Mother-of-Five Forced to Cancel Kids' Christmas After Cancer Diagnosis Leaves Her Struggling Financially

Struggling to Make Ends Meet

A single mother-of-five from Norwich, Catherine Jewers, has made the difficult decision to cancel her children's Christmas due to financial struggles caused by her recent cancer diagnosis. Catherine, who has already battled breast cancer once, was diagnosed again with a rare and aggressive form of the disease. She had to take time off work for chemotherapy, leaving her with only £30 per week to support her family.

The Devastating Impact of Cancer

Since leaving her job and experiencing the side effects of chemotherapy, Catherine has found it increasingly challenging to afford basic necessities such as food and heating. She shared, "I'm a single mother, I have been for years, and I can't afford to eat or live or even survive."

A Previous Battle with Breast Cancer

Catherine was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, which had spread to her lymph nodes. The cancer was triggered by high levels of oestrogen in her body. Although she underwent mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and reconstruction, she managed to overcome the disease.

A Second Diagnosis

In April of this year, Catherine received devastating news – her cancer had returned. This time, she was diagnosed with triple negative metaplastic osteoclast breast cancer with giant cells. Metaplastic breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of the disease, accounting for only 1% of cases. It is more likely to spread to other parts of the body than other types of breast cancer.

Financial Difficulties and Sacrifices

Since her second diagnosis, Catherine had to leave her job, leaving her with just £30 per week to support her family. With two children still living at home, aged 16 and 19, she struggles to afford groceries and often skips meals to ensure her children can eat. The rising cost of food has made it even more challenging for her. She tearfully shared, "I find it soul-destroying how I can't afford to feed them; I've worked for 38 years of my life – I'm dealing with my cancer and now I'm struggling with heating my home and paying for my food shop."

A Bleak Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, Catherine has had to make the heartbreaking decision to cancel the festivities. She can no longer afford to heat her home and tells her children to layer up instead. Catherine's financial resources are limited to child benefits and her personal independence payment (PIP), which total around £25 per week. Her eldest child, who lives with her, earns just £60 per week, and Catherine encourages her to keep the money for herself.

The Struggle Continues

Catherine's battle with cancer and financial hardships have taken a toll on her emotional well-being. She shared, "Every time I look at the prices, my eyes water up. I can't live like this." Despite the challenges she faces, Catherine remains determined to overcome her illness and provide for her children.