With a little help from a friend

Raghib has seen first-hand the care and support the hospice has on families within the local area, whilst also having to face his own battles with cancer. This has not stopped him and he wants to continue to show the work we are doing to help the people that need us most.

‘The hospice was there when my family and friends needed them most, for that, I couldn’t repay them. They were amazing.

Being a Muslim, charity is a big thing in religion. I knew of the hospice, I had seen them doing some brilliant work, raising money to help local people at Fayres and Mela’s. I’d also donate to their charity shops. But when my friends and family witnessed first-hand the work they were doing I was amazed, and I thought if I could do something and help that would be amazing.

I know how it feels. In 2018 I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of thyroid cancer, it broke my heart. I didn’t want my mum and dad to see me suffer, and I didn’t want to burden them.

I had operations but I was told it had spread and I only had 3 months left to live. I decided to get a second opinion, as I was adamant it wouldn’t beat me. One day I was at the gym, on the treadmill, and I got a call from the oncologist, it had been removed and hadn’t spread. I was so happy, I cried.

Cancer isn’t something that only affects you physically, I also struggled with my mental health. I had suicidal thoughts, but I was determined to get help and get back to myself. I needed someone to talk too, who understood and could help me understand it too.

I spent more time with my dog and it really helped me. I couldn’t have got through the last few years without my family and partner, they were truly amazing.

Since getting back on my feet and feeling more like myself, I decided I wanted to do something to help. I am now working as a porter. I wanted to give something back to the community and help the NHS like they had helped me. I wanted to repay them by living and helping others. Sometimes I have flash backs when I take people down for operations, but I know I’m in a stronger place now and I am helping people that need it most.

I also want to help the hospice, because they have done so much for my family and friends. They deserve the credit from our community. We need more people to get involved with the hospice to show the great work they’re doing. They have so much kindness, if we had more people in the world like we do at Teesside Hospice, the world would be a better place.

I will continue to support Teesside Hospice and sharing the amazing work they’re doing within my community.’

We’d like to thank the amazing supporters we have. We really couldn’t do what we do what we do, without people like Raghib and yourself. Although, we continue to need your support as we see an increased need for our care from people who have been unable to access it during the pandemic. You can help support us by donating to our Summer Urgent Care Appeal.

  Getting on with Living