May 2026 (taken from The Link Magazine)

Well, its over. Op carried out on the 2nd April and hopefully I can say am now cancer free. I feel blessed and very thankful for the diligence of our local GP surgery and how the NHS stepped up to sort me out within a deadline. There are several things I observed during the past few weeks. Firstly just attending one appointment, it was late on a Friday night, the clinic was running behind due to staff sickness and the couple ahead of me were clearly very grumpy which had the knock on effect of making the staff very wary. Sister came in looking harried, apologies for the delay to which I responded “Not a problem, I haven’t got a hot date tonight”! Well that just broke the ice and everyone relaxed. When being seen I was then asked if I wished to make a complaint. NO I DID NOT. She looked at me so gratefully, I felt near to tears. Are we really becoming so entitled and grumpy? Then when I went to theatre, I took my little wooden cross in my hand, tucked it under my name band and the anesthetist looked at it, smiled, reintroduced himself with the words I am a Coptic Christian. Whilst trying to put in the epidural we chatted about Jerusalem but I honestly felt I was in safe hands and he came to see me afterwards to see how I was. So very sweet. Lastly whilst on the ward so many of the staff (mainly Indian) were clearly Christian and were unashamed to talk between themselves of going to Church that Holy Saturday – A Community Church in Bexhill, plus one Care Assistant humming “Old Rugged Cross” under his breath as he made the beds….well I felt so looked after and in good hands. I have absolutely no complaints and I give thanks every day for so many blessings then on top all your love and support (hedged with “now don’t overdo anything”. LOL Would I???? Don’t answer! But I am behaving and healing gently. Thank you all. I hope to be on light duties by the time you read this which will be the Bank Holiday weekend of the Spring Fayre. Both Sarah and I are flagging a bit re this so any stepping up would be gratefully accepted.

Lastly on the above subject, my only grumble was the state of the roads back from Hastings….I felt in my belly every bump, dip, pothole – it was one of the longest journey’s of my life. If my little ramble reaches official recipients….the main route down to a major hospital for our area should be in a better state of repair please. Just a little rant and nothing to do with Sarah’s driving at all.

Life throws us curve balls doesn’t it. How we tackle them is up to us. Certainly with a cancer diagnosis, staying positive was key and that was easier than I thought it would be. I have as you know a big mouth so if I can reach out to everyone not to ignore early warnings. Ladies….any spotting post menopause, anything different in your flow gentlemen please take seriously. Everyone is precious in Gods eyes but we have to play a part. I hope by being open and honest, if I can inspire someone to seek medical attention for anything abnormal (you know your own body), please report it in. Father John had a scare 2 years ago, he acted. I had a scare this year…and the love and support in our church family is amazing.

In May sees Lucy and I accepting our ALM in Chichester Cathedral. Please pray for our mission in furthering our faith and hopefully bring others to faith too. It certainly is the best journey to make.

That’s it.

See you soon.

Love Dee xx

Ps I still have some little wooden crosses, so if you haven’t got one, or know someone who needs one, let me know.