Kendal: Call to help couple hit by dual serious health problems

Denis and Dawn Dobson, both from Kendal and in their early 40s, are facing an extremely difficult time.

Dawn, who was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive breast cancer around 12 weeks ago, is due to undergo a mastectomy on Thursday, June 26, after two previous lumpectomies, with the cancer since spreading to her bones.

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Her husband Denis is also ill suffering from intestinal failure and is awaiting a major operation involving full abdominal reconstruction.

This is after battling ongoing health issues since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Denis and Dawn have each faced serious health problems (Image: Submitted) Now, friend and former neighbour Sarah Benjamin, 51, is leading a fundraising effort to help them.

 "They have always been the kind of people who would help anyone," said the mum of four and grandmother to five.

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"When Storm Desmond flooded our home in 2015, and while my husband was going through cancer treatment, they were the first to help us. They were our rock.

"Throughout this situation, they’ve struggled with money because they haven’t been able to work, and with two boys - Corey, 18, and Tyler, 14 - they just can’t afford anything extra."

One of the main goals of the fundraiser is to transform their garden - a small gesture that could provide a peaceful sanctuary for the family to spend time together during such a challenging period.

Denis and Dawn's Kendal garden which Sarah would like to transform (Image: Sarah Benjamin) Sarah said: "Dawn told me, particularly during this hot weather, that she's really struggled being ill and not being able to sit outside because they basically don't have anything to sit on.

"They’ve got a garden but Denis has been poorly for a lot of years and it’s been neglected.

"They paid someone years ago to lay slabs but they didn’t do it properly.

"Denis and Dawn have said they didn’t want money - they just hoped someone could come and help. I can’t physically help them now because my own husband is poorly so I thought the least I could do was try to raise some money."

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The fundraiser aims to cover the cost of new paving, a garden sofa, an outdoor mat and some new planters. 

Sarah is also appealing to local tradespeople or gardeners who might be willing to volunteer their time.

"If we raise enough, we’d also love to give the boys a night away somewhere," Sarah added. "They’ve been through so much and they deserve a bit of a break."

Denis and Dawn are known for their generous nature (Image: Submitted) Since the Go Fund Me page was launched on Thursday, June 19, the fundraiser has reached 56% of its £2,000 target and is at £1,130 at the time of writing.

"I've never done anything like this before and I've been so overwhelmed by the support of the community," Sarah said. "Thank you so much to everyone who has donated."

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"It just shows what a lovely couple they are - they've helped so many people, and now it's time for us to help them."

To donate to Denis and Dawn's 'little sanctuary', visit the Go Fund Me page.