On 1st November 2022, Debi was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two surgeries, six months' chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed and then adjuvant therapies. We thought that was it, treatment over, but in February 2025 whilst being treated for pneumonia, a scan showed cancerous deposits on the liver which spread to Debi's lung, breast, chest cavity and lymph nodes. The prognosis was sadly terminal.

 

During Debi's journey, we as a family tried to face each day with hope and joy. EPIC (Early Palliative Intervention Care team), part of the South Tees Hospital registered charity, allows families in this situation to do exactly that. They have been a great source of comfort to us.

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Debi and Jonathan were able to work with the EPIC team to make keepsakes and memory boxes to help hold on to precious thoughts, which could so easily have been forgotten during such a difficult time. Following Debi's passing, these memory boxes have been passed along to her 3 precious grandchildren: Arthur, Maeve, and Riley, so that they can continue to treasure her memory and come to understand our shared loss. 

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We are so grateful for the care and support provided by the EPIC team and feel that this is a critical service for families navigating a terminal diagnosis, like we have done. For this reason, we'd love you all to consider donating to the EPIC team to support this important work in place of flowers at the funeral. 

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