The grieving partner of a well known Helston businessman who died from cancer in 2020 has published his diary from the time, in the hope of raising awareness and funds for charity in his memory.
Brian Curtis was aged just 56 when, in September 2020, he died from nasopharyngeal cancer - a rare type of cancer that affects the part of the throat connecting the back of the nose to the back of the mouth.
He was well known for owning Harlequin Design in Helston for 19 years with his partner Anne, as well as being a member of Helston Rotary Club and the band Point Blank.
Brian first worked at the Godolphin Club in Helston, then various pubs in the area including The Norway Inn, and ended up running The New Inn at Mabe Burnthouse with Anne until 2001.
In 2013 he was recognised by Rotary with a Paul Harris Fellowship, and was given a Sapphire Award to reflect the work he had done for the community while battling cancer himself.
Initially thought to just have sinusitis, and then a polyp growing in his nostril, after seeing a specialist Brian was diagnosed with cancer in January 2018.
Although initially told that the chemotherapy and radiotherapy had been successful, by October 2019 the cancer was back and he began treatment again.
Immunotherapy was followed by more radiotherapy and then chemotherapy through the Covid pandemic, but sadly this time it did not have the same effect and at the end of August 2020 treatment was stopped. Just over two weeks later Brian died.
You can read a tribute to Brian at the time of his death here: Helston band member and business owner remembered after battle with cancer
Brian was a member of the band Point Blank (Image: Anne Williams)
Anne said: “Brian started writing a diary after his diagnosis. The hope was that it would give him something to look back on in the future, to see how far he had come, but he also liked the idea of printing it and raising money for a cancer charity. “He was very open about his diagnosis and his treatment and was always happy to answer any questions.
“It has taken me a few years, but at the start of 2024 I decided it was time to honour his wishes and to sort out his ramblings, some of which were typed and some handwritten in various notebooks. “Brian stopped writing when his oncologist stopped all treatment, so I have had to finish the last few weeks and have gone in to some of the details about his death.”
At times inspiring, at others amusing and also heartbreaking, ‘It’s Just Brian’ is described as “the ramblings of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the devastating loss of an incredibly brave man.”
Also included in the book, being sold in aid of two charities, are a large number of photos, including some taken during the last few months, where the tumour - which the couple christened ‘ALF’ - took over half of his face.
“I am not going to lie, this is not a feel good book to read,” said Anne. “It’s a real life diary with a very sad ending of an incredibly brave man and tissues are required, but the most important feedback I have had is that they can hear Brian’s voice when reading it.
“Brian was keen to highlight that if you have persistent sinusitis and nothing over the counter or from the doctor helps, please ask to get checked out further. Brian went from sinusitis to a polyp to a cancer diagnosis, and to say it was a shock was an understatement.”
Brian owned Harlequin Design in Helston for 19 years (Image: Anne Williams)
So far Anne has raised more than £2,300 in Brian’s memory through book sales, including a generous donation from Helston Rotary Club and the purchase of ten copies from the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard.
“I am extremely grateful to all those who have purchased a copy and raised far more than I ever anticipated,” added Anne.
She plans to continue collecting donations and book sales for another week or so, before handing over the money to two charities she has chosen.
The bulk of the money will go to the Sunrise Appeal, as Brian spent a lot of time at the Sunrise Centre having appointments and radiotherapy.
However, a proportion of the funds raised will go to the Heart of Headland Boxes fund - a fairly new initiative, which supplies a box of useful items for when starting treatment at the Headland Unit.
“Brian spent many hours having treatment at the Headland Unit, as well as on Lowen Ward, and I have a friend who has already benefited from one of the boxes when she started her treatment,” explained Anne.
Anyone who would like to buy a copy of the book can do so by sending £23.30 via PayPal to amwbdc@btinternet.com which includes the cost of the book and postage. People are asked to send it via the 'friends and family' option if possible, to avoid fees, and to ensure their PayPal detals include their full address.
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