“Inspirational Irene – From the Heart” is a new book telling the story of a woman from Great Burstead who passed away last year after living for several years with recurrent bowel cancer, and I chatted this morning with its authors – Irene’s husband John and his co-author, Keith Overill.
John talked about how Irene had something of a roller-coaster experience with her illness – from being given hope when the cancer was initially diagnosed that it was likely that an operation would cure it, to within weeks not being expected to survive; then a few years later being given the “all clear”, only to be faced with a return of the cancer a couple of years later when the offer of palliative care was, in Keith’s words, tantamount to writing her off. Despite that, however, Irene lived a further four and a half years, and John talked about how he believes her determination and positive attitude helped her through.
John hopes that Irene’s story will help inspire others facing cancer, and has organised a book signing next Saturday (28 September) in the Billericay Reading Rooms. The book can also be ordered from John directly at jlycarman@hotmail.com or on 01277 659081; it costs £5.99, and all the proceeds from its sale are being given to the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.
For more information about Irene visit the website dedicated to her memory.
Listen here:Feelgood Saturday 21 09 13 John Yarrow