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Transcript of BBC South Today video
Kay Alexander (BBC South Anchor) reports; "Richie Keefe from Bournemouth has a devastating rare form of facial cancer. Doctors have told him he has just months to live. In the time he has left he is making sure he can put behind a legacy he can be proud of. Richie who is 36 and who has a wife and young daughter is the inspiration behind a new trust that is aiming to bring financial and emotional support for families in the Bournemouth area who have lost a loved one through cancer. Briony Leyland reports."

Briony Leyland voiceover; "9 year old Eleenor is storing up a treasure chest of memories. She understands that the time she has left with her Dad is limited. Richie Keefe was diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma a few months before Eleenor was born. Back then Doctors told him and his new wife Jo that cancer of the head and neck is normally found in women."

Richie Keefe speaks; "As far as my surgeons told me at my age and sex it was just completely unheard of."

Jo Keefe speaks "Devastating, absolutely devastating as far as trying to bring a child into the world whilst your husband is, well you know, going through something that is life threatening."

Briony Leyland voiceover "After radical surgery the cancer retreated. Richie had 30 operations to reconstruct his face, neck and teeth. But then after 8 years the cancer returned and more surgery was needed."

Richie Keefe speaks "The last big operation they released my nasal cavity, palate, top jaw and the cheek bone."

BL voiceover "That operation bought the family time which they've made the most of, but now the cancer has spread and is inoperable. As a family they've decided that Richie won't have any more chemotherapy, instead they'll enjoy their last summer together."

Eleenor Keefe speaks "I didn't like seeing him ill anymore so I just said no I don't like it I don't want you to have any more (chemotherapy). I said I just don't like it and then I said well that's my decision it's up to whatever you want really."

Briony Leyland voiceover; "A big concern that Richie has shared with his best friend Danny is what will happen to his family when he's gone. That was the starting point for The Life and Soul Trust. With a Gala Ball they've already raised thousands (of pounds) to support families like Richie's."

Trustee, Danny McClafferty speaks; "Sometimes you find that some families just don't have the means to provide when that loved one is gone and Life and Soul wants to, aims to help these people."

Richie Keefe speaks; "The Richie Keefe Life and Soul Trust that I've helped establish is a great sense of security knowing there's going to be someone there after you've gone."

Briony Leyland voiceover; "The Keefes are busy planning an adventure to Ireland. Richie is getting things in order, he's written cards for all of Eleenor's birthdays up to the age of 21. Briony Leyland for BBC South Today in Bournemouth."

Kay Alexander (in studio) reports; "And if you'd like more information about the Trust, it's been set up in Richie's name. There's a website, here it is, Richie Keefe life and soul trust dot org dot UK."

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