As the dark nights draw in and winter is around the corner, we say farewell to September, a month that for our client Bob McBratney, will always have a sad significance.
It’s hard for us all to stay upbeat with social distancing rules getting stricter and restrictions likely continuing for some time as we continue to deal with the impact of COVID-19. But Bob is having to battle both a pandemic and a terminal illness after being diagnosed with mesothelioma just over a year ago.
Despite all this, Bob can often be found with a smile on his face and a spring in his step. We’re sharing his story to reflect on how challenging it is for our clients at the moment as they battle cancer and this ‘new normal’ we find ourselves in.
Bob’s background
Prior to his diagnosis, Bob was working as a magician and a property manager - not a common combination - but that’s why he’s one of a kind. He loved his two jobs almost as much as he loved his family, who he spent all his time with when he wasn’t managing rentals or pulling rabbits out of hats.
In September 2018, his best friend was diagnosed with mesothelioma, which came as a massive shock to Bob. Although he was fit and well, Bob decided to get checked out as a precaution as he also worked as a ceiling tile fitter in the 1970s. He was diagnosed with pleural plaques, which is a common sign of asbestos exposure, but nothing came of it and he carried on with life.
Approximately nine months later, he started suffering from breathlessness and after undergoing further investigations he was also diagnosed with mesothelioma a year after his friend was. It was an unexpected and unwelcome shock for Bob, his wife Joanne and their son Henry who suddenly had to face up to a future they’d not planned for.
During such a difficult time, Bob sadly lost his best friend to the illness, which put everything into perspective – yet despite all this he vowed to stay upbeat.
Focusing on the positives
Not long after his diagnosis, Bob got in touch with us, and we’re able to support him and secure essential funds for future specialist treatment and care. Prior to his diagnosis, Bob loved to cycle regularly and one of the ways we were able to help our client was by getting him an electric bike so he could get back out on the roads. This was especially important once the UK when into lockdown and it soon became his only bit of freedom.
We spoke to Bob and his solicitor Nicola Handley to find more about our client’s story as part of Action Mesothelioma Day 2020. Here’s what they had to say:
Moving for Meso
Despite Bob’s illness, he always thinks of others before himself and he showed this by taking part in ‘Moves for Meso’ – a campaign launched by charity Mesothelioma UK encouraging its supporters to collectively cover 5,000km in five weeks by walking, running, jogging or cycling.
His new bike has been his saviour and has allowed him to not only stay healthy, but also to raise money for the Mesothelioma UK charity. Bob explained: “My life changed dramatically when I was diagnosed. However, I was very keen to get back to cycling as it was an activity that my wife, Joanne, and I enjoyed together, and it’s important for me to stay as fit as possible to ensure I can continue my treatment.
"Cycling has given me back some of my independence, and I’m really pleased to have been able to raise funds with my legal team for the Moves for Meso campaign. The charity’s work is vital in supporting people in the same situation as me."
Each day, Bob chooses to focus on what he can do to control and improve the rest of his life for himself and his beloved family. Nicola has got to know Bob quite well, and perfectly summed up what an amazing character he is. Nicola said: “Representing Bob following his diagnosis of mesothelioma has been a real privilege and a pleasure. He’s dealt with his diagnosis in such a positive way, preferring to focus on spending time with his family and friends.
"It’s great to see how Bob has remained positive throughout his treatment to date and continues to help support other people who’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma whilst also living with the illness."
Through our work, we sadly see many people affected by this type of cancer, which causes severe breathlessness among other debilitating symptoms. Bob’s determination to battle through the disease whilst remaining fit and active with his cycling is nothing short of extraordinary.
Looking forward, whatever the future holds
Bob continues to remain positive about his condition, even though there was disease progression in September 2020 – a month that just never seems to treat him well. He’s started second line immunotherapy treatment as a result and the first cycle went as well as could be expected. Bob is much more knowledgeable about medical treatment than he was last year and is confident about the process, which helps him to remain positive for the future.
Bob has managed to be able to find time to get away which was really important in such challenging times. He has been to Brighton to see old friends, visited his family in Taunton and also enjoyed caravan holidays in Northumberland and Wales with his family.
Bob cycles into Harrogate every week to meet the Active against Cancer group and has even started a small walking group. He doesn’t know what the future holds but he’s determined to face it with a smile on his face.
Whether it’s cycling to raise money for charity, or performing magic tricks for his local support group, Bob brings so much joy to everyone lucky enough to spend time with him.
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