Tea & Chat | 19/06/2024
Led by Leila Taha
Leila Taha’s life has been shaped by strength and resilience. Since moving to Egypt in 2007, she dedicated herself to education, impacting the lives of countless students. In 2021, she returned to the UK, a decision deeply influenced by her family’s experience during her stepfather Tim’s battle with cancer.
In October 2019, Tim was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer after a year of unexplained health issues. A routine scan, which extended beyond its initial scope, revealed the devastating truth—he was given a life expectancy of one to two years. The news was shattering. Leila and her daughter flew to the UK immediately, offering love and support as the family tried to come to terms with what lay ahead.
Tim underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy, facing immense fatigue and sickness. Yet, he remained overwhelmingly positive, inspiring those around him. His resilience became a pillar of strength for the entire family.
Leila and her family visited the UK for Christmas, creating treasured memories. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Tim and Leila’s mother found themselves in their own little bubble. As his primary caregiver, her mother provided constant support, ensuring Tim had everything he needed—from favourite meals to quiet walks when he felt strong enough.
A former head teacher and musician, Tim found solace in music. During the summer, he played guitar and sang on the patio overlooking the canal, entertaining neighbours and even fulfilling song requests through Facebook Live. These moments brought joy to many and created lasting memories for Leila, who watched from afar.
When Egypt was added to the UK’s red list, Leila acted swiftly, securing last-minute tickets to spend what she knew might be Tim’s final summer. Work and school were understanding, allowing her and her daughter to stay for nine invaluable weeks. The family focused on creating moments of joy and normalcy, cherishing the time they had left.
Saying goodbye at the end of the summer was one of the hardest moments of Leila’s life. Knowing she might never see Tim again, she asked him to take the shahada, the Muslim declaration of faith. Though not religious, Tim agreed, giving her a sense of peace amidst the heartbreak.
Tim passed away peacefully on October 4, 2020, just two days before Leila’s daughter’s birthday. Despite preparing for this moment, the finality of loss was overwhelming. COVID restrictions meant only 20 people could attend his funeral—a stark contrast to the hundreds who would have gathered in normal times. The family later planned a larger memorial to honour Tim’s life properly.
The journey through cancer taught Leila and her family profound lessons about love, resilience, and cherishing time together. They deeply appreciated the care and compassion of the NHS and Tim’s medical team. While cancer is cruel and indiscriminate, it also highlights the strength of the human spirit and the unbreakable bonds of family.
In the aftermath, Leila and her family chose to prioritise being close to loved ones, making the permanent decision to return to the UK. Their experience reinforced the importance of presence, connection, and making every moment count.
Many families understand the emotional, physical, and mental strain of caring for a loved one with cancer. Balancing personal well-being while providing care, comfort, and support is one of the most difficult challenges a family can face. Every cancer journey is unique, but the emotional core—the love, pain, and hope to make their remaining time meaningful—is universal. Having a strong support network of family, friends, and community resources can make the burden more manageable and provide the strength to keep going.
