A HUSBAND and wife both fighting cancer have vowed to raise money for Macmillan Nurses.
Paul and Carol Briscoe, of Cherry Avenue, Bury, have organised a charity night at the Black Bull pub in Ainsworth Road for Saturday, September 2.
Three of their friends have volunteered to have their heads shaved while three others are collecting sponsor money to keep their hair on!
Childminder Carol (45) said: "I could lose my hair as a result of chemotherapy treatment but they are choosing to have their hair shaved. They are doing it to support me as it is likely we will all be bald together."
The mother-of-two, who has a two-year-old granddaughter Leonie, was told she had an aggressive form of breast cancer in July after discovering a lump under her left arm.
Carol felt the lump in January and was reassured it was muscle strain. But when the lump got bigger, Carol returned to the doctors in June and was immediately referred to Fairfield Hospital for tests.
A biopsy revealed Carol had two tumours growing in her breast and she underwent an urgent mastectomy.
She was due to start a six- month course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy yesterday but admits that coping with her own serious illness is not her main concern.
Carol's devoted husband Paul (49) is suffering from terminal leukaemia and will need to rely on Carol more and more.
She said: "I have tried to stay positive and strong about it but it has just come at the wrong time with Paul being poorly. To me, my breast cancer is an inconvenience. I know there is never a right time for anyone to get cancer but this has come at the wrong time. Paul needs me."
This is the second time Paul has developed leukaemia. It was first diagnosed ten years ago.
Paul was given a bone marrow transplant thanks to a donation of bone marrow from his brother Robert (51).
The operation was a success and the family man continued to live life to the full, even completing a charity parachute jump for the Anthony Nolan Trust.
He returned to work at West & Senior, in Mill Town Street, Radcliffe, and in his own words thought "that was that". But just before Christmas, 2004, Paul contracted a chest infection and a blood test confirmed the family's worst fears.
Paul said: "Carol was worried that the leukaemia would come back but when I found out I was gutted. Devastated. We just about managed to get through Christmas and I had a stem cell transplant in May, 2005. Once again, it was thanks to my brother, Robert, who I owe so much to, but unfortunately it was a failed transplant. The doctors tried some other treatment in January this year but it was a last resort. They have told me I will be lucky to see Christmas."
The couple, who have been together 28 years, have been through so much and are proud to have a strong, supportive family around them. Their daughter Amanda Oddie (25) has started to give blood as Paul now needs regular transfusions and their son-in-law, Neil, has completed the Great North Run for the Anthony Nolan Trust.
Carol has two sisters and two brothers, with younger sister Veronica (30) and her partner Joanne Clark (36) taking charge of the housework.
Carol added: "We don't want sympathy, but one day we will need to call on the help of the Macmillan Nurses and want to give something back. In doing this we also want to raise awareness of breast cancer and leukaemia as the type that Paul has, myelodysplasia, is unusual in adults under the age of 55."
Anyone interested in donating to the charity night or joining in the fun can contact Cath and Bill at the Black Bull on 0161 761 5961.
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