Cancer Focus NI’s Family Support team were there for the Nicholas family at a time when they were ready to explore emotions and prepare for their new future without a husband and father.

“After Gavin was diagnosed in 2023 with terminal cancer, we knew we no longer had the luxury of planning a long future as a family. I became a little obsessed with trying to make sure last year was our best Christmas yet but unfortunately, his health had majorly deteriorated by December, and he spent it in hospital and unable to enjoy the usual activities with us as a family!

However, he did make it down on Christmas morning to see our girls open their Santa presents, which helped create some lasting memories. This year is hanging over us as a family as it will be our first without him.

Luckily Cancer Focus NI have come into our lives. Their Family Support team have been fantastic helping us prepare for our first Christmas with Gavin. They are helping us as a family to express our emotions and make us feel like we are not alone. Their fantastic family social evenings and events are helping my daughters connect with other children who have experienced loss.

Thank you for supporting this local charity at Christmas. Your fundraising and donations will make a massive difference to the lives of my family and hundreds of others.”