Laura has been accessing Helen Rollason Cancer Charity since 2023 after her breast cancer diagnosis.

One evening during July in 2022 Laura and her family were excitedly packing for their holiday to Disney Land, making sure everything was in the case, passports were safe, and tickets were ready. Laura’s husband had recently been undergoing serious health issues and relentless surgeries, they had finally been given the amazing news that that chapter was done, he was going to be okay. They were looking forward to starting to live their lives again, coming away from shielding and making fantastic memories. What a better way to start than with a family holiday of a lifetime. That same evening, Laura discovered a lump in her breast.

The day after her and her family came home Laura was able to see her GP. It was the following month she was given the news “you have breast cancer”, her world fell apart, her family’s world fell apart. Relentless internal turmoil of questions ‘Why? What now? But we were on the way up?’. Laura is a proud mum of two, a daughter aged 4 and a son aged 5. Her little girl was just about to start school. Her diagnosis came at a time where she should have been enjoying the summer holidays, whilst gathering all the necessities for her daughter starting school and being a mum to her two wonderful children.

Laura had her mastectomy on the 8th of September. Her daughter was due to start school three days later. Laura was determined to walk her through those school gates, which she made her doctors aware of. This is one of the most important and special moments to any parent, she wasn’t missing it for the world. Through sheer courage and determination Laura was there, her daughter’s hand in one hand and her drain in another. An incredibly brave and inspiring thing to do, and something she will never forget.

The cancer was aggressive, it was stage 3. Laura underwent lots of tests and scans. In Laura’s words, “you are faced with pure horror waiting for those results, it cannot be put into words the constant worry and dread, it was a terrible time”. Fortunately, it had not spread further. In October the decision was made that Laura should undergo chemotherapy, she underwent four sessions, her last being on the 31st of December. The treatment was over.

Laura describes that time to us as “a whirlwind, an out of body experience. Once your treatment is over, the calm after the storm, it hits you, all at once.” She was put on hormone treatment, alongside this she had to deal with all the mental and physical side effects of her whole cancer journey. It was at this point Laura said “I didn’t know where to turn, there was no help psychologically at all. I couldn’t get the support I needed from the hospitals and was told by the clinical staff that I wasn’t entitled to any further support and wouldn’t be able to be put on any waiting lists. I knew I needed help.”

“In the following February I was told about Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, I called them as quickly as I could. Ana, from the Support Centre in Harlow picked up the phone, she was the first person who spoke to me as an individual, not a clinical file. She was so warm, lovely and welcoming, most importantly she said the words “we can help you”. After everything I had been through, especially with young children, I knew I had many emotional scars which needed addressing. I was given an appointment the very next day, I had a wonderful reflexology treatment. I now have a treatment every three weeks.” Laura is extremely grateful to Ana and all the team at our Support Centre in Harlow. She now has appointments in her diary which she is looking forward to, rather than being worried or concerned.

Laura tells us that Helen Rollason Cancer Charity is “the missing piece of the puzzle within the hospital setting. Their human touch they have the time to be able to look after the person as a person rather than their medical diagnosis and that is something that I really appreciate. The love and care that exude from those who work there is truly special and unique. The smile you are welcomed with, which says, without words “we know what you need” is so warm and encouraging. It is a haven amongst the rollercoaster you are going through. A very special place. Not enough of those on a journey similar to me know about it, I wish everyone could see the benefits I have seen first-hand. From me and my family, thank you”.

1 in 2 of us will face a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime, we are here to support all those across Essex facing a cancer diagnosis and those on that journey by their side. For families like Laura’s the difference we are making is having an incredible impact. Our mission is to help more families across the county, and to be able to continue to do so forever more. If you, or anyone you know may need our help please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We see you; we can be there for you.