An army continues on the march to support Beth Walsh.

This is ‘Beth’s Army’.

• We ask you to join up and help achieve Our Mission.
• For now is the time for the Army to RE-GALVANISE into action!
  

We continue to have Hope for Beth, whose story has gone full circle from Challenging to Encouraging to Good News and now back to Challenging scenario.

What can we tell you about Beth?

• She is a much-loved daughter, wife, niece, sister and friend, and a wonderful mum to her young son.  Treasured by all, she is a youthful 51 who has achieved a lot in her life and has plans to achieve a lot more.

• She is a huge supporter of the arts and founder-director of successful theatre workshop ‘Worcester Theatremakers’ (www.worcestertheatremakers.co.uk).  In addition, she has an extensive background in the care and charity sectors and is also a qualified holistic therapist.

• She is a huge music fan and sings not only with local choir ‘Les Filles Sauvages’ but also with band ‘Low Red Moon' (https://www.facebook.com/lowredmoon) - whose debut single and album can be found on Spotify and other music platforms!

• She is a vibrant person, and a capable and confident  woman with a strong social conscience and desire to contribute to the greater good of the community – whilst living life to the full!  
  

Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

• However, Beth’s life was turned upside down in early 2019 when she received a diagnosis of ‘ocular melanoma’ (OM), a very rare form of primary cancer which led to removal of her left eye.  There are only 5-6 cases of OM per year per million people. 

• OM may have no real symptoms until the cancer has progressed … in some cases too far for it to be treated.  Beth now urges everyone to have regular sight tests – even if you have 20:20 vision – as the earlier any tumours are found the better the potential outcome.  We know now that Beth’s eye cancer was sadly detected only after cells had already broken away from the original site to form secondary cancers elsewhere.  These metastases are only identified once they become measurable on CT and MRI scans.

• Beth was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer in 2020 – for which there were only two kinds of possible treatment.     She underwent several rounds of immunotherapy, the only treatment available on the NHS, but this was discontinued by her oncologist.  In addition to having severe side-effects, it ultimately did not work.  

• Hope was rewarded with the amazing success she enjoyed with the only other possible treatment ‘chemosaturation’ (also known as ‘Delcath’).  This was performed by the internationally foremost specialist team at Spire Southampton Hospital (https://www.chemosaturation.co.uk.and also see our gallery diagram)..

• Although NICE approved, the process to determine NHS commissioning of Delcath is still ongoing.   It is currently only available through the private sector at a cost of £40K per cycle.

• Beth’s family and friends worked tirelessly to raise funds to cover the cost of her first and second cycles of treatment!

• We then turned to The H&T Clients Charitable Trust Cancer Fund for help - and will forever remain extremely grateful to the Trustees for agreeing to fund Beth’s third and final Delcath!  

• Beth’s last scan in May 2023 showed that, thanks to Delcath, her liver tumours are inactive and continue to show significant reduction in size and number! 

• Unfortunately, secondary lung cancer tumours that were initially detected last December have increased in size and number, with no viable treatment available or clinical trial in the immediate offing.   This is of course a HUGE disappointment to us all

• But Hope is of the Essence, as her specialist oncologist is hoping that, within the next 6 months, she may be accepted onto a most encouraging Clinical Trial currently in its third phase.

• In the meantime, Beth has wisely been advised to concentrate on Quality of Life and is receiving invaluable support from her local hospice.

• With her characteristically positive attitude, she has been incredibly brave throughout and continues to exude a Jedi-like force (yes, she is a nerd!) in adapting to the twists and turns of this life-changing experience by being as well-informed and as realistic as she can (‘Do not go gentle into that dark night…'). We none of us know what the next day will bring for any of us, so we are holding Beth’s hand as we accompany her into the next stage of the unknown.

Our Mission

• In thanks for their intervention, we willingly agreed to harness our energies and fundraise for The H&T Clients Charitable Trust Cancer Fund!  The aim is to help cover the cost of any future treatment needed by Beth and other patients who apply to the Fund.

• Anyone can be affected by a rare cancer such as OM - so, as well as the altruistic element, it is in everyone's interests to contribute as a sort of insurance!  The way the fund operates reminds us of the ‘pay it forward’ principle: the recipient of a favour in turn does a favour for three others.  You may have seen the film.  Beth and her Army are delighted and eager to take part in fundraising drives for the charity and urge you to donate! 

• Please see also ‘Les Filles Sauvages’ Tea and Carols fundraising concert for Beth’s Army on 17th December. 
• 🎄 https://www.wegottickets.com/event/598287/?fbclid=IwAR22Zw8EVK4rNM1W843Tce-y3JkFsKl51gOa0bosJiRLt5Jsf5_55uLSjM8
• 🎄Selection of songs from far and wide presented by Les Filles Sauvages!   Some firm favourites and some perhaps new to you ..... a fun-filled afternoon guaranteed!

The Last Word goes to Beth 

• The following newspaper articles and 'Beth's Army' WhatsApp post shed a light on Beth's approach and philosophy of life:

1. https://www.southworcestervoice.co.uk/beths-battle
2. https://www.southworcestervoice.co.uk/beth-good-news
3. Beth's post prior to her first immunotherapy treatment in 2020:   "I really believe in the power of conscious intention and the ability of the mind to heal the body, and I keep myself calm by meditating and visualisation.  If you're willing to pray/ send good vibes / reiki or whatever you believe in, when I post in here at around 4.30 on Thursday, please will you send me a message?  It's all getting close now and a bit real, and I'm scared.                                                                 

   Thanks each and every one of you for being here for me. 💚…"