Bryan is 63 years old and has a passion for reading, especially historical novels. He lives in Rayleigh with his wife of 32 years and has one son. 

Bryan worked in the Metropolitan Police as a constable for 30 years before working eight years in the office when he was diagnosed with Guillian-Barre syndrome (GBS), which affects nerves and control over the body. After 38 years in the force, Bryan decided to retire and began a job as a care worker supporting people with learning difficulties. 

He loved his job but had to leave the position when he was diagnosed with cancer in his jaw. After the diagnosis, Bryan had several radiotherapy treatments and found the radiotherapy mask extremely uncomfortable. 

He says, “They’re not very nice at all to wear. They’re very claustrophobic – you can hardly breathe.”  

Following the radiotherapy, Bryan’s cancer went into remission, but the treatment had damaged his throat, impacting Bryan’s ability to produce saliva and eat solid foods.  

Sometime later, Bryan found out he had cancer again after a growth was found in his neck. They tried radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but neither were effective, so he was started on immunotherapy treatment, which seems to be working well.  

Following his recent diagnosis, Bryan was referred to Fair Havens by a specialist at the hospital and decided to visit and see what it had to offer.  

“When I first got referred to Havens Hospices, I was quite trepidatious, as I wasn’t initially made aware that my illness was incurable, and didn’t really know what that meant, but I got referred by a specialist at the hospital, and never looked back. 

“I was pleasantly surprised when I first visited Fair Havens. It was very welcoming and a very relaxed atmosphere – it wasn’t what I was expecting. I always think of hospices as somewhere very dreary, a bit like hospitals really, not very pleasant. I just thought it was a place to die, but the hospice is much more positive than expected.” 

Bryan has really enjoyed the wide range of facilities, activities, and therapies Fair Havens Hub offers – all designed to enhance people’s wellbeing and keep them living independently with their condition for longer, helping them to make the most of life. 

He has taken part in Therapy Through Nature, a therapeutic treatment involving outdoor activities like growing flowers and vegetables and Stories for Life, where he has produced a written biography-style piece about his life, which will be passed on to his family as a remaining legacy. 

“I really enjoyed the Therapy Through Nature group. Actually, I really enjoyed everything I’ve done here. It’s done me a lot of good. It helps me to process things and put them into perspective. “ 

He also enjoys the complementary therapy treatments available at the hospice. 

“The complementary therapies are fantastic. Everyone I know who’s had them says that they are absolutely incredible.” 

Due to his always-positive attitude, Bryan always tries to make the best of every situation he is faced with. 

“I try to stay happy and keep positive and encourage other people to be too. I want to inspire people to realise that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, there’s always hope, and always a way to make something positive out of a situation. 

“I always try to live positively. I don’t look back negatively, but I look forward and always want to help other people, which is what I’ve always done.” 

Bryan has also enjoyed the creative therapy opportunities available at the hospice and has turned his radiotherapy mask into a piece of art reflecting his life. The idea came about due to Bryan’s positive attitude and desire to turn a symbol of such a negative time into something that brings joy.  

“I went through radiotherapy, which was a horrible time, but I thought, ‘Why not try to turn it around and turn it into something positive?’ It was a life experience, and I wanted to reflect my life in it and make an art installation out of it, which can hopefully inspire other people to do the same. A lot of these masks get thrown away, and I think that’s a great shame. It’s a great piece of technology that is moulded exactly to your face. We should try to celebrate the fact that these things exist and can help us.” 

Bryan decorated his radiotherapy mask with important moments from his life, which encapsulate what is important to him. 

“I wanted to create an interesting piece with as many textures as possible and to create something that reflects my life story. 

“On the right-hand side, as you look at the mask, there are photos that represent my childhood, including an 18-month stay at York Lodge boarding school in Seaford East Sussex.  Other photos show my life through school, with my family, my wedding, and having my son and watching him grow up. I have also added photographs of some key friends who have been important in my life. 

“On the left side, there are a number of words that encapsulate who I am and what is important in my life.  Further down on the left shoulder, I have some items and photographs that represent my police career. 

“At the very top of the mask, there are photographs of Sue and I ringing the radiotherapy bell to mark the end of my first cancer treatment. I have also added a piece of my wife’s lovely wedding dress.”  

The artwork also includes decoupage and acrylic paint, and is finished off with a mask on the front, which denotes historical references and his love of military history. It also serves to shape the face into something meaningful.  

“The experience of creating this has been great, and the artwork makes me feel happy.  

“I am very proud of the finished piece. I want to display this mask and spread awareness of the fact that face cancer is a very prevalent form of cancer and how fortunate we are for these medical technologies and advancements.  

“I would urge other people who have gone through similar experiences to try and do something positive with their mask. Maybe turn it into an art piece or use it in the garden to grow flowers. It is too big a part of your life and journey to do nothing with, and in my opinion, can be used to show there is life after radiotherapy.” 

One of Bryan’s favourite things about visiting Fair Havens is having the opportunity to meet new people.  

“At Fair Havens, I like the companionship and the friendliness. You can always be sure of a smile.” 

“When I’m at Fair Havens, I give a little bit of myself to other people, and they give it back to me. It’s really lovely.” 

Bryan expresses his enjoyment of visiting the hospice and explains that his regular visits to Fair Havens give him something to look forward to.  

To find out more about how you or someone you know would benefit from the care at Fair Havens, click here. 

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Published in 2024