Personal cancer stories
PERSONAL STORIES
1 in 2 people in the UK will get cancer during their life time. Every pound you give helps speed up life-saving cancer research, bringing treatments to people who need them, faster.
KAREN
While training to be a fire fighter, Karen, discovered a lump in her breast and was later diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Sadly, Karen passed away on the 19th February 2019. She was 41 years old.
Hamish
No family should have to face a cancer diagnosis, let alone two. Hamish died from a brain tumour when he was eight years old, and his mum, Susan, is now facing an incurable breast cancer diagnosis.
CHARLIE
Treatment has severely affected Charlie, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015. As a result of surgery, Charlie's hair won’t ever come back, he can’t walk properly and his pituitary gland is damaged so he can’t grow anymore.
Emily
Emily was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2011, which later spread to her lymph nodes, lungs and brain. She openly shared her experience on YouTube and touched the lives of many. She passed away in June 2018, aged 24.
JAMIE
When Jamie was just 24 he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour that ended his judo career. Jamie passed away in November 2017.
RUBY
Annette and Tim lost their daughter, Ruby, to a brain tumour when she was just 10. She was a loving and affectionate child who will always be remembered.
STEVE
Steve was diagnosed with bowel cancer six years ago. Following recovery, he’s now getting payback on cancer by taking on climbing challenges and spreading the importance of early diagnosis.
ISLA
Isla’s parents, Nikki and Michael, were told she had neuroblastoma in March 2017. She has relapsed twice since but Isla is responding well to treatment and her family remains hopeful.
MICHAEL
Michael and Shannon had been married for two months when he was told he had leukaemia and may only have two weeks to live. Despite seeing improvements, Michael’s condition worsened and sadly, he died in September 2018, aged 25.
FELICIA
20-year-old Felicia was first diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma when she was just 6 years old. She underwent treatment, but her cancer returned when she was 9, and then again at 18. Felicia has now been told that her cancer is incurable.
Amanda
30-year-old Amanda has vaginal cancer, a rare type of cancer that usually occurs in women over the age of 70. Though her prognosis is unclear, Amanda has plans to help others going through treatment.
CHRIS
Chris was diagnosed with osteosarcoma after doctors discovered a tumour in his leg when he was 19, resulting in a leg apputation. Now 22, Chris’ cancer is shrinking, and he's raising awareness of cancer in young people.
ANITA
Following her engagement to Scott, Anita was diagnosed with stage 2, grade 3 breast cancer in December 2015, meaning her dreams were put on hold.
HOLLY
Holly’s dancing dreams were cut short when she was diagnosed with leukaemia at just 15 years old. Fast forward to today – she’s now five years in remission, and is back to full fitness.
EVE
Eve was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, in 2015. Her doctors tried multiple treatments but they eventually stopped working. Very sadly in June 2017, Eve died aged just 11.
SUE
Following her diagnosis for an aggressive form of breast cancer back in 2008, Sue had a double mastectomy. To mark five years of remission, she got a tattoo over the scars to celebrate her victory over cancer.
ANNALESHA
Annalesha was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2015. With two young kids and a loving husband, it was the last thing she ever imagined happening. Very sadly Annalesha passed away in July 2017.