Something nobody wants to hear in their lifetime is the word “cancer”, and yet, it became part of our lives in 2019.

A daunting and downright terrifying time for the entire family, as my wife, Annette, took on the challenge now staring her in the face. September 2019 was the month Annette found the lump in her breast, and on 10th October 2019, we received the diagnosis none of the family wanted to accept. But she showed resolve and strength, something I’ll always respect her for. 

The first round of chemotherapy began a fortnight shy of Christmas, on 13th December 2019. Shortly after Annette’s treatment began, COVID-19 reared its ugly head, and the dynamics of our family had to change drastically. Once an open house, our front door remained closed to our children and grandchildren, and we’d only wave and talk through the barrier of a window. This was a journey I wanted to walk through beside Annette, through every single step, but this privilege was stripped from me, as the pandemic gripped the NHS and forced wards to say no the visitors.

In my absence, I was secure in the fact that Annette was receiving brilliant care from the staff on Judy Beard Ward at the Conquest Hospital. During my time as a visitor, I witnessed first-hand how the nurses would bring a smile to our faces with their friendly faces and warm hearts. The radio would always be on, and the nurses usually singing along with the light-heartedness that everyone needed. Despite the surreal ordeal, their compassion brought a normalcy to the unit, leaving us feeling comfortable, as though we were sitting in our own living room. They even managed brilliantly when they had to move their ward across site to Eastbourne, due to more space being needed for the influx of COVID-19 patients. Our pride in the NHS grew, especially during 2020, as we heard first hand the challenges and changes from both of our daughters, Zara and Demi, who are a part of the NHS family. 

Annette opted for a mastectomy, which took place on the 3rd June 2020, and we received the news we’d been waiting for, that she was free of cancer, around 10 days later. 

During these months, Annette, like so many others before her, underwent physical changes. The torturous but necessary treatment took its toll, and there was little I could do but support her. I decided to grow my beard out through the summer and autumn months, planning to shave it when Annette’s hair grew back enough to have it cut again. My beard has now developed into something worthy of the festive period, and is ready for the big shave.

Annette’s final treatment will be the 17th December 2020. Her hair has grown back, and we’re planning its first cut to take place on the 13th December 2020, courtesy of our daughter-in-law, Danielle. This date is a year to the day of her first treatment. I will be shaving off my beard on the same day, after it has been festively dressed by my grandchildren - rest assured, in a COVID-friendly way.   

The money raised from this big shave will assist the Judy Beard Ward in maintaining their fantastic care-giving abilities by contributing to the cost of vital equipment. 

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