Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund Pat-and-Bud-Rennie
Pat and Bud Rennie

Couple’s backing for innovative project

A former firefighter with terminal cancer has spoken of the huge benefits which an innovative resource centre planned for Halesworth would bring to both himself and his wife as a campaign raising money for the facility reaches the 60% mark.

Bud Rennie, who lives in Holton with Pat, his wife of 51 years, described plans for an Information and Support Centre (ISC), which will provide services for people with life-limiting illnesses, as “fantastic.”

The 74-year-old has been fighting various forms of cancer since 2009, and was told three years ago his illness is terminal. Since then, he has undergone regular chemotherapy to prevent any further spread – and has done so with a smile on his face and his supportive wife by his side.

The couple – who face a lengthy journey every time Bud needs treatment or other support – have now backed plans for the ISC and encouraged others to do the same.

“I had always been in reasonably good health, so this was my first excursion into the NHS in nearly 70 years,” said Bud, who worked in health physics at Sizewell A for 27 years and spent 15 years as a retained firefighter in Halesworth.

“When I was told the cancer had spread and was everywhere, I didn’t think I would see the week out. I’ve now been in the medical system for six years and have a lot of respect for the NHS and am very grateful for the care I’ve received.”

Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund (HCNCF) is driving an ongoing campaign to raise £714,000 to build the ISC for people in north east Suffolk and south Norfolk who have cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

It aims to bring a full range of holistic services closer to home for patients, their families and carers, including benefits advice, wig-fitting, children and family support, complementary therapies, help understanding a diagnosis, counselling and bereavement support.

“We were absolutely delighted to hear about the idea for the ISC,” said Pat, who is 71. “It’s a 60 mile round trip every time we need to go to hospital for scans or treatment, so to be able to access some of the other sources of support closer to home would be really helpful.

“At times over the past six years we’ve felt like we were existing in a bubble. At these moments, having someone to talk to about the way you’re feeling is really important. The ISC would provide that and would make a real difference.

“Chemotherapy can put stress on both the person who is ill and the person who is supporting them. Again, being able to go to the ISC for extra support and a few pointers about how best to cope would be fantastic.”

In addition to help and support, the centre will also act as venue where other organisations, such as Alzheimer’s or cancer support groups, can meet. Positive and family-friendly, the atmosphere in the ISC will be comfortable and informal so that people can relax, share their anxieties and get clear answers to any questions they may have.

“Lots of people who live in this area rely on public transport, and travelling when you’re ill can really take it out of you,” said Bud. “So having this sort of centre closer to home would be fantastic.

“People would be able to go there and find out more about what will happen to them. We had no idea what to expect when the treatment started – having someone to talk to who understands, who has perhaps had personal experience if a family member had been ill, would have made a real difference. The ISC will do a lot of good for a lot of people.”

The couple are now determined to enjoy life as much as possible while spending time with their family.

“When we were told Bud’s cancer was terminal, we were determined not to give up the fight,” said Pat. “We are now most grateful for what we have, appreciate every day and do our best to make the most out of life.”

Nearly £440,000 has been raised towards the ISC so far. To find out more, or to make a donation, visit www.halesworthhealth.org/information-and-support-centre

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