Anne Orchard

I am life coach based in Dorset, UK, whose areas of expertise includes offering support to those affected by illness or death of a loved one and helping them to rebuild their lives.

Following the death of my mother from cancer in 1991, and my mother-in-law’s experience of breast cancer in 2004, I became increasingly aware of the valuable work performed by charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support and also hospices. My involvement with the local day-care hospice when living in Derbyshire inspired me to explore ways in which to share the positive philosophy I discovered there. As I researched, I realised that I was uniquely qualified to help those who are related or closely connected to cancer sufferers. They are also affected by the diagnosis of the disease, and yet support is so often lacking for them.

I gained my expertise through personal experience. My mother was diagnosed with secondary brain tumours in early 1991. The months that followed to her death were extremely challenging – in spite of the fact that I had very little physical input to her care. Each of those who loved her had a different perspective, their own experience. And all found the process very traumatic. Whilst practical support was available, emotionally the family just ‘got through’ the experience as best they could.

I then undertook many years of personal development, during which I gradually made sense of my experiences. When my mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was older, wiser and able to truly support her in whatever ways she needed. This time the outcome was happier, and I had coped much better with the stress in my own life. In sharing the insights I have gained over these years, I am finding my own sense of purpose in encouraging others to find their own lessons in the challenge that has been put before them.