For The Love Of Emma
Having tragically lost his wife at the age of only 49, Michael Gregory has created the Orange Foundation to help and support others living with cancer
Though very much in its infancy, the Orange Foundation has big plans to help people with a cancer diagnosis get support when they need it most.
The story begins in the late 1990s when Michael met Emma Aindow, students at the University of Central Lancashire – Emma studying law and Michael, PR and marketing. Family life soon began when Emma became a mum to Oliver and later, Laurence and daughter, Imogen. The family settled in Hutton, just outside Preston.
Emma, originally from Hesketh Bank, was an incredible ambassador for the vulnerable especially as their second son Laurence was born with Fragile X syndrome, a lifelong condition which can cause a wide range of difficulties with learning, emotional, social, behavioural, language and attentional problems.
Together with her horse Henry, Emma was also passionate about fitness. She was a fell runner, endurance horse rider and even completed the Bob Graham Round – the 66 mile, 27,000ft circuit of 42 of the highest peaks in the Lake District – all to be achieved within 24 hours. Emma loved to challenge herself and push boundaries.
It was a devastating shock then, that such a fit and healthy woman could be diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at only 45 years old. Michael said: “You are suddenly catapulted into the cancer world that is all new and confusing. We knew we were fortunate because of private health insurance and the tenacity to ask questions and push back on some information. Because of this, we had some excellent care delivered by some excellent healthcare professionals. But not everyone is able to process all the information or question their full range of options. Emma was a force of nature and knew something must be done to help those who don’t have a support system around them. Emma was given six months to live but went on to live four years more. She made every minute count.
“We were in the hospital one day and we noticed an older lady sitting on her own. After starting a conversation, we discovered that she had no family and was going to an empty home after her treatment. So many people must be living with cancer on their own. These are exactly the people the charity aims to help – the people that may not get the support they need.”
The four years of treatment was gruelling at times and the couple found themselves a different specialist hospitals and facilities across the North West as symptoms changed. Emma, described by her friends as a ‘tornado of positivity’, kept her sense of humour throughout: “Emma was extremely positive,” continued Michael, “and although she inevitable had her down days, her humour got her through. One time, she had to have an operation in the December and then spend time in the Intensive Care Unit at Blackburn Hospital. I was told that the ward manager would contact me if there were any problems. I was at work one day when I got a call from the unit and with heart racing and dread growing, tentatively answered the phone. The message was from Emma – ‘Please can you buy a Christmas Radio Times?’”
Emma passed away on 30th December 2022. “Orange was her favourite colour and it is fitting that orange also signifies energy, positivity and optimism, fire and courage, just like her personality. Our family decided we need to do something in her memory and help others in similar situations,” Michael added.
The Orange Foundation was registered with the Fundraising Regulator in November 2023 and its ambitions are built on five segments of support: Fund diagnostics, scans or consultations that will help speed up the delivery of plans or treatment itself, contribute to cancer treatment, which isn’t always readily available on the NHS or to people who don’t have private medical insurance, provide the patient and family members with talking therapies, fund cosmetic treatments, accessories or surgery and provide patient advocacy services.
Michael explained: “So for example, someone’s hair loss may affect how they feel about themselves so we can buy them hairpieces or fund other cosmetic services. Talking therapy is really important and not always immediately available, so we’ll fund a course of counselling sessions. We also work with Patient Advocate which offers a range of support and navigation of the NHS system, by fully qualified and experienced staff.
“If you are on a low income or a veteran with an existing diagnosis, you can apply to the Foundation for help. Grants are currently capped at £2,000 but this will hopefully increase along with our donators and fundraising efforts.”
If you would like to help support local people living with cancer, or need support yourself, please visit the website and look out for further information on the Foundation’s first charity ball on 25th October. The Masquerade Ball will be held at Preston North End’s Invincibles’ Lounge.
“Emma would be overwhelmed by the creation of the charity,” Michael concluded. “She hated fuss or attention, but she would be incredibly proud that charity will be able to support those who need it most.”
