It was a very special day last month for Paula Conevey from Hunwick when she finally, after so many years of battling so many illnesses, headed for the seaside with all her family, courtesy of Spennymoor charity, Bringing Back a Smile.
Paula, 59, wrote to the charity explaining her life since moving to Hunwick: I was born in Kent and moved to the north east in 1989 with my husband to raise our children. We settled in a lovely little village called Hunwick, where we raised six children and now have 18 grandchildren. Sadly, my husband passed away in 2003, but I still reside in Hunwick.
I have suffered with my poor health for many years being on oxygen, having diabetes, spongelosis of the spine and bowel disease just to name a few. I am also in a wheelchair full time so struggle to get out for trips and holidays. My most recent diagnosis of lung cancer has been difficult to process and makes you re-evaluate life and what is actually important. Over winter 22/23 I suffered multiple recurring chest infections and my GP sent me for an x-ray. This found a suspicious shadow shadow and this was the start of multiple tests and investigations, eventually leading to the diagnosis of lung cancer in June.
Sadly, by this point, it had already spread to my lymph nodes and with my pre-existing medical conditions meant I do not qualify for any treatments. The idea of leaving my family so soon is difficult to come to terms with. My focus is now to create as many happy memories as I can before I become too unwell to do so. This is where the Bringing Back a Smile charity have kindly stepped in and granted my wish and I cannot thank them enough for arranging a special family day out to the beach.
I have not been able to have a family day out at the beach for many many years and it has always been my wish. I never thought it would ever come true. Enjoying an ice cream with my grandchildren, playing on the beach, taking photos of a happy time to last a long time after I have gone.
There are no words to express my gratitude to Bringing Back a Smile, a small charity based in the north east whose funding streams have been severely impacted since Covid.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
