CHEMOtivation was founded in April 2024 in memory of my late husband, Bob Southwick, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the previous year. We had no idea what to expect from chemotherapy, but we knew that without it there was no hope. These were, of course, very dark days for us.
Bob received his treatment at North Devon District Hospital and, on the very first day, he was given a ‘box of kindness’ to help him deal with the side effects. This came from Chemohero. It was incredible. It lifted our hearts and gave us hope for the future and the fight that was coming.
As Bob began his treatment, he vowed that if he was given an extension to his life he was going to spend any extra time helping others. Out of this came the idea for CHEMOtivation – a charity that would provide a ‘Hope in a Tote’ starter kit for anyone undertaking chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy at the Cherrybrook ward at the RD&E hospital, Exeter .
Bob battled his cancer for nine months. He remained cheerful and uncomplaining throughout. Yet the cancer finally beat him in December that year. He was lucky enough to end his days at home with me and the family. Bob was an amazing man. 66 was no age for someone like him to pass on. He could have done so much more for so many people. He was always confident and happy, looking on the bright side of life, listening to everyone and interested in what they had to say. He was a very popular member of the community.
He was born at Northlew and moved to Bath, when he was 10 years old. It was in Bath where he was introduced to the music scene. He played in many bands and played in a support group for large events. He worked for the MOD and was at Greenwich for a number of years where he had a very interesting life.
He was a bass guitarist, played in many bands and loved his music. He played bass in a ukelele band when we moved to Hatherleigh. Bob was also a keen bowler and played regularly for our local club. He was community spirited and was a trustee of the local Community Centre and also a Town Councillor.
We thoroughly enjoyed our retirement together. Sadly, it wasn’t as long as we had intended. Bob’s birthday was May 4th… and he always said, May the fourth be with you!
Marian Southwick (founder)
