I’ve been trying to find the words to share this update, and I don’t think there will ever be an easy way to say it. Following my surgery, I’ve been diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive and terminal brain tumour. Although the surgeons were able to remove most of the tumour, it cannot be cured. I will now be having radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the hope of slowing its regrowth and giving me a little more time. It’s devastating news for me and my family, and something we’re all still trying to come to terms with. Sadly, this also means I won’t be returning to work at Abbey Foregate Post Office. Neil and Katie will be taking over permanently, and knowing that the business I’ve put so much of myself into will continue means an enormous amount to me. I hope it will be something of a legacy, and that you’ll continue to support them just as you’ve supported me. I do want to ask one thing of you all, and that’s to please be gentle with Neil and Katie. They’re doing their very best to keep everything running whilst dealing with something no family should ever have to face. I know how much they’re carrying at the moment, and a little patience and kindness will go such a long way. The difficult truth is that we don’t know how much time I have left, and the reality is that it may be very short. Cancer has already stolen five weeks from us, and I’m determined not to let it take any more of the precious days I have left. So, for now, we’re going to take life one day at a time. We’re going to spend time together, laugh, cry, make memories and enjoy every moment we can. And I’m going to hope that the treatment gives me a little longer to do just that. Thank you to everyone who has asked after me, sent messages and shown such kindness. It means more than I can possibly put into words. And please, keep supporting Abbey Foregate Post Office. It would mean the world to me to know that something I’ve worked so hard for will continue to be part of our lovely community. Much love, Caroline 💛

Just a little update from me. I’m home now after my surgery, tired but okay. I’ll be taking a few quiet weeks to rest while I wait for the results and a plan for what comes next. Neil and Katie are holding the fort for me while I navigate my new journey. So please continue to support them and our little family business. It really does make such a difference. The love and kindness we continue to receive from you all is truly appreciated. Caroline x

If you need us this week, Neil & Katie will be happy to help. Whether it’s a Post Office service, a quirky gift or a greeting card. We are a Main Post Office with the full range of services, the only Post Office in Shrewsbury with the full range of digital services (check timings) and possibly Shrewsbury’s best selection of greeting cards. 📍 Abbey Foregate Post Office 🎴 Chatterbox Cards 🗓️ Monday to Friday ⏰ 9am - 5pm 🅿️ Free parking 🐶 Dog friendly #AbbeyForegate #PostOffice #Shrewsbury #FreeParking #DogFriendly

The support this week has been quite extraordinary. And so as we go forward, I am going to start posting some of our more normal stuff again, to keep the page and the business moving forward. Please feel free to take photos, check in on Facebook while you are here, share a funny card or gift you have found. Take a photo of your van in my car park if you are banking, like I love to do. Let’s continue to show the power of supporting a small family business and the difference it makes. Am I utterly terrified? Yes. But everything that can be done at this stage is being done. By this time next week I will have had my surgery, and then we can look at where we go next. Thank you for caring about me, my family and this little business of ours.

So, this Monday begins a very different story for us. It has been possibly the hardest week for my kids and family, with many uncertainties still to come, but from today we have decided to look forward with hope, positivity and what feels like a whole town behind us. Every single comment, message, kind word and show of support has meant more to me and my family than we can put into words. Katie and Neil are ready for the week ahead. We are opening at 9am today and our hours are now 9am - 5pm.

I can not believe I am writing these words, but I have a brain tumour. I have now been to Stoke and seen the specialist neurosurgeon. I am booked to have the tumour removed on 8th October and have a few more tests and appointments over the coming weeks. This is obviously life changing and my family and I are still trying to process what this means and navigate our way forward. For now I am at home, keeping myself safe and quiet ahead of surgery. I am incredibly grateful for all the love and support, but for the moment I am not up to visitors just knowing you are thinking of me is more than enough. The Post Office will continue. We will REOPEN on Monday 28th September from 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. For now I will be stepping away from the counter and Neil and Katie will be taking over the day to day running of things. Please remember, first and foremost, Neil and Katie are my brother and my daughter and they are trying to come to terms with all of this too. They will inevitably do things differently to me but they will be doing their very best, so please bear with them while we all adjust. I have no idea what the next few months are going to look like, but for now, if I can ask one thing of you, it’s to keep using us and keep supporting us. My Post Office and shop are my only livelihood and I have to keep them going. I have never needed your business more than I do now. Caroline x

IMPORTANT UPDATE We are very sorry, but we will remain closed for the rest of this week. On Saturday, I suffered a seizure caused by a lesion on my brain. We are currently awaiting further results and a full diagnosis. This is an incredibly difficult time for me, my family and, inevitably, my business. The decision to close for the remainder of the week has not been an easy one, but it is necessary while I take some time to deal with what has happened and put the right support in place for both Neil and myself so that we can move forward. We will be back. We just need a little time to work out how we get there. Thank you for your kindness, understanding and support. We are genuinely sorry for the inconvenience this closure will cause and will keep you updated as soon as we can. Caroline x

Not the post I was expecting to write today… WE ARE VERY SORRY, BUT WE WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW. Following a very frightening medical incident yesterday afternoon, I am currently in hospital awaiting an MRI and some further treatment. I am ok but I will need a little time to navigate the next few days. Please bear with us, and thank you for your understanding. I will keep you updated as soon as I can. Caroline

Ending the week with a smile. 😂 This is perfect for Neil and his smiley disposition! That’s us finished until Monday at 9am. Have a lovely weekend! 🐾 Mini metal signs £3.95 each. 📍 Abbey Foregate Post Office 🎴 Chatterbox Cards 🗓️ Monday to Friday ⏰ 9am to 5.30pm 🅿️ Free parking 🐶 Dog friendly #AbbeyForegate #PostOffice #GreetingCards #Shrewsbury #DogFriendly

Short on time? Need to get a few things sorted before the weekend? Post Office services, gifts that are a little bit different, dog treats & toys and possibly Shrewsbury’s best selection of greeting cards. Sarcasm and smiles included. 😉 Returns, banking, passports, driving licences, travel money, car tax, DBS & ID checks, parcels and stamps. 📍 Abbey Foregate Post Office 🎴 Chatterbox Cards 🗓️ Monday to Friday ⏰ 9am to 5.30pm 🅿️ Free parking 🐶 Dog friendly #AbbeyForegate #PostOffice #GreetingCards #Shrewsbury #DogFriendly