2nd April 2024. The day my own, my partner Laura and her families’ lives would begin to change forever.

Laura was rushed into hospital and following tests was told she needed an emergency operation to save her life after her bowel had begun to rupture. The cause at this time was unknown and would only become slightly clearer once surgeons started the operation. Laura being the strong fighter we all know, and love was prepared for anything and 2 days later was taken down for what turned into an 8-hour operation. An operation which would ultimately give Laura a chance.

5th May 2024. The day our worst fears were realised. Cancer. Biopsies had revealed that during the operation surgeons had removed 2 tumours from Laura’s bowel. Scans in the weeks following showed that the cancer had spread further than any of us could have imagined. Cells were now found in her multiple areas around her body and was confirmed she had Stage 4 bowel cancer.

Even after all the pain she had endured up to this point. Even after being told, she had cancer. Laura didn’t lose any of her determination and was going to fight cancer with everything she had. Over the next couple of months Laura would return home for several weeks but would end up back in hospital where Laura was told if she wanted to have chemotherapy she would need to be transferred to Huddersfield and would start immediately. Without hesitation Laura said yes and as soon as we knew it Laura was once again proving how strong of a person; she is fighting with everything she had to kick cancers arse.

After putting up one hell of a fight and going through 2 rounds of chemo we were told that the cancer had progressed further, and chemo was no longer an option. Laura along with myself and her family decided it was right that we moved to Wakefield hospice where we would be able to get the best support for Laura and boy did, we get it.

Within minutes of arriving at Wakefield hospice we all knew this was the right place. A place where we would get the most professional, compassionate and loving care we could have wished for. Throughout the week Laura spent at the hospice the team in Wakefield not only cared for Laura with such dignity and expertise but also looked after me and Laura’s family allowing us to feel somewhat like Laura was at home rather than in an hospital and giving us quality time to laugh and joke with Laura.

Sadly, after putting up another hell of a fight Laura passed away at the age of 36 on the 28th of July surrounded by her family.

After leaving the hospice it became apparent that it was essential that we ensure that the hospice had the funding which it desperately requires to be able to continue giving the expert care and support for local people and families living with life-limiting conditions. The annual running costs of the hospice is £4.2 million per year or approx. A staggering £11,500 per day. To be able to continue to do the great work they do they need support from us all.

Myself along with my group of 7 friends (Richard, James, Dylan, Jack, Danny, Kasie & Tony) are aiming to complete the national 3 peaks challenge climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon one after another within 24 hours. We are taking on the challenge starting on the 11th October and are looking for donations to support Wakefield hospice.