Jen Hardy MBE honoured for transforming cancer support in Scotland
The founder of Cancer Card, Scotland’s pioneering cancer support charity, has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University.
Jen Hardy was celebrated for her pioneering work to transform cancer support in Scotland. Following her diagnosis with incurable stage 4 breast cancer in 2017, she channeled personal adversity and professional expertise into helping others affected by cancer, too.
“Jen Hardy exemplifies the very best of the Heriot-Watt community — resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference."
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.
"My life changed completely when I was diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2017. I adapted to that change and made it count for good by founding the Cancer Card charity.
"I accept this honour on behalf of everyone who has heard the words 'you have cancer' – those living with it, those beyond it and in memory of those we have lost.”
Working with the research and support charity, Breast Cancer Now, Jen successfully campaigned for the life-extending drug, Pertuzumab (Perjeta), to be made available on NHS Scotland. The drug was previously only available through NHS England.
In 2021, Jen founded Cancer Card, creating an umbrella organisation for cancer support charities. Featuring hundreds of services in its online directory, it has revolutionised how people access cancer support and is recognised by NHS Inform as a trusted source. Cancer Card has also launched innovative initiatives such as a Digital Inclusion Programme and a Comfort Box scheme, helping newly diagnosed cancer patients across Scotland.
Jen’s own connection with Heriot-Watt University began in October 2007. For almost 12 years she was the University’s Timetable Officer. She established herself as a significant leader in this field, working with the supplier of timetabling software and other universities to modernise timetabling opportunities. She led the roll-out of Heriot-Watt’s timetables across its campuses, including those in Dubai and Malaysia.
It was during a work trip to the Dubai Campus in 2017 that Jen received an urgent phone call from her doctor. She had been suffering from a bad throat and voice loss and before travelling to Dubai had undergone hospital tests. The news from her doctor came as a shock. Jen had been diagnosed with stage 4 incurable breast cancer, which had paralysed her vocal cord.
Personal experience prompts change
As Jen started cancer treatment and sought support, she encountered a further challenge. There was no one place that listed the hundreds of different services, support providers and information channels. It was this realisation that prompted her to start Cancer Card.
Jen underwent considerable treatment the following year. Today her condition remains stable, thanks to her ongoing treatment and care at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh. Meanwhile, she continues to work tirelessly to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.
Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, praised her achievements: “Jen Hardy exemplifies the very best of the Heriot-Watt community — resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. We are immensely proud to recognise her remarkable achievements and her enduring connection to the University with this honorary doctorate.”
In 2023, Jen was awarded an MBE for services to cancer support. Her work has been debated in the Scottish Parliament and she was recently named a Local Hero for the Parliament’s 25th anniversary.