Maggie's is a charity that provides emotional, practical and social support to those living with cancer and their loved ones. Having this support makes an enormous difference to anyone diagnosed. Maggie's does not receive any government funding whatsoever and relies solely on charitable donations

Gems story 

September 2018 was the year that we learnt all about how cancer can effect every aspect of your life.

I was diagnosed with a very aggressive high grade ovarian cancer luckily contained within my abdomen.

I had been feeling unwell for a while but with 3young girls we really hadn’t expected to hear much more than this was fatigue and birthing issues. Sadly the day we learnt the histology results , following a total hysterectomy) was a tremendous shock to my friends, family and my husband Lee in particular. He had been convinced it was all going to be fine.

I have never want to see that look of desperation and fear in his face again. He held me and told me not to worry but he was far from convincing.

We left that surgeons room after talking about life expectancy, dangers of chemo, hair loss and we’re told that my age and good health would be of great help during chemo.

We were sent off in a daze and found ourselves following these Maggie’s or age signs until we arrived at a building filled with lounges and a chefs kitchen, a sign outside saying “come inside” and we were met at the door with friendly faces. 

We literally had a million places we wanted to be but Maggie’s was where we found ourselves, mee getting answers to what would happen to my hair and what food not to eat and lee reading books on how and when to tell the girls. We took some booklets home and they helped both lee and i with some great work and meditation classes. Provided hair care ideas, make up tips, dietician courses and yoga. 

I would always leave feeling very grateful and I liked that it was a building where people just got it.

Funny saying that now as we both said the first day we had gone into Maggie’s that we didn’t understand what it was needed for…we had our our lounge at home after all but it’s the feeling and the healing of those walks that cannot be found in our own.

Jump to 2021 and my anxiety was at an all time high. Being off and on watch and wait, waiting with the gun to head syndrome for scans and blood results and trying not to panic when it suddenly doubled.

Covid meaning delays and I found my appointments not as regular. I had more symptoms again and felt like I was constantly under the microscope and was wasting my life with worry.

Out of the blue I received a messge from Maggie’s inviting me to come along as a long term survivor for high grade ovarian cancer…the majority have reoccurred within the 3 years I have had cancer free.

The fact the invite came at a time when spirits were low brought it to my attention that I had lost the love of life in the fear of death and that if I were well enough to get up there and show my family that the old Gem is in there somewhere.

In my usual last minute style I signed up and was accepted to walk under the wings of Concorde October 16th to raise awareness of Maggie’s and Ovarian cancer too. I cannot tell you how excited I am to do this for my family. 

We would love it if you would please share my story and or consider sponsoring me to tell my story and strut my stuff on the catwalk. Every little counts or even raffle prizes are accepted 

I’m hoping this gives me the old confident girl back. It’s a huge honour and achievement for our family to see how far we have come and no matter what happens from here on in we are eternally grateful for you all.

Cancer changed our worlds and things will never be the way their were before, but without cancer I’d not have found Maggies and all the amazing things that came with that. 

It’s a bumpy road but one I’m learning to take day by day. 

Wish me all the thenluck you can and please share & pledge for my cancer story if you are able xxx 

Love always 

Gem x