scar tells a story of resilience, and that life after surgery can still be full of meaning, creativity, and hope. Together, we HEAL.

“Too many people feel isolated after surgery, unsure where to find practical advice or a community that truly understands what life looks like now, our aim is to change that.”

Jon Organ

Meet our team

A picture of a man wearing a grey LAL branded cap, smiling at the camera. He has a light colour stubble beard

Jon Organ

Founder

A picture of a man wearing a grey LAL branded cap. Looking at the camera, he has above should length dark grey hair and a gotee beard and moustache.

Ian Phillipson

Co-founder

A man smiling at the camera, he has a short beard and short dark hair.

Carl Rowell

Social Media Admin & Trustee