Chris’ Story

*Stock photograph used

Chris, an architect, approached ABS after receiving a devastating cancer diagnosis during the pandemic. ABS were able to offer support to relieve stress and enable him to focus on his recovery and his future.

It was not long into the year of 2020 when I first received the terrible news. More precisely, it was 6-months since my wife and I were married, when the doctors gave me the news that I had nasopharyngeal cancer. It was a phone call from one of the ENT doctors which, at first, I had no idea how to interpret. It took me a few hours to process the news before calling back to ask for more information about my situation. I didn’t know how advanced it was, if it could be treated and what the best treatment would be.

I was scared because the news came when the covid pandemic was bad and I was afraid further tests and treatment would be postponed. Luckily for me, I was on the priority list. The NHS doctors and nurses were extraordinary; they organised all the extra scans I needed and prepared a treatment plan quickly.

I was referred to Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, where I have received the best treatment, medically and humanly, possible from all the staff. It was at this time when I was told the cancer was stage 2 and I would need six weeks of radiotherapy treatment combined with two sessions of chemotherapy. The short and long-term side effects of the treatment was explained to me, and I would have to stop work for a while. It was difficult as I love and enjoy my work but at the same time, I wanted to get healthy again. The doctors explained that, with the treatment, it was very likely the cancer would be treated so I agreed to start immediately.

My wife was working in a supermarket at the time but had to resign due to the surge in covid cases, and the fear of bringing home the virus to me. We were both then relying on the support from the government. It was one of the most difficult times for us both financially and mentally.

By chance I saw on Facebook an advert from the Architect Registration Board about ABS and how they could help. I got in touch with ABS and told them about my case. I was then accepted to receive financial support to help with the additional monthly obligations and expenses the government do not consider when assessing your financial situation for Universal Credit.

This extra financial support from ABS was incredibly helpful during the year when I was having my treatment and then after, during my recovery period.

The difference ABS made was enormous. Helen [ABS Welfare Officer] has been amazing all this time, encouraging and supporting me with every step I made forward. Firstly, it helped me mentally, as I could get the rest I needed, focus on my recovery and try to get back on my feet once again. Secondly, it was a big moral boost for me to feel safe from losing our home and being able to honour my previous financial commitments.

The financial support I received from ABS was also a big help for me and my family throughout my whole recovery period. Because of ABS, I believe I recovered much faster than it would normally take because I was mentally calm and able to focus on getting better.

I don’t want to imagine what would have happened had ABS not been able to provide assistance. I was already in shock from the news I received and had started to get stressed about how we were going to survive without having a job and where we would get the income to cover monthly expenses. ABS help was like help from heaven, I can’t even express how grateful I am for the support I received.

After the last tests and scans revealed that the cancer is not there anymore, it was a big relief, and it feels like a new beginning; a second chance to enjoy life.

As the weeks passed by and I started to regain my strength, I decided to take my future in my own hands and work for myself. It is difficult to start a new firm during these times, but I feel this is what I have to do to give me the space to organise and separate my private life from my professional life.

Since I started working and managed to get some small projects, I have set-up a direct debit to donate a small amount every month to ABS. I hope that in time, if my business grows, to be able to offer more back to ABS, so others can have the same help I have received.

A big thank you again to Helen and all the others from ABS who make a difference for architects who have a bad period in their life.