In February 2017, Mel was given a diagnosis of Breast Cancer at 49 years old. Within months Mel had surgery and chemotherapy, a journey she embarked on with hope, determination and strength. 

Mel continued to live life, she went on holidays, celebrated birthdays, attended concerts and most importantly spent time with her grandchild and family. Mel never missed an opportunity to experience life. She continued to work, her friends kept her confidence and spirits up and her calendar was more than full!

In 2019, she developed a pain in her shoulder and was later told that the cancer had spread to the bone. This was such devastating news. Mel started another course of chemotherapy, living with the painful side effects of the treatment. Despite all this she never let her it dictate her life.

Mel was managing the treatments and the cancer was contained, until November 2022 when she was told there wasn’t any treatment plans left. Mel, at this point was dealing with lymphedema in her arm and wounds caused by the cancer. We immediately booked Disneyland - a trip she had always wanted to do! The strength and determination we saw on that trip proved just how strong she really is. 

When we returned Mel was immediately admitted to St James Oncology Unit with an infection. Mel spent 3 weeks on the ward and was then transferred to Wheatfields Hospice in Meanwood, Leeds. 

You won’t fully realise, unless you have walked through the door, in Wheatfields the immense love, compassion and support that each staff member has. Mel loved them all, and we quickly saw that the feeling was very much reciprocated. Mel and her family were faced with many challenges during the 11 days we spent there. Nothing was ever too much to ask. An hours care costs £19, which if you have ever experienced, is nothing compared to the work they do. They don’t just administer medication, complete charts, they engage with patients, they build hope, self confidence and see the patients as people. 

Sue Ryder - Wheatfields hospice is entirely charity funded. The care she received was priceless. Mel was a patient at Wheatfields for 11 days, in total her care cost around £5000. We would love to repay Wheatfields for everything they did for Mel and the whole family. 

The family appreciates any donation or awareness for Wheatfields made in Melanie's memory 🤍