A MUM -of-four who was diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer at the age of 30 has started a new chapter in her life and published a children’s book.

Stacey Radcliffe, who was diagnosed in 2013, suffered the devastating news that her mum had suffered a brain haemorrhage in her sleep when she was half way through her chemotherapy. Stacey and her family went straight to her bedside and was with her when she died.

To cope with her loss, she set herself a list of goals and aspirations.

On the wish list was to write a children’s book.

Stacey, now 37, has achieved that dream and has published Winnie and Daisy: The Adventurous Duo. The book tells the story of fictional characters which are based on the family’s own French bulldog (Winnie) and Yorkshire Terrier (Daisy); Winnie was the name of Stacey’s mum dog.

Stacey, who lives in Rhyl and is married to Gareth, 38, said: “When I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, my husband and I had three children who were aged two, four and six. I had to have six rounds of chemotherapy. Half way through my chemotherapy, I received devastating news about my beautiful mum. We went straight to her bedside and held her tightly as she passed away, peacefully.

“Breaking the news to my little boys as well as my cancer diagnosis were the hardest things me and my husband have ever had to do. Our boys have remained so positive and strong throughout it all and we couldn’t be prouder.

"My beautiful mum was in Leicester infirmary. I honestly can’t put down in words how we felt and still feel, I’m really not sure how we got through it all.

Rhyl Journal:

Stacey with her book Winnie and Daisy: The Adventurous Duo

"I remember attending mum’s funeral one day and my husband driving us straight home ready for chemotherapy the next day. I’m sure that my mum carried us all through, like she always did. I feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful mum for 30 years.

“During this difficult time, I decided that had to make the most of this life as no one knows what’s around the corner. I wanted to make my mum and family proud and to show my boys that no matter what the obstacle, anything is possible, so I set myself a list of goals and aspirations.

“In 2017, I achieved my BSc (Hons) Complementary Therapies in Healthcare Degree at University in Glyndwr in Wrexham. But during my degree, I underwent a few major surgeries, a haemorrhage and lost our fourth child, a little girl called Rubi-Rose. She sadly passed away due to Edwards Syndrome.

“We were heartbroken. We now have a pink blossom tree in our garden for the boys to tie a ribbon to every year on her birthday.

“On leaving university I went on to win Student of the Year with the Federation of Holistic Therapists having been nominated by my wonderful tutor.”

In 2019, the couple welcomed a ‘beautiful’ rainbow baby in March - Brodi-Beau. He joined big brothers Tyler-George, Theo and Riley.

“With so many goals now achieved and my family now complete, I resorted back to my list which stated ‘to publish my very own children’s book’,” Stacey added.

Rhyl Journal:

Tyler-George is 13, Theo 10, Riley is aged nine and Brodi-Beau is 15 months old.

“I began writing during my chemotherapy treatment and following the loss of mum, it was a way of escape really, a way to enjoy adventure without the need to travel.

"It gave me a real focus and brought joy and laughter when it was needed most, not only for myself but for my husband and children too”.

Stacey, whose children are now aged 13 (Tyler-George), 10 (Theo), Riley (nine) and 15-months old (Brodi-Beau), was supported by family, friends and Sue Miller, the founder of Team Author UK.

“She guided me from start to finish along my author journey," Stacey explained.

“Lisa Williams created my beautiful illustrations, capturing the characters perfectly and making my story come to life and Sarah Fountain for designing the book far better than I had ever envisaged."

Stacey said she has always 'loved' to write.

"I’ve written poetry since being very small," she added.

"However, my story writing began during chemotherapy.

"I wrote a few stories for each of my children as a keepsake and it was only when I saw how they reacted to them, I realised the power of words and the importance of that escape for us all. Each story gave us time out from thinking or worrying, just us time, snuggled up together, enjoying adventure and an imaginative escape.

"After mum passed away, we welcomed Winnie into our home. She gave us such comfort and is a lovely reminder of my dear mum.

"Daisy came to join our family a few years later following the loss of our much-loved Rubi-Rose and dog Binx. Little Daisy stole our hearts instantly and brought so much energy and life to our home.

Rhyl Journal:

Stacey and her husband Gareth with her children Tyler-George, Theo, Riley and Brodi-Beau

"It wasn’t long before I began writing stories about them both and the adventurous duo were formed."

Speaking what it was like to hold the first hard copy of the book in her hands, Stacey said: "It felt amazing, I was literally bursting with pride, there was a few tears, happy tears, and a few tears for those who we wished were here to see it too.

"I loved most seeing the joy it brought to my children as we read it out loud, the laughter, giggles, cuddles we shared.

"Our boys were also delighted to see I had used a few of their ideas and phrases within the story itself.

"A memorable moment was when I walked into the lounge to find my son Theo reading my book to Brodi-Beau, both cuddled up giggling away. That memory will stay with me forever.

"I’d like to say thank you so much to all those who believed in me and for making this dream come true.”

Stacey is happy to report she currently has 'no evidence of disease.'

She had 10 things on her initial 'wish list' and has achieved half of those so far.

"There a few on that list that are going to take a while yet, but I live in hope," she said.

"Winnie and Daisy will be heading into unchartered waters in the next book. There will be sharks, magical sea creatures and a mermaids SOS plea.

"Each book has a message within it. This first book was about how we all dream of adventure with loved ones, but there really is no place like home. I felt this was important to share during our time in lockdown.

"There are another three books written to date and I’m in the midst of another.

"I have been completely overwhelmed, especially with the support I have received and are still receiving.

"I love hearing from readers and their little ones who are enjoying their adventure with the adventurous duo.

"I’m thrilled to hear children are being inspired to read, share story time with loved ones, enjoying giggles before bedtime and being inspired to write their own books."

Winnie and Daisy: The Adventurous Duo is available to purchase on Amazon.