I’ve used nearly all of Tenovus Cancer Care’s services over the years! I’m a member of my local Sing with Us choir, I’ve had benefits advice and I’ve had emotional support. They’re such an amazing charity and have played a vital role in supporting me on my cancer journey.
I had an operation to remove bowel cancer in 2012. I didn’t need chemotherapy at that point but a follow-up colonoscopy found secondary tumours in my liver and peritoneal. I was told that my cancer was inoperable, incurable, and it would return after treatment. Until now my cancer has been contained but I still get anxious about when it’s going to come back.
It was such a worrying time for the family, and having to finish work caused a lot of heartache and anxiety. Tenovus Cancer Care’s Benefits Advisor was amazing. They helped me understand what I was entitled to, how to claim it, and continued to help me when I wanted to return to work. They made everything so easy.
I always feel better after choir rehearsal and it’s become a big part of my life. Singing is exhilarating, and our choir leader is brilliant. You don’t realise the power of singing until you start doing it yourself. When I have off-days or I’ve had a difficult hospital appointment it really lifts my spirits.
There was a time I was thinking I wouldn’t be able to see my son graduate or even my 60th Birthday, and I feel so lucky that I’ve been here to seen both. I celebrated by challenging myself to climb 60 Welsh peaks in my 60th Birthday year while raising money for Tenovus Cancer Care, finishing at the top of Snowdon just a few days before my 61st Birthday.
