Life coach Brenda Beecham will save others

Nov 12 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

BRAVE Brenda Beecham doesn’t know how long she has left to live after being diagnosed with colon cancer too late.

But despite her struggles she has decided to launch a one-woman campaign to warn others of the symptoms to catch the disease in its early stages.

The wife of Sir Jeremy Beecham, former leader of Newcastle City Council, remains upbeat and passionate about life and retains her positive outlook.

Tonight, in a special feature she made for BBC1’s Inside Out programme, she will talk about her experiences of being diagnosed and makes an emotional appeal for others to get tested.

The mother of two, of Gosforth, Newcastle, said: “I was so completely taken aback as to why I had cancer.

“I had been feeling fine, I only really felt tired. I had a little constipation.”

Lady Beecham, 61, was told eight months ago that she was living with colon cancer.

She is about to begin her second course of chemotherapy.

Despite her ordeal she remains upbeat. She is looking forward to spending time with her family, including children Sara, 36, a barrister, and Richard, 35, a theatre director, both of whom live in London. Her husband, who was Labour leader of the council for 17 years until 1994 and is also vice-chairman of the Local Government Association, is also supporting her.

Lady Beecham said: “I suppose I was shocked, but as soon as I saw their faces I knew it wasn’t going to be good news.

“They asked me why I was being so cheerful – I obviously took it very well.

“At that point I didn’t feel like I found it hard to take in. I guess we all have our own ways of dealing with things.”

Lady Beecham, who has worked as a counsellor and life coach for more than 20 years, is now appealing for people to act upon symptoms.

“Act upon them immediately. Put a bit of pressure on your GP and ask. Don’t rest on your laurels and forget about them.

“I’m just hoping it might ring a bell. If you notice any change in bowel habits that lasts for a long time, any bleeding in the stools which is red. Any diarrhoea or constipation. People could be anaemic and also have pain in the rectum.

“But most importantly, if in doubt, go and get it checked out.

“Be very clear and ask to be referred to a specialist. If you are over 50, don’t put it off because nine out of 10 people can be cured of this if caught early. I can get on with life, not as normal but to a lesser degree. I have a positive personality, I always like the glass to be half full.

“I don’t know how long I have, but I am determined to live and enjoy myself.”

Brenda Beecham’s story will be told in full tonight on Inside Out, BBC1, 7.30pm.