This is the story of one of our own team members, Steve Brice ...

My dad Terry Brice was diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2015 he was given a colostomy bag and underwent intensive chemotherapy and radio therapy for 3 months. In March 2016 he had to have part of his cancerous bowel removed as part of the treatment.

After all the treatment, the operation and chemo and radio therapy my dad was given the all clear which was a huge positive to my dad, mum, family and friends, the only negative was that he had to live with the colostomy bag.

Dad continued on with a very active life with a positive future, unfortunately in July 2016 he was taken into hospital with issues with his colostomy bag, further tests were carried out and dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer; spreading to his liver, kidneys, lungs................. !!!!heartbreaking !

We as a family watched my dad pass away at home in September 2016. The final 6 weeks of dads life was painful, exhausting, sad and every other saddening emotion that can be imagined.

Throughout these 6 weeks we cared for my dad, mum being there 24/7, Macmillan were there for my mum in every capacity; staying on a number of occasions overnight to give my mum some rest, helping to administer drugs, changing bedding and most of all being there to support mainly my mum and us as a family through this painful experience.

On my dads passing my mum was given support from Macmillan to help her through her initial loss, and now 6 months after my dads passing Macmillan still make contact for support.

Thank you Macmillan for helping my dad and thank you for helping my mum and us as a family through a most terrible time x

Steve