Mary was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour (NET) in January 2014. This is a very rare type of cancer which most people, including many doctors, have never heard of. The specialist NET team at the Royal Free (see link below) helped to treat her for nearly 5 years.

Since being diagnosed, Mary was always determined to fight this cancer and enjoy her life, maintaining a positive attitude throughout. She continued her vocation of teaching sciences and maths at her secondary school until a few months ago. She also enjoyed a number of holidays in America, Tenerife, Spain and again this summer back in Ireland, where she grew up.

Mary had a huge impact on the many people she knew who have said that she was a very loving, family orientated person who tried to help everyone she met. She was always grateful for all her wonderful friends and family who have been there for her throughout her happy life and have helped create beautiful memories. Many people have said that she was a very caring, conscientious woman with a strong character and always up for a laugh. On Friday 7th December at 6:30am, Mary lost her battle with this cancer, leaving behind her husband and their five children, aged 13-22.

Throughout her illness, she was attentively cared for by the three very experienced NET nurses Philippa, Liz and Aisling. Mary's treatment was monitored by the multidisciplinary team with regular meetings led by the doctors; in particular Professors Caplin and Meyer and Dr Toumpanakis.

We would like to thank them all for their great commitment to treating NET patients, especially Mary.

We would also like to thank all of the NHS staff at the Royal Free, UCLH and her GPs. A special thank you also to the Hospice of St Francis who cared for Mary in her last ten days. 

Funding and Awareness are vital to combat this rare cancer, which is unique to each individual affected, meaning even greater research is required.

We would appreciate you joining us in supporting the NET Patient Foundation charity, who helped Mary and her family.

https://www.netpatientfoundation.org/about-our-charity/