‘Getting older is a privilege’

ROBERTA HENDERSON, 54, from Bristol, is a director of home fragrance company, The Shed Collection.

‘Life was going well in my 40s. My partner Rob and I had married in 2011, we both had good jobs, disposable income and could afford lovely holidays.

Then, when I was 48, my life was turned upside down when I discovered a pea-sized lump in my groin. In early 2016, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. At stage 4, it was already incurable, but my amazing consultants were determined to do what they could to ensure I had the best quality of life for the longest time possible.

As one told me about the extensive surgery I’d need and the other explained the follow-up chemotherapy and ongoing treatment, I was terrified, wondering whether I’d even wake up from the operation, let alone see my 49th birthday.

Thankfully, I did both. My recovery from surgery was gruelling and I only got through losing my hair during chemo with the assistance of my gorgeous wig, which I nicknamed Amber.

It sounds corny, but I learnt you do have to live every day as if it is your last. Getting older is a privilege and it isn’t guaranteed. Even if you don’t have a diagnosis like mine, you could get hit by a bus the next time you go out.

The cancer returned in September 2019 and although it is now under control, I don’t know when it will return again.

That’s why I’m determined to live life to the fullest. I’ve been to New York, Amsterdam, Nice, Vietnam and many other places since I was first diagnosed. I now have a great-niece and a great-nephew, who I’m excited to watch grow up for as long as possible.

And with Rob’s support, I left my job so we could focus on our business, called The Shed Collection. This was something we’d never have had the courage to do without my diagnosis.

We should really all be following our dreams and passions – that’s what life is all about.’

✢ theshedcollection.com