A diagnosis of terminal cancer can be very hard to understand and accept. Once you are diagnosed with terminal cancer, you may feel overwhelmed, like you can’t take it all in or that it’s just a bad dream. Most people living with cancer experience a wide range of feelings and emotions, including shock, sadness, fear and disbelief as they come to accept the diagnosis, and during this time support from the industry can play a vital part in helping those who are suffering from cancer.

Over the past few years, the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) has offered both financial and emotional support to hundreds of people who work or have worked within the electrical sector and were struggling to come to terms with their devastating and frightening diagnosis.

One example of this is Nick, who was referred to EIC by a work colleague concerned for Nick’s mental wellbeing after discovering that he had recently been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer.

There are around 5,700 new liver cancer cases in the UK every year; that's 16 every day. Often there are no early symptoms of liver cancer because the liver is a very resilient organ that can continue to work well even when large parts of it are damaged. If you do notice symptoms, they may be similar to those seen in other liver conditions and are often precisely the same as those in cirrhosis. Some of the common signs of liver cancer include fatigue and weakness, loss of appetite and weight, nausea, itchy skin, discomfort over the liver area (upper right-hand section of the abdomen), jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) and swelling of the stomach.

Nick is an active man who particularly enjoys both watching and participating in two of his favourite sports, rugby and cricket, as well as spending time with his three children. He is committed to his employment role and enjoys engaging with his team. Following the life-changing diagnosis, Nick was devastated and his struggle to come to terms with his condition left him needing psychological support.

Initially, prior to his distressing diagnosis, Nick’s colleagues noticed that he was very yellow-eyed, and his body had become yellow too. Nick immediately consulted a specialist, and they suspected that he had a blocked bowel duct before calling him back in to remove a spinal tumour and, finally, two weeks after blood results and further testing, doctors informed him that he had terminal liver cancer. They estimated that his life expectancy was a year if not less, and this is when Nick’s life turned upside down and left him in emotional turmoil.

Nick was managing financially but didn’t know how he would cope in the future as he was receiving chemotherapy and was not able to go to work, which resulted in a reduced salary.

Thanks to supporters like you who donate to powerLottery every month and take part in the Charity’s wide range of fundraising industry events, EIC was able to offer Nick much-needed support immediately. The Charity arranged telephone counselling to help him emotionally during his treatment. Nick found talking to an external party very helpful.

During many visits, the Charity also discovered that Nick did not have a will in place and had not considered a lasting power of attorney, which would enable him to give another person the right to make decisions about his care and welfare in the future. EIC provided him with all his legal support and covered his mortgage payments, which were of concern to Nick as his company had reduced his salary significantly and he could not maintain this expense. Additionally, the Charity also supported Nick through the process of releasing a pension he held with another company so that this could be used to support him and his family during his treatments.

Although Nick has a diagnosis of terminal cancer, his bravery and resilience are admirable in the fight to prolong his life – and he is succeeding. Nick has now returned to work and this is a momentous achievement for him as he has had to reside at home inactive for months. Despite Nick’s terminal diagnosis he maintains his high spirits and is looking forward to spending the time he has with his family and friends.

Being diagnosed with terminal cancer is a very difficult and extremely distressing experience that creates a crisis for those who are suffering and their loved ones. Every year, through a wide range of national and regional fundraising events, its Employee Assistance Programme and funds raised from powerLottery, EIC can offer support to those who are finding it particularly challenging to cope with the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis and give them a chance to live as normal a life as possible.

If you would like to show your support for those who are struggling following their cancer diagnosis, take part in powerLottery today by simply downloading the EIC powerLottery app and tap the app to play.

Alternatively, if you or someone you know has been affected by cancer and requires support, please contact the EIC support team:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0800 652 1618.

For further information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.