Cancer Research UK shop opens in Panniers Way, Oakham
A grandad diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer eight years ago has opened a new Cancer Research UK shop.
Steve Bent from Oakham was told he has liver cancer following a routine blood test.
This morning (Thursday, April 11) he opened the new charity shop in his home town, which has relocated from Market Place in Oakham to Tungsten Retail Park, on Panniers Way.
It will sell electrical items, clothing, soft furnishings and gifts, and all profits will fund life-saving research to help develop gentler and more effective treatments for cancer.
The 73-year-old was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of primary liver cancer in November 2016.
Following an ultra sound, CT scan, PET scan, and a biopsy, Steve was told he had inoperable liver cancer – and was given months to live.
A keen cyclist who coaches football at a local school, Steve said: “I have always been fit and healthy so getting the cancer diagnosis was a huge shock.
“I didn’t feel at all poorly and the tumour, which measured 20cm by 10cm, was only picked up through a routine blood test at a wellman clinic I attended regularly.
“I didn’t smoke or drink yet scans showed my liver to resemble a heavy drinker.”
In January 2017, doctors told Steve they didn’t think he would live long enough to see his second grandchild being born in March and he was offered palliative care.
But determination and positivity, as well as numerous treatments to shrink the tumour including radiotherapy and an immunotherapy drug trial at King’s College Hospital in London, has seen Steve thrive. He now has four grandchildren.
Steve, now married to Sue, has an infusion every three weeks at King’s and a CT scan every 12 weeks to monitor and control his cancer. He says he knows all too well how research and treatments can help people like him.
“When I was told I only had months to live I remember sitting with Sue staring at the fireplace and crying.
“I had lost my first wife, Marion, to cancer in March 2007 after she battled it for five years and it all came back to me and my children.
“But then I just thought, get on with it, fight it and when I was offered to take part in the drugs trial and was told it could be a disaster or a miracle – I realised I didn’t have anything to lose.”
Steve, a former site manager, said: “Cancer doesn’t discriminate – it can affect anyone of any age and from any background.
“I will be forever grateful for the research and clinical trials. They have given me more time with my family and I now live for today. It’s important to keep going and do whatever you can when you can. I do.
“I’m really honoured to be opening the new Cancer Research UK shop. I’ll be making regular visits and encouraging everyone I know to dig out good quality donations.”
Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years. Its research has led to more than 50 cancer drugs used across the UK and around the world.
Store manager, Fiona Riley, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Steve for opening our wonderful new store. It’s an honour to have him with us and we hope his story encourages people to support the charity so that we can continue to fund the very best scientists.
“We’re always looking for volunteers and donations of good-quality clothes, shoes, bags, books and homeware are welcome. As Steve’s story shows, all money raised is desperately needed to fund crucial research.”
The Oakham superstore will be open Monday to Saturday 8.30am until 5pm and Sunday 10am until 4pm.
If you know of a new charity store, shop or business opening email details to new
