My story

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page (please note links for BBC NWT clips and Daily Mail Article at the end of my story) also follow me on twitter @SusanWelch1Fund

 

Simply, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2007, and in June 2010, the cancer metastasised and, as a result, I transferred from my local hospital to The Christie Hospital, Manchester, under the care of Dr Greg Wilson, a Consultant Medical Oncologist specialising in breast cancer. This hospital is the largest cancer centre in Europe and has been pioneering cancer research breakthroughs for over 100 years. I have had breast cancer in eight places in total i.e. breast, lymph nodes, both lungs, both liver lobes and spine and neck. I am currently in remission at present and hope to be for a long time.

 

The median life expectancy for metastatic (secondary) breast cancer is given academically as two years and nearly three years later, I am still here. In total, over the six years, I have had countless surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and anti-cancer drugs, as well as procedures to give me a better quality of life. I have lost my hair twice and have lymphoedema in my arm, as a result of breast cancer surgery.

 

Unilever, my employer, my work colleagues, friends and family have already supported me greatly in my journey, as has the care and dedication of my consultant medical oncologist, Dr Wilson and staff at “The Christie”. Also the bravery and skill of my consultant liver surgeon, Mr Sheen and staff at "BMI Alexandra Hospital". My Christian faith has also given me courage, beyond anything imaginable. This fundraising is an opportunity for me to help give something back, so I would very much appreciate any support that you can offer to The Christie Hospital Charity Trust. See below for more details.

 

My company has a saying “Small Actions – Big Difference”. Be a part of this, in life you never know what happens! I may be writing an update in the near future and asking for a revised target!

 

Yours most sincerely

 

Susan Welch

 

If possible, I would like to raise £150,000 for a research project into the investigation of the causes of arm lymphoedema, a common long term side effect of treatment for breast cancer. If it is possible to raise this much money, it could help to find effective ways to prevent or treat the problem. Amazingly, this is to me, apart from being not in remission, is the most distressing side effect to me and research into this condition, is very limited. It involves so much care and effort, forward planning, creative thinking, determination, in order to try to manage the condition. Sometimes this is not enough and pain and suffering occurs. Breast, Colon, CUP Fund CC 05101- Dr Wilson.

 

For my primary cancer treatment, I was looked after by “The Shooting Star” unit at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital. Thank you to all the staff there, as well as the Lymphoedema specialists who continue to treat me.

Link for BBC News North West Tonight, Clip on You-Tube (1.5 mins):-

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8rwRhQYDMlBSjlBvKtsj7A

Link for BBC News North West Tonight, Full piece on You-Tube (2.5 mins):-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSL4QPnTHCA

Link for Daily Mail Article:_

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2284442/Breast-cancer-The-liver-operation-gives-breast-cancer-patients-new-lease-life.html

My gallery 11

My updates 47

Thank you to Soundwall Chester for your amazing gig on Saturday 11th May in aid of this fund.

20/05/13 22:07

Very sadly on Friday 17th May, my lovely Uncle, George Miller passed away. He often looked at this webpage on his ipad. Very kindly his family have asked for the funeral donations, to be given to this fund.

20/05/13 22:04

Well done to Sue Gifford from Unilever and also family who completed the Wirral Coastal Walk yesterday. Distance 15 miles in 5hrs and 4 mins. Raising over £450 :)

20/05/13 21:53

Good luck to Sue Gifford from Unilever, who is walking the Wirral Coastal Path for this fund tomorrow :)

18/05/13 11:40

Thank you to everyone for the donations of raffle prizes, for Soundwall Chester gig at Stanley Palace, Chester. Especially New Hall Hotel & Spa, for a luxury night away for two guests.

12/05/13 16:53

My Teams

My company

My charity

The Christie

The Christie

Charity Registration No. 1049751

The Christie Charity raises funds to help provide additional services and undertake vital research for our cancer patients. As one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating more than 40,000 patients a year every penny really does count.

Donations 77

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For George ........ and all who bravely battle cancer x

Donation by Kate RILEY on 21/05/13

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Hi Susan It's your cousin Alison.We have asked people to donate to your charity rather than sending flowers to dad's funeral.

Donation by Alison Round on 19/05/13

Donation by Aurore on 13/05/13

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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You are an inspiration Sue! Stay strong and never give up.

Donation by Chris Loxley on 18/04/13

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Donation by Duncan Court on 16/04/13

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Well done Sue Keep going ! Garry

Donation by Susan Welch on 14/04/13

£50.00

+ £12.50 Gift Aid

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Thank you for making those bad days better. Your laughter always brings a smile!! Love Michelle & Tony xx

Donation by michelle kershaw on 14/04/13

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Donation by Donald Stewart on 13/04/13

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Best wishes Margaret &John from Wales

Donation by George Miller on 04/04/13

£5.00

+ £1.25 Gift Aid

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Testing! Susan Welch

Donation by susan welch on 29/03/13

£1.00

+ £0.25 Gift Aid

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Just testing! Susan Welch

Donation by susan welch on 29/03/13

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Pleased to support a very worthy cause - Halliwell Jones MINI Chester

Donation by David Nutter on 27/03/13

£100.00

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You are an inspiration Love Carole and Clive

Donation by Carole & Clive Chatterton on 24/03/13

£100.00

+ £25.00 Gift Aid

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Hi Sue, Well done and keep strong!

Donation by Andrew Barnes on 19/03/13

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Good Luck and Best Wishes For The Future Elizabeth Edwards Member of Wrexham Breast Cancer Support Group

Donation by Susan Welch on 13/03/13

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Good Luck and Best Wishes For The Future

Donation by Susan Welch on 13/03/13

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Good luck only pleased that I can help . I hope you reach your target Best of luck

Donation by Nicola Mckenry on 12/03/13

£60.00

+ £15.00 Gift Aid

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Thinking of you ......

Donation by ian colyer on 11/03/13

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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I am really moved by your spirit and bravery. Best wishes

Donation by Paul Whitehead on 11/03/13

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Only too pleased to be able to help, in a very small way. Best wishes Freda Williams

Donation by Susan Welch on 10/03/13

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Donation by Carol Jenkins on 09/03/13

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

So proud of you and all you've achieved! Well done Susan. You're a star x

Donation by Karen Barker on 09/03/13

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

Well done Susan ! Keep up your great work. Your positivity and determination is inspirational to us all. See you soon x

Donation by Clare Willoughby on 09/03/13

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Susan you really are such an inspiration really well done.

Donation by Cheryl Taylor on 08/03/13

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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A friend, David O'Brien, forwarded your message on and I was inspired by your courage and determination. Good luck with your fundraising.

Donation by Leila B on 08/03/13

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Donation summary

  • * Online donations$3,537.40
  • Offline donations$848.99
  • Text donations$16.68
  • Total raised$4,403.06
  • Gift Aid$752.72

* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.