Happy ending at Edenside for cancer survivor

One man's inspirational story of survival of breast cancer has reached its own happy ending, as he and his fiancée recently bought their first love nest at Barratt West Midlands' Edenside development in Wednesbury.

Jeff Scriven, 52, was diagnosed with breast cancer just before Christmas in December 2004. Within a week, Jeff was back in hospital to have a mastectomy and was discharged two days before Christmas. After the operation, he was forced to quit his job at a removals firm because of the invasive surgery to his chest muscles. Five months later he decided he wanted to get his life back on track and began work as a cleaner at the Bullring, which was where he eventually would meet Norma Taylor (45) in January 2008. And in June, the first-time buying couple bought their first property - a two-bedroom Barratt apartment at Edenside.

Now, Jeff has completed four years in remission and next October, after the fifth year, he will be given the all clear. He added "The whole ordeal has been tough, but my two children, Emma (25) and Stephen (24) have helped me through. Knowing that they are there and I can pick up the phone any time has really given me something to live for.

"Now, I just feel lucky to have found someone I love, an apartment I am thrilled to bits with and a steady job I am happy in."

The pair were engaged in June on Norma's birthday and moved in to their Falkirk ground floor apartment just two weeks later. What is more, they will celebrate Jeff's recovery and cement their love in matrimony as well as in bricks and mortar when they are married in December, capping a vintage 2008.

To seal the deal on their first love nest, Barratt offered five per cent deposit paid, plus all legal fees covered on the couple's apartment. Jeff said, "It was the first time either of us had bought a property and we were both very daunted by the prospect of the paperwork. But thanks to our sales negotiator's help we were walked through the process and got through it.

"At the end of the day so much comes with a Barratt home which saves time and money and if anything goes wrong or you have any questions, they sort it out straight away. We are thrilled to be able to start our lives together here."

Graydon Worthing, Sales Director for Barratt West Midlands, said, "Jeff's story is truly an inspiration to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, especially men with breast cancer. I wish him all the luck and happiness for the future and it is just great that he and Norma will be celebrating his recovery and their marriage in a Barratt home.

"At Barratt, we take time to make sure we are offering unrivalled levels of customer service to our homeowners and prospective purchasers. When couples are happy with their choice of home, it confirms that we are offering that service and that is what we build our reputation as a house builder on."

Edenside is located on Elwell Street in Wednesbury and offers two bedroom apartments from £117,200 and three bedroom houses from £185,500. For further information, visit Barratthomes.co.uk/edenside.