When Michael’s mother, Linda, was diagnosed with bone cancer in January 2023, Michael was devastated. Although Linda’s cancer is incurable, doctors told them it could be stabilised with an operation that gave Linda a 40% chance of survival. “It was horrific" says Michael, “Who would want to sign something knowing you’ve got a 40% chance of surviving treatment?”
Michael shares his story about how Macmillan Cancer Support helped him and his mum during a difficult time, turning a negative experience into a positive and inspiring him to consider his own legacy.
Strength through the generations: Linda’s story
Linda, 71, had a happy childhood growing up in Paddock Wood in Kent. This small, hop-growing town had been home to her family for generations, many of whom worked in the surrounding fields and farms – as did Linda herself, later working as a fruit picker with Michael as a toddler in tow. She came from a family defined by a strong work ethic and resilience – qualities that helped her navigate the difficult period following her cancer diagnosis.
“She’s always grafted super hard,” says Michael. “When she got ill, I thought, ‘If there’s one woman who just needs a break… and she gets incurable cancer.’ She’s been like a trooper. She never complains about the cancer, she never complains about the treatment.”
Support when it was needed most
“The day mum found out she’d got cancer,” Michael remembers, “it was all very clinical. She had the operation, and they said, ‘We'll refer you to the cancer unit because you're going to need chemotherapy.’”
When they walked into Macmillan Cancer Support’s Irene Crosswell Wellbeing Lounge in Milton Keynes, they were greeted with warmth, support and kindness. “We were met by a Macmillan nurse who said, ‘We’re here, come and have a cup of tea in the lounge.’ They made her so comfortable.”
Like many of the Macmillan support centres, the Wellbeing Lounge offers a range of services, from support groups to courses and workshops. Linda received financial advice, guidance on hair loss and wigs and, crucially, a warm welcome with every visit. You can search your local area for Macmillan support here.
“We don't dread going because it’s so positive,” says Michael. “I wish that everyone could have that. I’m not even there for treatment and I feel supported.” Over one third of Macmillan services, such as the Wellbeing Lounge, are funded by gifts in wills. With more funding Macmillan aims to do whatever it takes to help more people with cancer get the best care, whoever they are and wherever they are.
“Mum looks forward to seeing all the nurses and the Macmillan tea trolley,” laughs Michael. “It’s all about the little things,” he says. “Those small moments in life can feel so different in the context of a cancer diagnosis.”
With a renewed appreciation for how simple pleasures can make a difference, Linda and Michael enjoy taking walks together with Michael’s dog, Phyllis, cherishing a cup of tea and cake after chemotherapy, or visiting a garden centre. Small, precious moments made possible with the support of Macmillan.
Leaving a legacy: Michael’s story
Inspired by his experience at the Macmillan Wellbeing Lounge, Michael is passionate about ensuring that as many people as possible can receive the same kindness and support that he and Linda have enjoyed.
He recalls how different it had been for his own grandad. “There was nothing like the Macmillan Lounge. He got cancer and he passed, and he didn’t get the support that my mum has.”
“I felt like I needed to do something for a cause that’s close to my heart,” he explains, when he decided to leave a gift in his will to Macmillan Cancer Support. Using the Free Will Service, Michael found the process, easy. “You think you’re going to a solicitor in a dusty office and it will be very old-fashioned.” Forty five minutes on a Teams call and it was done. “It was fantastic,” says Michael. “I was sent a PDF, printed it out and got it signed.” The Free Will Service from Macmillan is available to everyone over 18 in the UK, click here for more details.
Michael has a message for anyone considering leaving a legacy. “Not everyone has a Macmillan lounge or a Macmillan nurse. We’ve been really lucky. Give to Macmillan so that people can have it everywhere.”
Looking back to the moment when they walked into a warm welcome in the Wellbeing Lounge, Michael says, “To give that to somebody else walking in there for their first day… it’s worth its weight in gold.”
Gifts in wills helped Michael and Linda find the support and kindness when it was needed most. With your support, Macmillan will do whatever it takes to help more people with cancer get the best care the UK has to offer, whoever and wherever they are. To find out more about how to leave a gift in your will to Macmillan Cancer Support, order your free Gifts in Wills guide.
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