Richard and Jean’s Story: Honouring Jean’s Memory with a Gift in My Will

“Jean and I met when we were young, and after a few years of courtship, we married. I worked as an engineer, and Jean was in accountancy. We built a good life together in Edinburgh, and Jean meant everything to me. When Jean was just 38, our life together took an unexpected turn when she noticed an unusual puckering on her breast. Despite initial reassurance from her consultant, Jean knew something wasn’t right, and thankfully, she persisted. It turned out she was right; it was breast cancer. Her case prompted her consultant to rethink some of the textbook early signs of breast cancer and change the way he taught this to his students.

“Jean faced her illness with such strength and positivity – she just got on with it. She endured chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and the emotional challenge of losing her hair. It was hard for her, especially the wig as she never liked them. Jean and I knew we had to make the most of our time left together. We enjoyed some bucket-list holidays, like the cruise on the QE2, a flight on Concorde, and even a trip to Alaska! Those memories are so precious to me.

“Jean lived with cancer for 22 years, thanks to the dedicated care of the Breast Cancer Unit. Through three recurrences she never gave up. Everyone who knew her said she was a kind-natured person, always finding the good in everything. She never lost her spirit. The cancer eventually spread to Jean’s brain, and it became terminal. Sadly, Jean passed away 13 years ago in our local hospice. I was devastated and absolutely shattered. I didn’t know what to do with myself.

“It took me a long time to think about my future, let alone my Will. But when I finally did, I knew I wanted to do something to honour Jean’s memory. I returned to the Breast Cancer Unit at the Western General, and to my surprise, Jean’s consultant was still there to this day treating breast cancer patients. The consultant was very welcoming, and that visit solidified my decision. I’ve already made a sizeable donation and made provisions in my Will for a further donation to the charity in the future. My gift will support specialist equipment and a research project that will look at genetic links to developing breast cancer.

“Now, I’ve found a new chapter in my life. I spend a lot of time in St Monans in Fife – the very place where Jean and I spent our honeymoon. I’m part of the community there, I’ve made new friends and I even occasionally go on holiday with them. But Jean is always in my heart and mind. By leaving this gift to the Breast Cancer Unit I’m saying thank you for the care that gave us so many more precious years together. And I hope my gift will do the same for families facing similar challenges, giving them hope and more memories to cherish.”