Patients have a lot to contend with when they find out that they need a laryngectomy. There is the emotional trauma of the cancer diagnosis and then the concerns about losing your voice afterwards.

Patients may be debilitated from poor oral intake and the risk factors for laryngeal cancer of smoking and alcohol excess can complicate the pre-op preparation.

Patients should be given every opportunity to explore voice restoration as surgical options. Meeting other laryngectomees and finding out about support networks is also really helpful.

Fig 1 and Fig 2 are short videos in which Malcolm and John discuss their stories and journeys through laryngectomy surgery. There is more information available on the Tracheostomy website under 'Coping with a laryngectomy' ( http://tracheostomy.org.uk/healthcare-staff/vocalisation/coping-with-a-laryngectomy).

Malcolm is heavily involved in NALC - the National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs (Fig 3). This is a network of regional support groups for patients and their families who offer practical advice on all aspects of life with a laryngectomy, from talking, eating and sleeping through to taking a swim. You can find out more about NALC's work on their website under 'What we do' (https://www.laryngectomy.org.uk).