The Colclough Family

She bought a teddy and showed Laura the bear saying she was 'going to put this away till Mummy goes away and then when Mummy isn't here anymore, Laura can take the bear out and talk to it just like she would to Mummy, and Mummy would be able to listen.'

Since then, as a family, they have been very open about Carol's cancer and talk regularly about dying and the future. However, their policy of openness has subsequently created some issues which Julie Stokes from Winston's Wish has tried to help with. She has spent a lot of time working with Laura to encourage her to feel safe and secure and give her outlets for her worry. This included giving her worry dolls, making an emotional first aid kit and getting mum to give her a big soft snuggle blanket to wrap her self up in as a comfort.

Carol needed little encouragement from Julie to put her affairs in order. Off her own back she has written a letter to be read out at her funeral, with a special message for Laura in it.

By Christmas 2006, her tumour had responded to the treatment in a way that not even Carol dare hope. Although she still has secondary lung cancer, the doctors feel that she is well enough not to need further treatment at the moment. Julie has been back to the family to help Laura to adjust to a more hopeful future.

In general, Carol feels well and is positive. She has got a job working part-time in a charity shop, which she loves. They are trying to get on with life and put the cancer behind them whilst they can.

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