Alistair Henderson has told how he is determined to keep alive the work his wife carried out after being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, five years on from her death. Karen Henderson, formerly of Eskbank, near Dalkeith, became widely known locally for campaigning and fundraising after her diagnosis, raising substantial sums for charities supporting people living with the condition.
From initial diagnosis to a life of campaigning
Karen was first told she had an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2016. At that time she was described by family as active and health conscious — a busy mother who exercised regularly and worked in a medical-checks role at HSBC. Following six months of chemotherapy and surgery she was given the all-clear and marked the occasion with friends and family.
However, the disease returned within months. Subsequent assessments showed the cancer had spread and she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer — a change from a potentially curable illness to a long-term, incurable but treatable condition. By Christmas 2020, the family say the situation had become increasingly serious.
Family reflections and determination
Her husband Alistair, now 63, recalled Karen’s personality and resilience. He said she enjoyed holidays, time with friends and family, and that she retained a warm disposition even as treatments continued. He described the toll of numerous surgeries and repeated chemotherapy sessions but said her courage shone through.
“She was beautiful, intelligent and had a zest for life,”
The couple’s son Tristan has also spoken of Karen’s qualities. The family emphasise Karen’s commitment to campaigning: after her diagnosis she became an active advocate for better support and raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity to improve services for people living with secondary breast cancer.
What remains and what it means locally
Five years after her passing, Alistair has resolved to maintain Karen’s legacy. The story underlines two wider points for Midlothian residents:
- The personal impact of secondary breast cancer on families and carers in the county.
- The role local campaigners can play in fundraising and improving services for people with long-term cancer diagnoses.
Alistair’s pledge to carry on his late wife’s work will be followed locally by those who knew Karen through fundraising and community activity. Her efforts, and the family’s decision to speak about them now, serve as a reminder of how campaigning by people with lived experience can shape support available to others.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Initial diagnosis of aggressive breast cancer |
| 2016 (later) | Six months of chemotherapy and surgery; temporary all-clear |
| Subsequent months | Recurrence and diagnosis of secondary breast cancer |
| By Christmas 2020 | Condition became increasingly serious; family say prognosis was poor |
For many in Midlothian, Karen’s story will be familiar: a reminder of the human stories behind cancer statistics and the ongoing work of local volunteers and campaigners. Alistair’s intention to keep her voice heard gives substance to calls for continued attention to the needs of people living with secondary breast cancer and their families.
