Helen became her partner’s carer after he had unexpectedly received a bowel and liver cancer diagnosis in 2022. Although there have been difficult and trying times throughout their journey since then, Helen feels incredibly grateful for the community she has been welcomed into through Carers First. Sharing her experiences with others who understand what she’s going through has helped her tremendously, and she encourages every carer to accept support and connect with others whenever possible.
“I used to work in London and then my partner and I moved to Southport for a quieter life. One Friday afternoon in June 2022, I came home from the supermarket, and my partner told me to sit down. He said I just received a phone call from the GP; I have bowel and liver cancer. I was completely in shock, but we talked and said we are going to fight this.
My partner had cancer surgically removed. He then had cancer again in 2023, this was again surgically removed. We attended many chemotherapy appointments in between; I carried on working taking care of my partner when at home and going to appointments with him.
In 2024, we moved to Lincoln where my partner is from. I retired to look after him and become his carer. We became like best friends and extremely close due to the care he required, I cleaned his picc line dressings, brought his meals up to the bedroom on a tray and completely ran the household.
In 2025, my partner told was diagnosed with terminal secondary liver cancer. He was unable to have systemic chemotherapy till May this year, I attended many appointments at Lincoln and Liverpool hospitals with him.
His liver has been in great danger and stents had to be fitted by the liver surgeon in Liverpool. All of this has been a roller coaster in my life. I have not had any kind of normality for four and a half years. I haven’t been to the cinema, theatre, abroad for a long time in that period.
Carers First have helped me tremendously. To have someone you can vent to when things are really bad, and you are struggling.
I was able to go to London for the day in 2025 to see ABBA voyage which was amazing. However, September 2025 was my lowest point when we were told that my partner had terminal cancer. I was in a terrible state for six months. I was sobbing on the phone to my GP in a shop. Carers First and Lincolnshire CC got me back on track and strong again. I now take each day at a time and know I am doing my absolute best to look after my partner.
This has been completely life changing for me and meeting other people struggling. While at Liverpool, I have seen such terrible poverty- a couple who just had a baby couldn’t afford a bus fare home, everyone nearby chipped in. A man visiting a family member in hospital that was hungry but had no money for food. I count my blessings and what we have and I cherish it. I have met all kinds of people through this journey.”
Helen’s story reminds us of the impact that connection can have on those caring for someone. Even small acts of community help us to feel like we are not alone.
Click here to find out about the support we offer at Carers First.
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.