Maxine Smith

Maxine Smith has been an incredible inspiration to myself and anyone whom is privileged enough to know her. Although always a positive, generous, hard working individual, Maxine over the last 18 months has exceeded all expectations and dealt with a tremendous set of circumstances that would founder most people. It began with the death of her beloved brother Michael in August 2009, which inspired her to begin the process of voluntary community care work for people requiring emotional support. Within weeks of this she was diagnosed with breast cancer, by miracle despite having endured a mascetomy over the xmas period, Maxine and her partner Ben received the happy news that Maxine was in fact pregnant. Although pregnancy due chemotherapy can hold main question marks, Maxine and Ben decided to go ahead with the pregnancy. Maxine attended work throughout her pregnancy whilst undergoing treatment and gave birth to a healthy baby boy 'Alfie' In August 2010. In addition to this , Maxine raised over £3000 for charity by marketing the shaving of her hair (in anticipation of chemotherapy) with 'Hair Today, gone tomorrow'. She is also setting up a cancer awareness campaign and seeking support from current suffers of cancer the media - this is still in working progress. Maxine works hard, never gives up and is determined in everything that she does. I think there are lessons to be learnt for everyone in following her work and life ethic.