Story
All donations made will go to private cancer treatments and repurposed drugs. Here's my story:
My name is Beth Roberts. I am 45 years old and I live in Liverpool. I am a mother to two beautiful children and have a wonderful husband, Oliver. I have always enjoyed exercise, so it came as quite a shock when I was diagnosed breast cancer in March 2015. I had been training for a half marathon when I had to stop mid-run, as I was in excruciating pain. I was diagnosed with a back strain, but I later discovered that I had broken my back in three places due to the spread of cancer in my bones. I had to have an emergency corpectomy to remove the crumbling vertebra that was pressing on my spinal column. I also had a hip replacement, as it was at the point of fracture. I have spent the last three years regaining my fitness and although I have had to give up running, I can now enjoy hiking, swimming and yoga. I spend as much time doing things I love. I have always been happy, but these years have reminded me of how lucky I am to have so many wonderful friends and family.
As a research ecology student, I now spend a lot of time researching latest cancer developments and I have set up a facebook page called "Beth's Cancer Journey" to help other patients. I also work for @METUPUK as a patient advocate to improve research and drug access for other patients.
I am responding well to current treatment at The Christie and my tumour load has reduced. I am exceptionally lucky to be treated under my amazing oncologist and at a centre of excellence. I had a second opinion via my gp and requested to move to The Christie. I am a big advocate of exercise and I have recently started on the B-AHEAD 3 trial under Dr Michelle Harvie at Manchester University. I also do a host of repurposed drugs under the Care Oncology Clinic and Professor Dalgleish. I have spent £53,500 of the money raised so far on private treatments.
The charity Yes to Life is brilliant at raising awareness and I hope that everyone will have access to more drug options in the future.