‘THEY ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU’

THINKING positively has been the mantra for north Londoners Natalie and Tony Gibber since Mr Gibber was diagnosed with stage four melanoma six months ago.

Doctors have been unable to find the primary source of the cancer and it has spread to the brain, both lungs and elsewhere on his body. “The prognosis doesn’t look good,” Mrs Gibber told the JC at Monday’s dinner.

“It is a huge shock. But he is having immunotherapy and we are dealing with this situation. We are positive because that is all we can be. We have a great team of doctors. It is hard and emotional and we have our ups and downs. But Chai have been incredible. We’ve had counselling, cranial therapy, reiki, massage and reflexology.”

Mr Gibber, 59 — a composer who also works in property — says his lifestyle has changed dramatically since the diagnosis.

“I used to drive everywhere. But the brain tumour means I can’t drive. The loss of independence is huge.”

Reiki has helped him to cope. “I used some of the counselling, which was fine. But I personally didn’t benefit from talking to someone. I have seen the nutritionist, who was great, and I’ve seen a healer. That side of things has been very enjoyable.” With Chai, “it is not that you call up and have to wait five weeks until they are available. They are there for you straight away.”