Carl Chinn sits down in conversation with Deborah Douglas, campaigner, author and chair of Breast Friends Solihull. Deb was born in Aston and grew up in a back-to-back in Nechells, sharing an attic with her brother and the two young uncles her mom had brought out of care.
She started on the shop floor at Lucas and rose to run production lines and investigate faults in aircraft electronics, from Birmingham to China and America. In 2003, the year after she lost her dad and two years after losing her mom, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and treated by Ian Paterson. Years later an independent consultant told her she should have had a lumpectomy, not a mastectomy, and should not have had seven months of chemotherapy. Deb has been leading the fight for justice, not only for herself but for all the other patients harmed by Ian Paterson, including the families of patients now at inquest.
This is a story about trust, persistence and community, and about a woman who used a quality engineer's eye to look for the truth. She also talks about the women of Breast Friends Solihull and her book, The Cost of Trust.
Content warning: This episode contains discussion of cancer, surgery and medical harm, and the deaths of patients and family members. Please do take care whilst listening or skip this episode if this could be distressing for you.
The Cost of Trust (book) - https://ourlives-ourstories.com/go/deborah-douglas-book
Breast Friends Solihull - https://ourlives-ourstories.com/go/breast-friends
Petition - https://ourlives-ourstories.com/go/petition
About This Podcast:
The Our Lives, Our Stories podcast features conversations about life stories, family history, memory, identity, and the moments that shape who we are.
Our Mission:
Our Lives, Our Stories is a living archive for our generation and the ones to follow. Our mission is to empower everyone to tell their story.
Record Your Own Story:
Our website https://www.ourlives-ourstories.com has free guides on how to unlock your memories and record them.
My Life, My Story:
My Life, My Story is a guided legacy journal curated by Carl Chinn that includes prompts to help you reflect on your memories, experiences, and family history. It's a keepsake to help preserve your story, or a special gift for a parent, grandparent, or loved one.
Available now on Amazon.
https://ourlives-ourstories.com/mylifemystory
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