When Pam was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, some 18 months ago, we were all devastated.  She was always fit and strong, and on the ball. She had so much to live for and so much love to give.  It was predicted that she would not survive 6 months without an operation.

Following the diagnosis, she was admitted to UCLH on the 3rdMay 2022. Mr Qureshi and his surgical team, undertook a massive operation on her, completely removing her oesophagus.  Also, part of her stomach was removed, and the remaining part was pulled up into the chest or neck to become the new oesophagus.

To gain access, a large incision was made in her back, ribs broken, and a lung deflated. A further large incision was made down the front centre of her body.

How they were able to undertake such an operation is amazing - over some 8-9 hours.

The doctors and nursing team then brought her back to reasonable health during the whole of May 2022 and she was discharged at the end of that month.

Once home, she progressed well. Gaining strength and eating/drinking normally. 

However, in September 2022, a CT scan identified she had metastatic liver cancer. By that time, she was starting to undergo chemotherapy. 

During the ensuing months, despite the chemo, Pam’s condition was gradually worsening.

In early May this year, she was advised by her Oncologist, that further chemo would do her more harm that good and to go home ‘and make memories’.

Sadly, within 2 months of being given that advice, Pam passed away. 

Hence despite the brilliant teamwork of the surgical team, they could not stop the spread of the cancer.

That is why we are appealing for funds for UCLH to undertake further research to see if one day it will be possible to arrest the spread of this hideous disease. 

I think Pam realised, over the last month, that she was deteriorating fast and needed help more and more - It was so unusual for her to say she felt unwell and could not cope.  It was still a shock though when, in the first weekend of July 2023, she left us. The operation had given her an extra year of life.

One of her dearest and final wishes was that we set up a Just Giving fund to support UCLH. This we have done and would seek your support to achieve her wish.

 Pam was beautiful both inside and out, and when she smiled at me, I felt alive. I was truly blessed to have a wife who loved me and that I loved so much. Even in the last few days, she could still raise a smile and give my hand a squeeze, even though she was obviously in extreme pain.

Please help us. 

Alan