In early September, we were given the news that my Grandad had terminal bowel cancer. Hearing this diagnosis about a man who was never ill, never moaned or never caused any trouble came as quite a shock. My first questions was - how much time do we have? But no-one could give us the answer.
After what felt like an eternity in Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Grandad was finally discharged to the rehabilitation unit in Bispham. A lovely place, that would prepare him for going back to the comfort of his own home for a number of weeks. I spent most weekends catching the train from University in Bangor and staying in his home in Poulton, then cycling or catching the bus to see him. We'd spend the day talking, playing cards, doing the crossword, updating him with news about Morrisons - just enjoying the time we had.
On the 6th October, it was my 21st Birthday, a day that I did not expect to spend the way I spent it. It began with a trip up Blackpool Tower with my sister and good friend, Meg. A great experience, one which I highly recommend to those who haven't been up. We then went to the rehabilitation centre to visit Grandad where I spent the afternoon opening my presents and cards with him - one of my presents was a letter from Morrisons inviting me on a "tour of the headquarters in Bradford!" I was over-joyed when I opened this as it was something I've been keen on doing for quite some time!
Ever since being diagnosed, every time we went to the Morrisons at Cleveleys the staff in the café always asked where Grandad was, and how he was doing. They were deeply sorry to hear of the news and were very sympathetic - even the 'double-glazing' man passed comment. Most people wouldn't understand this, but they had been a part of my Grandads, my sisters and my life for a good number of years and we had grown to get to know them.
On December 1st, we took a trip to Devon with Grandad, mum and my sister - something Grandad had asked to do for one last time. We had a great time staying in a hotel on the front at Sidmouth, and were very lucky with the weather! We even managed to stop at the Bridgewater Morrisons on the way down and stop at one of our favourite stores, Bristol Cribbs Causeway on the way back where they were very helpful and provided us with a wheelchair for our visit!
Sadly, Grandads long battle with cancer came to an end on February 5th 2014. It had been my first encounter with Cancer and what an awful encounter it was. Watching someone you love just become unable to do anything for themselves was heartbreaking. It certainly made me realise how short life is and how you should treasurer each day and live life to the full! Would also like to say a Thank You for all the support and care we received from Trinity Hospice, Bispham.
For Lent...
my friend, Amy and I decided instead of giving up something, we would take up running. We're not very "sporty" people so saw this as a bit of a challenge. Since we started this, I started reading up on charity events I could get involved with to do my bit and thats when I came across 'Race4Life's' - I suggested to Amy that we signed up to do a 10km and after a little bit of persuasion she agreed. We are taking part in the Tatton Park Race 4 Life on the 28th June 2014 - Below is a link to our 'justgiving' page - we have set a target of £200 which I think is very attainable. If you would like to sponsor us to help the very worthy cause of 'Cancer Research UK' we would be extremely grateful.Just Giving - Rose Girls
We are also looking for a theme, maybe something Morrisons inspired in remembrance of my Grandad? Maybe we could even get +Morrisons to support us? Together, one day Cancer will be beaten. Please get in touch if you have any suggestions.
