Hartlepool mayor celebrates end of cancer battle and says 'I've got so much to live for'

Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Brenda Loynes rings the bell for the end of her cancer treatment at the University Hospital of Hartlepool with her husband and consort Dennis Loynes. Picture by FRANK REID

Councillor Brenda Loynes has completed seven months of treatment after it was discovered she had bowel cancer earlier this year.

While recovering from an operation in the University Hospital of North Tees to remove tumours Cllr Loynes was also diagnosed with Covid-19.

But she is now cancer free and looking forward to the future.

Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Brenda Loynes outside the University Hospital of Hartlepool with her husband and consort Dennis Loynes. Picture by FRANK REID

And she highly praised the chemotherapy day unit at the University Hospital of Hartlepool where she was treated.

Cllr Loynes, 68, who is the town’s ceremonial mayor and also represents Rural West ward, said: "It’s been quite an emotional journey.

“The love and support I’ve received from my husband, friends, family, fellow mayors and Hartlepool Borough Council has been absolutely phenomenal; overwhelming.

"All my treatment has been in Hartlepool chemo unit. They have been absolutely fantastic. I cannot thank them enough.”

Councillor Brenda Loynes rings the bell for the end of her cancer treatment at the University Hospital of Hartlepool with her husband watched by chemotherapy ward nursing staff. Picture by FRANK REID

Cllr Loynes previously beat breast cancer five years ago.

The new cancer came to light after Cllr Loynes fell during a civic engagement for the launch of the Way of St Hild pilgrimage route in March and developed severe stomach pain.

A scan revealed a tumour in her bowel which had spread.

Cllr Loynes said: “It was the fastest growing type of tumour. At that point it didn’t look too good but I had two operations and they managed to remove 99% of it.”

But immediately after the surgery, she developed a fever and tested positive for Covid meaning she had to be completely isolated for several days.

"It was pretty horrendous,” said Cllr Loynes. It meant her husband Dennis could not visit her.

When she recovered she began eight sessions of chemotherapy at Hartlepool hospital which sometimes caused her sickness, blood clots in her legs, and soreness to her hand where the needle was inserted.

She added: "Any problem I’ve had you can ring them and it has been sorted straight away.

“I was told by my consultant Kevin Etherson to lead a normal life and think positive and that’s what I have done throughout my treatment.”

There was no evidence of the cancer after the fourth round of chemo.

Cllr Loynes, of Naisberry Park, described ringing the hospital bell as “the greatest feeling in the world” adding: “It is a relief to know I’m free of cancer.”

She kept her illness relatively quiet and continued to carry out her mayoral and council duties.

Cllr Loynes, who is mum to Mandy and Simon, and a grandmother of five, is now looking forward to celebrating her golden wedding anniversary next year, two family weddings and the arrival of two new great-grandchildren.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused disruption to treatment nationally and locally with fewer patients from Hartlepool starting hospital treatment.

But Cllr Loynes said people need not fear attending the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

She said: “There’s no need to be worried.The staff at the hospital are there for you every step of the way.

"I could have quite easily given up a couple of times.”

And Cllr Loynes offered to be there to support anyone in a similar situation to her.

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