Hi, I'm Darren but you can call me Dern :-)
My Dad has prostate and secondary kidney cancer. I'm an only child and have a small family, single at the moment (not fun!) and very emotional. We found out a few years ago what was happening and my life fell apart completely.
Some things are just not meant to happen are they? But they did. I used to think it wouldn't ever happen to my family, it only happens to others. I lost my best friend when we were 17 to a brain tumour, other friends of mine and their families have experience cancer but I never knew how painful it could be until my Dad was diagnosed.
Now I say painful as an understatement but something so wonderful happened at the same time. My family got closer and stronger.
Because of the care he's received from the NHS I decided to work for them. I've been working as an IT techie, service delivery and e-Communications person and also in corporate comms teams and I'm an ex hair stylist too! I work with the Dorset Cancer Network helping them produce things easier and help clinical teams do the same. Nurses look after my Dad, I look after them (in a way) and make their work lives easier.
From working in the NHS I'm being interviewed for a Macmillan funded role soon. Fingers crossed I get it! I already know there are so many things I can for the organisation and with the influence it brings I could bring in so many benefits. Even if I don't get the job though, I'm still going to donate some of my time because I've realised I need to support myself as much as I need to support my Dad through his treatment and Mum caring for him.
In February 2010, while my life was slowly falling apart and I reached rock bottom, I discovered Ballroom and Latin dancing. Something inside me was awakened and I found new strength within. My life picked up and so did my Mum and Dad's as a result, probably as they weren't worrying about me as much!
Say hi if you're passing, leave a message if you want to, chat if you'd like to but most of all remember we're never alone. I forgot this last bit for a long time, try not to repeat my mistake and keep reaching out when you need to.
Dern
Lover of all things shiny and sparkly!
