Championing change: Cathy’s story
July 2024
Cathy Brokenshire has surprised herself since her husband – the Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP – died in October 2021 at the age of 53. A lifelong non-smoker, his lung cancer diagnosis came as a huge shock to him, his family, his friends and colleagues.
Since James’s death, Cathy has become a trustee and ambassador for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, which was set up in the 1990s in the name of TV personality Roy Castle, after he was diagnosed with lung cancer. His diagnosis highlighted the risks of passive smoking and showed that even non-smokers could develop lung cancer.
Today, Cathy regularly takes to the podium and talks to the media – something she never dreamed of doing when her husband was alive. She has also just been named a Director of the UK Lung Cancer Coalition and is campaigning on behalf of everyone who’s at risk of cancer, whether they have been a smoker or not.
Her campaign has helped to raise more than £165,000 and has helped to kickstart the rollout of a lung cancer screening programme. Now a member of WAY too, Cathy is determined to keep the momentum going in James’s memory, as she explains….
“James’s cancer was diagnosed at an early stage, but his tumour was very aggressive. Despite early detection and treatment, the tumour came back within three years. He hoped that advances in science would provide answers, but sadly, time ran out. His goal was to raise awareness and push for lung cancer to be higher on the political agenda.
Lung cancer is the biggest killer compared to prostate, bowel and breast cancer combined in the UK, yet historically it has been underfunded. Through my work with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, I’m learning more about the disease. Unlike breast cancer or prostate cancer, where people are more aware of the symptoms, lung cancer symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing up blood and shoulder pain often appear in the later stages. Early detection is critical, but many people are diagnosed in A&E when presenting for other issues.
I’ve used my public profile to advocate for lung cancer awareness – doing interviews on TV, and meeting with politicians and health officials. This advocacy has pushed forward the agenda for lung cancer screening and has made a tangible difference.
The lung cancer screening will cover people aged 55 to 74 who have ever smoked Invitations for lung health checks are being rolled out by the NHS in phases across the UK. I urge anyone who receives an invitation to take it, even if they feel healthy. Early-stage diagnosis significantly improves survival rates and outcomes.
We’ve also raised over £165,000 for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, funding a fellowship for three years of research. This tangible contribution to lung cancer research is a way to honour James’s memory and make a real difference and I want to carry on raising money to potentially do more fellowships in future. We could potentially save as many as 9,000 lives a year through the screening programme and I want to have some answers in the toolbox for people who may potentially receive a diagnosis.
What spurs me to carry on is the hope of helping other families. James went into politics to help people and make a difference, which inspired me to continue his work. By sharing our story, I want to raise awareness and prevent other families from experiencing similar losses.
How has your life changed since James’s death?
My life has changed dramatically. I have worked in Westminster over the last few years and engage in various charity activities – from bucket collections to speaking events.
Being widowed has taught me resilience. I now face challenges head-on and embrace new opportunities. I decided to live my life to the full and do all the things that James and I wanted to do. He died at the age of 53. I am choosing to get out there and live and do all those things that he and I planned to do.
I wanted to show my children that there was life after death. Using my platform and my experience to raise awareness about lung cancer has given me a purpose and helped me cope with my grief. I didn’t know how far the reach would go but I knew it would hit home somewhere. And if I can stop one other family from going through the loss and the suffering that we have gone through, then it’s a win.
When did you join WAY?
I decided to join WAY in early 2024. Talking to other WAY members has made me realise I’m not alone in making difficult decisions. Everyone has had to face similar challenges, and some stories are even more heart-wrenching than mine.
It’s been so helpful to meet people who truly understand what it’s like to lose a loved one. While my family and friends have been supportive, they can’t fully grasp the depth of this experience. In the WAY environment, everyone has gone through similar trauma, and we all get it. This shared understanding is incredibly comforting, as well as knowing in turn that you’re helping others who are at different stages of their bereavement.
Grief is unique to everyone, and there’s no right or wrong way to cope. It’s important to find your own path and seek support when needed. Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses can also be comforting and empowering.
At your hardest moment, the natural person you’d lean on is your significant other. But that’s the one person who isn't there to help. Whether dealing with the shock, grief, daily life or sorting out finances, you have to find your own way through it. While friends and family have been an amazing help, they don’t have the same level of empathy and insight as the people I’ve met through WAY.
What do you think James would make of your life now?
Family and friends say he’d be very proud of me, and I know he would be too. I don’t think he would quite believe what has been accomplished in the time since he’s gone. I used to watch him do interviews and appear on TV, and I was always in awe, wondering how he could do that. I never thought I could. Now, I find myself doing exactly the same as him. So yes, I think he would be really proud.”
The following link has been set up in memory of Cathy’s husband James Brokenshire in collaboration with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation:
Your donations are always welcome.
Donate