My Story

All going to plan - the day of the abseil should be a week or so after my Mums fourth round of chemotherapy. 

She was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in May - a never smoker, and otherwise fit as a fiddle - to say that this came as a shock to us all is an understatement. 

Almost entirely asymptomatic - a lingering cough was the only tell tale sign that persuaded the GP to send her for further investigations. 

More than 43,000 people a year are diagnosed with lung cancer - and often at a late stage.

Mum is part of a research trial comparing a new strategy and treatment regime for late stage NSCLC against the current gold standard - with the aim being to try and find improvements to quality of life, and reduction of side effects from treatment. 

The way my Mum has chosen to respond to her diagnosis is inspiring - to be part of research that has the potential to help so many people who are diagnosed in future - is just incredible .

It means a lot of travel in and out of London to Guys, daily reporting on the trials tool, as well as being a guinea pig for new drugs with unknown side effects. 

The five-year survival rate for lung cancer has more than doubled since 2005 - thanks to tireless research and sweeping improvements in targeted therapies - and I couldn't be more proud of my Mum for her decision to take part in a trial that could further help shape the future of care for others in her position. 

I will be abseiling off the side of St Thomas's to raise money for the lung cancer research team at Guys.

A huge thank you to everyone at Guys Cancer Centre for their time and care - and thank you in advance to anyone who donates!