TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses the death of a young person from cancer which you may find upsetting or distressing

In this podcast Silé and Simon from Young Lives vs Cancer take over from Laura and Helen to speak to Maciej. Maciej fell in love with Aga while she was receiving treatment for Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Aga unfortunately died from a rare condition called Bloom Syndrome. Maciej talks about what it was like to fall in love with someone while they were receiving cancer treatment. What it was like to become a carer for his partner and navigate her hospital family.

There are organisations in Northern Ireland and the UK to support you and your family with bereavement. If you have lost a partner check out Widowed and Young. If you have lost a child or a sibling look at Child Bereavement UK, Winston's Wish, the Compassionate Friends, Slow Group (online), Cruse Bereavement Support, as well as Young Lives vs Cancer and Cancer Fund for Children (details below). Maciej also speaks about how useful he found Lifeline who you can contact 24/7 on 0808 808 8000

Maciej also references the Willow Foundation who help seriously ill young adults make lasting memories- which they did by funding a meal from Aga’s favourite restaurant on the ward before she died.

If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk Call: 0300 303 5220 Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives

If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children

Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com Call: 028 9080 5599 Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren