Visiting one of our centres for a residential stay goes beyond physical rehabilitation – it can have huge mental wellbeing benefits too. And for many, it can spark up long-term friendships.
Retired on-call Scottish firefighter, Drew Sloan, is still in touch with some of the people he met at Jubilee House in 2024, where he spent a week following a cancer diagnosis.
And he says the camaraderie there played a huge part in his recovery.
Now he hopes, by sharing his story, he’ll not only raise awareness of some common warning signs for rectal cancer, but also encourage others to reach out for support.
“I was diagnosed with rectal cancer at the start of 2023… for me, the warning signs were regular visits to the toilet – we’re talking 10-12 times a day,” says Drew.
“It was initially picked up by the bowel screening test we have in place in Scotland, when we get to 50 – and every two years after that. I was 54 on March 2022 and the test was running a bit behind due to Covid, so I received it in the October.
“It initially came back with an abnormality and I had a colonoscopy arranged in January 2023. I never thought for a minute that it was cancer, so when I was taken into a room with my daughter to be told it was suspected rectal cancer, that was the first stage of the shock.
“I had further tests that February. I was obviously dreading the results, it was a horrendous time for me. The dreaded phone call came to me on the Tuesday 14 March 2023 to say that the doctors had found cancer.
“I was sitting alone on that day and all eyes on the TV as it was the first day of Cheltenham. Immediately the shock started to set in.”
He adds: “They confirmed I’d need 5 days of radiotherapy and a few rounds of chemo. They’d luckily caught it quite early. I had a lot of support around me from family and friends, and for me, my coping mechanism was keeping myself busy – lots of walks. I didn’t let myself stop really.”
He adds: “In the middle of August that year, a CT scan showed the cancer was undetectable. I finally felt like I could get my life back on track and get back to work.
“Unfortunately, a few weeks later I was told they could actually see 3cm of what had been a 7cm tumour still there. This time, they said in order for me to be cancer free, they had to remove by large bowel and fit a stoma bag. It was a huge blow – I thought I’d finally got through it, and then to be told I’d need a stoma bag was a lot to get my head around.”
Drew finally got the ‘all clear’ In December that year – something he describes as “the best Christmas present ever”.
He remained in touch with us throughout his procedures, and as he adapted to life after treatment, and was invited to Jubilee House on a rehabilitation programme in September 2024. Every programme is designed to provide personalised holistic care for every individual’s needs.
“I found it absolutely brilliant,” says Drew, “I was there for the five days, and the staff were all amazing, as were the rest of my group – it was great. I still keep in touch with some of them now.
“I really loved the swimming personally, and I noticed a huge benefit by the end.
“I’ve always been involved in fundraising, so it was great to see the differences funds can make.”
As a way of saying thank you, Drew organised a fundraising event at his local bowling club to raise funds for us and another cause close to his heart, Ayrshire Cancer Support – raising over £3,000 in the process.
“We had raffles, live music, refreshments and all sorts. People were so generous, I was overwhelmed by the support,” he adds. “It was my way of giving something back after the amazing support I received.”
Thanks to Drew’s efforts, more members of the fire services community will be able to access vital care and support when they need it most.
If you’re part of the fire services community and facing the impact of service – physically, emotionally or socially – we’re here to help, with tailored care and support, during and after your time in role.
You can call our Support Line on 0800 389 8820 or make an enquiry online.