Personal fight for Millom gran who lost two children
Last updated at 14:44, Wednesday, 15 February 2012
A MOTHER who lost two of her children in tragic circumstances is fighting one of the biggest battles of her life.
Jackie Holmes, of Castle Street, Millom, was diagnosed with mouth cancer in December 2008 and is undergoing radiotherapy.
The grandmother makes regular trips to the Rosemere Foundation in Preston for treatment every four months.
In 2003 her son Adrian Holmes was killed in a gas explosion at his flat in Manchester.
Then, midway through Mrs Holmes’ cancer treatment in 2010, her daughter Andrea Robinson died after falling down a flight of stairs.
But despite personal tragedy, Mrs Holmes is bravely battling her illness and fundraising for charity at the same time.
She said: “I’ve been treated at Rosemere near Preston, they say there are around 200 people per day that go through there.
“I was diagnosed in December three years ago, I felt a little lump at the back of my mouth near my tonsils.
“It had spread and the doctors said I was very lucky.”
The 65-year-old grandmother said despite her problems, she has always tried to look at her illness from a lighter side.
She said: “I have always made light of my illness.
“The doctors told me it is the best way to be – they were impressed with how I was coping.”
Despite battling cancer, the grandmother said the decision to turn off her children’s life support was one of her most terrible experiences.
Mrs Holmes said: “Adrian was killed by a gas explosion, we had to go down to the hospital.
“We had to turn him off.
“It’s just gone two years since Andrea died and we had to do the same. It’s terrible to have to do that.”
Despite her battle with cancer, Mrs Holmes has helped raise thousands of pounds for charities including the North-West Air Ambulance, West Cumberland Hospital’s special care baby unit and now the Rosemere Foundation.
Mrs Holmes was struck further when her granddaughter Ulaani, the daughter of her remaining son, Antony, was struck with meningitis and left deaf – which spurred on her fundraising efforts.
She said: “I always said I wanted to give something back.
“Because of everything that has happened I’ve been doing so much for different charities but this Christmas I thought I’d do a raffle.
“I did it in memory of Adrian and Andrea – they were popular kids.
“My friend Eunice Rose helped me – her husband has been treated at Rosemere too.”
The pair managed to raise £435 for the foundation through the raffle.
Mrs Holmes said: “I’d like to thank the people of Millom for their generosity.
“Rosemere has done so much for me and the care has been brilliant.
“This is a cause close to my heart.
“The people of Millom have been absolutely marvellous – it’s a wonderful community.”
First published at 13:09, Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Make your comment
More Millom news
- Millom PCSO in attack ‘will lose job’, court hears (2 comments)
- Pair excited by South Copeland potential
- Manager looks back at Millom pub’s debut year
- Millom festival of kites is a soaring success
- Millom service helps people to develop skills
- Broadcast is music to Millom children’s ears
- Millom beauty salon boss saves life of client
- Boss hopes to secure cash for Millom training centre
- Prime Minister gets taste of Millom in event celebrating county
- Millom rugby league club big source of pride
- Millom Carnival bosses in appeal for groups
- Scarecrows to tell of Millom history
- Millom area boasts wide variety of activities to enjoy
- Silecroft pub hit by arson rises from the ashes
- Millom gallery owner keen to promote cultural scene
- More than 1,200 people show their support for campaign to return Millom doctor service
- Fears eased as Millom Cemetery extension site is earmarked
- Adventurous Millom pupils hear call of wild
- Hunt for Millom men after car torched in street
- Millom bike track axe ‘leaves young with nothing’ (15 comments)
- Pledge to Millom customers after credit union goes to wall
- Millom charity song is aired on station
- Millom on-call doctor bid gathers momentum
- Millom Police Community Support Officer found guilty of assault (1 comment)
- Youngsters hopeful for Millom skate park deal (3 comments)
Have your say
Well Done Jackie-you're amazing!!!!
Posted by Mrs on 15 February 2012 at 18:13