Nicola is 38 and married with two children who are her world. Before she became unwell, Nicola worked as a Volunteer Manager at Cats Protection and loved her job. She was very active, going to the gym three to four times a week, and loved spending time with friends and family and taking her two boys out for fun days. 

In 2020, Nicola was diagnosed with kidney cancer and underwent surgery. She was initially told it had all been removed and there was no evidence of disease left, but in May 2022 after attending A&E with severe pain in her back, she was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer called Chromophobe Renal Cell Cancer, which only affects 4% of kidney cancer patients, and told the cancer had returned and spread.  

Nicola was told there was no more cure and that the only treatment was to try and control the growth of the cancer.  

“My first worry when I was told there was no cure was my family and how they would cope without me, particularly my children. Fair Havens listened, offered counselling to me and my family and suggested activities to help me relax and enjoy what time I do have left. They also helped me to understand that I needed to prioritise my health and provided me with ways I could do this which improve my symptoms.” 

“Fair Havens has changed my outlook on life. Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, I focus on the good things. I have booked concerts I would previously be too anxious to go to, and I no longer feel guilty for spending money on things I enjoy – you only live once!” 

“Fair Havens has provided me with a community of support I otherwise wouldn’t have had. This has made me realise I am not alone, made me thankful for what I do have and has increased my self-esteem.” 

The care Havens Hospices provides is free of charge, thanks to kind donations from supporters in the local community. 

“I cannot thank the supporters of Havens Hospices enough. Havens Hospices has been a lifeline to me. Being diagnosed with an incurable illness at a young age is something I never thought would happen to me. They have given me back a part of my life that I felt I had lost – I love going to Fair Havens.” 

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

If you would like to donate to Fair Havens please click here. 

Published in 2024