S2 - EP4 - Jess Walton

Widowed AF

In this episode of Widowed AF, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks to Jess Walton, a young widow from Swanley, North Kent.

Jess shares the story of her late husband, Matthew, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28. Despite initial dismissals by doctors, further tests confirmed the rare and aggressive cancer.

Jess walks us through their journey, detailing the challenges of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and radiotherapy, and how they managed these treatments while maintaining their daily lives.

She shares their decision to marry in October 2018 and their honeymoon in Canada, as they tried to reclaim a sense of normalcy.

The conversation shifts to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives, highlighting how the lockdown complicated Matthew's health care and the eventual return and spread of his cancer. Jess provides practical insights into managing serious illness and young widowhood during such unprecedented times.

Jess is now preparing her own significant challenge: a five-day trek in the Brecon Beacons for the charity CoppaFeel!, aimed at raising awareness about male breast cancer. This trek is not only a tribute to Matthew but also a testament to Jess's strength and determination to honour his memory.

For those interested in supporting Jess and she has setup a fundraising page here

https://www.justgiving.com/page/jess-walton

Tune in now to Widowed AF to hear Jess Walton's story.

Trigger Warnings:
1. Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.
2. Death and Bereavement.
3. COVID-19 Pandemic.
4. Grief and Loss.
5. Secondary Loss.
#WidowedAF #TrueStories #CancerJourney #YoungWidowhood

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Chapter

1. Introduction and Background (00:00:00)

2. Jess's Story and Diagnosis (00:01:11)

3. Treatment and Recovery (00:03:23)

4. Challenges and Support (00:08:12)

5. Life After Treatment (00:10:45)

6. Wedding and Honeymoon (00:12:17)

7. Covid and Cancer Recurrence (00:13:03)

8. Decline and Loss (00:15:40)

9. End of Life Care (00:19:13)

10. Last Moments and Funeral (00:23:41)

11. Reflections and Regrets (00:30:34)

12. The Challenges of Grieving Without Children (00:31:57)

13. Finding Motivation to Keep Going (00:32:23)

14. The Role of Pets in Grief (00:33:11)

15. Secondary Losses (00:33:39)

16. Losing a Parent (00:35:45)

17. Decisions About the Future (00:37:41)

18. Seeking Support and Belonging (00:38:40)

19. Supportive Communities (00:39:07)

20. The Impact on Work (00:40:00)

21. Counselling and Therapy (00:41:14)

22. Exploring EMDR Therapy (00:46:13)

23. Finding Happiness Amidst Grief (00:47:11)

24. The Journey of Grief (00:49:26)

25. The Importance of Love and Joy (00:50:16)

26. Taking on Challenges for a Cause (00:51:33)