Family Time is Everything

Cancer can impact us all and the Evestrust team is no different. The below is story of one of volunteers, Adele:

“Hi, my name’s Adele. I’ve been volunteering with Evestrust for a few years, usually helping organise other people’s dreams - but recently, my own journey changed.

In September 2025, I had a fall at home and injured myself quite badly. A few weeks later, I noticed a large lump and bruising on my right breast. Although doctors first thought it was related to the fall, I was referred for urgent checks. After a mammogram and biopsy, I was told in early November that the lump was cancerous. Hearing those words made my world collapse, but I was so grateful to have my husband and daughter by my side and the support from family and friends.

I was able to enjoy Christmas before starting treatment on 4th January. I’m now finishing my weekly chemotherapy and will soon move to treatment every three weeks. The plan is to shrink the tumour before surgery, followed by radiotherapy to help prevent it returning. Recently, my consultant confirmed the tumour has shrunk by over half, which has been such a huge relief and a real sign that treatment is working.

If there’s one thing I want to say, it’s this: please check your breasts. It might feel awkward, but it could save your life. Finding my lump early may have saved mine.

Evestrust then stepped in for me. My daughter Lauren, one of their Lead Dreams Coordinators, arranged a surprise weekend away for my birthday with our whole family. I thought it was just a trip for me and my husband, but when we arrived, all of my children and grandchildren were there, our dogs too. It was a beautiful weekend in the Derbyshire Dales and gave us precious time together away from the reality of cancer. I’m especially grateful to Lauren, it’s not an easy role, and to do this for her own mum while processing everything herself means more than I can say. I’m incredibly proud of her.

I’m also so deeply grateful to Evestrust, not just for funding this experience, but for everything they do behind the scenes to make these moments possible. The care, effort, and dedication that goes into giving families the chance to create special memories during such difficult times is truly incredible. It meant everything to be able to relax, make memories, and simply be together without any financial worry. Evestrust brings hope and light during the darkest times. If you’re facing cancer, I truly encourage you to reach out, everyone deserves a moment of joy and hope. These are memories I’ll treasure forever.

I would also like to give a special thanks to Sharni Knighton ‘Sharni K Hairloss Clinic’ for her support with helping me find a wig to feel like myself again, anyone facing hair loss I would highly recommend Sharni. The clinic is beautiful and relaxing, and Sharni is amazing at what she does. Thank you for supporting me and supporting the charity, you’re a wonderful woman.”