Hi Jools,

I was in a similar position 14 years ago, when I had my first diagnosis - I had a second bout a year later. I had just moved into new premises and had encountered a lot of expense in building, fitting them out, etc. I took on extra staff and doubled my workload to increase the money coming in. When I could, I worked there myself, but eventually had to assume a more managerial role. I had just put it on the market when Covid hit. Naturally, my reserves were depleted by this, although they weren't as low as they were to start with. Fortunately, I was allowed to work throughout Covid, but incurred even more organisation and expense to be able to do so. 

Last year I finally put the business on the market and it sold straight away.  With the benefit of hindsight, I carried on far too long for my own sake. I had a lot of stress with the business, whilst coping with my diagnoses and treatment. This has taken it's toll on me. Now that I've finally retired at 74, I no longer have the strength, mobility or energy to do all the things I had planned to do. In that time life has taken it's toll on my hubby too. We are no longer able to get insurance to travel abroad - continental holidays featured strongly in our plans - we were too busy to go when I was working and now we've left it too late.

Have a chat with your accountants and see what they suggest. With a healthy looking order book, it could still be a viable option to sell, but you'll need some advice about the cost incurred of winding things up and how to meet these commitments. Voluntary bankruptcy is another option to consider and is not as drastic as you might think.

I know that you are just about to start radiotherapy, but don't let that force you into making the wrong decision. I don't know your age, but this will also have a bearing on what you eventually do.

Whatever decision you come to, I hope that it turns out to be the right one for you.

Please keep in touch and let us know what you eventually do. As you know, we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jools,

I was in a similar position 14 years ago, when I had my first diagnosis - I had a second bout a year later. I had just moved into new premises and had encountered a lot of expense in building, fitting them out, etc. I took on extra staff and doubled my workload to increase the money coming in. When I could, I worked there myself, but eventually had to assume a more managerial role. I had just put it on the market when Covid hit. Naturally, my reserves were depleted by this, although they weren't as low as they were to start with. Fortunately, I was allowed to work throughout Covid, but incurred even more organisation and expense to be able to do so. 

Last year I finally put the business on the market and it sold straight away.  With the benefit of hindsight, I carried on far too long for my own sake. I had a lot of stress with the business, whilst coping with my diagnoses and treatment. This has taken it's toll on me. Now that I've finally retired at 74, I no longer have the strength, mobility or energy to do all the things I had planned to do. In that time life has taken it's toll on my hubby too. We are no longer able to get insurance to travel abroad - continental holidays featured strongly in our plans - we were too busy to go when I was working and now we've left it too late.

Have a chat with your accountants and see what they suggest. With a healthy looking order book, it could still be a viable option to sell, but you'll need some advice about the cost incurred of winding things up and how to meet these commitments. Voluntary bankruptcy is another option to consider and is not as drastic as you might think.

I know that you are just about to start radiotherapy, but don't let that force you into making the wrong decision. I don't know your age, but this will also have a bearing on what you eventually do.

Whatever decision you come to, I hope that it turns out to be the right one for you.

Please keep in touch and let us know what you eventually do. As you know, we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx