On Saturday 24th October a very special lady received an unexpected surprise when her wish to visit the seaside was carried out convoy style. Jane Dabner 58yrs is living with incurable breast cancer and since her diagnosis in 2014, Jane has lent her support to several cancer support charities by taking part in various prestigious fundraising events including modelling in the Maggie’s Runway on the Runway Fashion Show in 2018 and dancing in their version of Strictly attended by Shirley Ballas. Jane Was also a key speaker at the Manchester BreastFest event and appeared on ITV with Lorraine Kelly for Prevent Breast Cancer Charity last October to promote breast cancer awareness month. Amongst the items on Jane’s bucket list was to be arrested, so earlier this year, a spoof arrest was organised involving GMP. This was no ordinary arrest. In February, an astonished Jane was put in handcuffs in front of a shocked audience at ITV studios in Salford where she was watching a recording of Judge Rinder. She was subsequently tried and convicted of“Stealing the Show “ by no other than Rob Rinder himself. 

One of the things Jane wanted to do after coming home following a few weeks in the local hospice, was to visit the seaside. Current covid restrictions have, since March, limited the opportunities people living with cancer have to be able to fulfil their ambitions and travel plans, Jane’s friends went all out made sure that covid was not going to get in the road of Jane’s seaside trip and ensured it was one to remember. 

West Kirby seemed the perfect location as it is a very dear place to Jane who calls it her "Thinking Place," (She also wanted to enjoy her favourite  fish finger sandwich at cafe Tanskeys cafe on the promenade). However, unbeknown to Jane, her arrival in West Kirby was part of a convoy of specially festooned lorries organised by her close friend Heidi Chapman who recently passed her HGV license.  Jane's trip was to be the very first trip Heidi would make without her L plates.

On the day, around 15 trucks turned up to take part in this very exclusive convoy down the M53 including 2 fire engines and a gritter.

We want to thank everyone that made this possible. For one day Jane was able to forget her illness and enjoy this special trip surrounded by so many friends and supporters who pulled out all the stops to make sure it was a day she would never forget.

Margo Cornish, board member at Maggie’s and patron of Prevent Breast Cancer is also a big supporter of Jane and was delighted to be part of the convoy.

 “Jane is such an inspirational woman, she has brought so much fun and pzazzz to all our campaigns as well and a touch of her naughty humour. At the moment there is so much despair in the cancer community due to covid. Many people living under the shadow of incurable disease cannot get to fulfil their special hopes and dreams due to current lockdown rules and travel restrictions.
We want to prove that we can make Jane’s, wish come true whilst being super careful and complying with all the safety measures. The trip will also give us the opportunity to raise awareness of the awful injustice experienced by people who’s cancer treatment has been stopped or delayed due to covid which in some cases has led to their
illness now becoming incurable. “

Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive of Maggie’s added “
"As coronavirus restrictions tighten again I am calling on the authorities
to make sure people living with cancer are not forgotten once more. We hear from people from across the UK who have experienced undeniable trauma, stress and fear because of the impact lockdown has had on their treatment, quality of life and emotional and psychological wellbeing and we can’t let that happen again. More than 450 people with cancer die every day so it is imperative we keep our responses in proportion and continue to provide the best possible care and support to people with cancer at what it is undoubtedly an incredibly tough time. We know our psychological, practical and emotional support is needed now
more than ever and are deeply grateful to be here with people living with
cancer throughout this time, but we want everyone diagnosed to get the best possible chance of life regardless of the pandemic.”