Sometimes, taking some time out – especially when you’ve been through a difficult time – can make a huge difference to both your physical and mental wellbeing.
And for Melanie Burgess, who works in Control for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, a break at Harcombe House, our centre in Devon, with her mum and sister came at just the right time.
Melanie and her sister, Fiona Newland-Smith, were both diagnosed with cancer around the same time in 2022. It meant Fiona spent long periods of time throughout the year in isolation, due to Covid, and the three of them weren’t able to spend any quality time together due to their treatments.
“Earlier on in the year I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma and at the same time, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer,” says Melanie.
“Fiona found a lump in her breast and I had a mole that had changed over months… bizarrely, my mole was on the left breast and Fiona’s lump was also on her left breast. Both our cancers were classed as stage 3.
“One of my colleagues at work had received an email from Fire Fighters Charity about the recuperation breaks you offer at the time, so I enquired about them.”
These centre-based stays provide our service users and their families with the space and opportunity to unwind, relax and reflect on their wellbeing. Our tranquil and peaceful surroundings provide the perfect setting for recovery, building resilience and finding those initial steps to help you move forward positively.
Find out more about a chance to rest and recharge here.
Donate now to help more people like Melanie and her family
It’s difficult to know when you may be in need of a break, but recognising that need early on is so important – and a stay at Harcombe House could prove incredibly beneficial to you and those close to you.
“We’ve had a brilliant week at Harcombe House, it’s been so relaxing. It’s so quiet,” Melanie said, when we caught up with her at Harcombe House near the end of the week.
“We’re able to use all the facilities, we can do nice walks, and the accommodation is second to none. But the highlight has been that we’ve been able to spend some quality time together, the three of us, that we’ve not managed to do all year because of treatment and circumstances.”
And Fiona adds: “Unfortunately I had breast cancer most of this year… I’ve been in isolation so this break has been an absolute blessing.
“Not only for your physical wellbeing, but your mental health as well – particularly being able to spend time with my sister and mum.”
Fiona was at the end of chemo and radiotherapy when we met her. Melanie, meanwhile, is in a five year follow-up period, with scans and consultations every three months.
“I have to photograph and check all of my moles, together with checking for lumps, on a monthly basis,” she says.
For Joan, meanwhile, having the time away with her daughters was incredibly valuable – and it gave her the chance to come to terms with what they’d been going through too.
“I’m an only child and I’ve got two daughters – and both of them have cancer at the same time. I’ve needed this as much as they have, although I’ve been quite strong,” says Joan.
“But it’s nice to have time with the girls, just the three of us, with nobody else. It has been really good. You come here, you’re out in the countryside and it’s so quiet and peaceful and the wildlife we’ve seen out the window – it’s been a blessing for all of us.
“From that point of view, it’s been ideal, absolutely what we’ve all needed.”
Now all three of them would like to encourage all women to keep checking for any possible symptoms, no matter how small. They say: “Please check anything you’re concerned about and seek advice ASAP.”
If you feel you’d benefit from our health and wellbeing support, you can call our Support Line on 0800 389 8820, make an enquiry online or click below: