My Cancer Family
This is a personal project, inspired by my family who have been heavily affected by cancer. I shot an image per person who have either died from cancer or who are currently fighting it. There are six images. In each image there are three items which relate back to the person, a reference to the type of cancer they contracted, plus the colour ribbon associated with the cancer. https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/mycancerfamily
Grandad.
My Grandad died of a brain tumour when I was only a baby so the only memories I have of him are borrowed from other people.
I know he was a fantastic artist and worked as a mould maker, creating the one above of his dog, Flannigan.
He had been in a gunner in the Navy, and travelled the world, bringing back the China doll for his youngest daughter.
RIP 1979.
Uncle Peter.
He is my Father's brother and was diagnosed with Prostrate cancer many years before Dad's death. This is why he could not donate his bone marrow to Dad.
For as long as I can remember, he has holidayed in Tenerife, had a passion for sports, particularly tennis and golf. When I spoke to his daughter, my cousin, about this project, these were brought up too, along with his fondness for being thrifty.
He is still fighting today.
Mum.
Mum died only a few weeks ago, so it is still very raw.
For her, it was lung cancer, brought on from smoking since her twenties.
We found out only six months before, following a stroke which left her almost completely blind. At that point it was too late for any treatment, it had already spread.
Mum was such a strong character, my best memories of her involve frequent holidays to the south of France when I was a kid, her love of creme caramels, the love she had of my father who bought the coral beads she had made into a necklace and how, no matter the weather, she was always complaining she was hot and had a fan blowing.
RIP 8th January 2019.
Laurie.
My only sister, older than me by seven years, was diagnosed in 2015 with triple negative breast cancer. After undergoing a masectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, it returned as a tumour in the brain eighteen months later. Thanks to the incredible NHS, they removed the lump and she is still here today.
Laurie is more frequently known as Poppy to me, a nick-name she acquired as a child, along with Bambi, a knitted stuffed toy given to her by our Grandmother, and although looking a little worse for wear, is still deeply loved by her!
As a child and a teenager, Laurie was an avid rider and would still love to ride now but for a knee injury.
The chocolates are salted caramel, one of her favourites. They look like boobs! I bought them for her when she was being tested for breast cancer.
She is still fighting.
Uncle Trevor.
My Aunts husband, passed away after his battle with bladder cancer.
Uncle Trevor had a love of greyhounds and ran a pub with my mum and dad when they were younger. He also worked as and engineer, working a lathe.
RIP 2017.
Uncle Peter.
He is my Father's brother and was diagnosed with Prostrate cancer many years before Dad's death. This is why he could not donate his bone marrow to Dad.
For as long as I can remember, he has holidayed in Tenerife, had a passion for sports, particularly tennis and golf. When I spoke to his daughter, my cousin, about this project, these were brought up too, along with his fondness for being thrifty.
He is still fighting today.