2023-10-05 14:41:41
Pat celebrates being cancer free weeks after turning 80
“It’s all gone” was Pat’s response when she found out she was cancer free mere weeks after celebrating her 80th birthday at her residential service in Bampton.
Pat, one of learning disability charity Hft’s oldest residents in Devon (and recently featured on DevonLive), was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of July and underwent an operation at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital two weeks ago to have her lump removed.
This week, she received the news that she is cancer free but she was most excited about not having to return to the hospital for ongoing appointments.
All her friends at the learning disability charity’s residential service in Bampton celebrated with her new-found status this week with one of her favourite meals (pancakes and ice-cream) and, of course, more chocolate cake.
“I have to give credit to the support staff in managing Pat’s illness,” says Kay Nicholls, Registered Care Home Manager. “Her lump was picked up early and the team ensured that Pat had speedy access to the medical care she needed.
“Additional staff were rota’ d on to Pat’s initial appointment so she had extra support when needed. Staff members also gave up their days off to ensure we were able to offer consistency to all appointments including the 5am start on the morning of the operation,” explains Kay.
Pat turned 80 in September and was rightly treated to a beautiful celebration cake and a bundle of birthday cards.
The octogenarian has been supported by Hft for a number of years, having first lived in a flat where she was supported to live as independently as possible, before moving to the Bampton service 14 years ago.
Once she is well enough again, Pat plans to continue pursuing her loves of knitting, dancing, keeping up with soap operas and going to see pantomimes with her friend Mandy.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated throughout the month of October and this year is focusing on raising awareness around secondary breast cancer.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
