Ruth Hitchon first came to CancerCare in 2018 when her husband Brian was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Ruth was referred for counselling and Brian also received complementary therapy. However, sadly, Brian’s condition worsened and they received the devastating news that his cancer had spread and was untreatable.

“This was absolutely devastating for us as a family and was even harder going into a pandemic when Covid-19 hit. This was a very hard time as we were told Brian was terminal just two weeks after my daughter Emily gave birth to our grandchild,” said Ruth.

CancerCare supported Ruth after Brian sadly passed away in 2021 and then she returned to us in 2022 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I was really struggling with my own diagnosis knowing that my husband wasn’t there to support me. I realised I needed support because I was finding it very difficult to process and felt extremely overwhelmed by it all.

“The support I received from CancerCare was outstanding and it was a safe place for me to offload my emotions and feelings by speaking to a counsellor. It always made me feel a lot more positive,” said Ruth.

Ruth and daughter Emily decided to say “thank you” for the support we gave to her family by joining the Project Cold “Dip a Day in March” which saw dozens of people across the area immersing themselves in cold water to raise more than £4,000.

“We came across Project Cold’s page on Instagram and saw they were working with CancerCare to raise money for the charity’s 40th anniversary and we wanted to get involved and give something back for the amazing support we had received,” said Ruth.

“Our advice to anyone considering taking part in cold water dipping is don’t hesitate and just go for it! We can guarantee that after the first initial shock you will feel fabulous. Jefferson and Rick at Project Cold do a great job making you feel welcome and the group is very supportive and friendly!”

The Hitchons have well and truly been bitten by the fundraising bug and will be swapping cold for hot (very hot!) when they join us for our Sahara Desert Trek challenge next year!