We are running the Torbay Half Marathon to help fund medical costs for our friend Kelly Stabb. Here is part of Kelly’s story.

My name is Kelly Stabb and I am 38 years old. I am married to Simon and we have two sons. Jake is 10 years old and Luke is 8.

I have always considered myself to be relatively fit and healthy and have been involved in various sports for most of my life, running half marathons and a 23 mile cross country run being my greatest achievement.

In January 2017 after being unwell for a few weeks I was given a CT scan. Nothing could have prepared me for the update delivered by a nurse who sat on my bed and explained that a cancerous tumour had been found in my upper colon, and several cancerous tumours were evident in my liver. I was diagnosed with advanced stage 4 bowel cancer. I was completely devastated and the update was life changing. I will never forget that night spent in hospital and the conversations that I had with Simon. He is not only my husband but also my best friend. That night changed us both and he has dealt with and juggled so much this year. He’s a real good one and how he has coped with this I will never know. I had emergency surgery the next day and 6 months later had 60% of my liver removed. I’ve had 6 months chemotherapy this year and recently found out I’m still not cancer free. I am now awaiting a further operation in 2018, more chemotherapy and then hopefully I’ll be fixed.

In January 2018 Kelly received further devastating news. The cancer had now spread to various other parts of her body. Kelly is now described by NHS medical professionals as a ‘complicated case’, they now say that they cannot cure her and have offered ‘Life prolonging’ treatments. It is not yet known if alternative treatments outside the NHS are available but second opinions are being sought. Funding will assist with seeking these opinions and any possible treatment recommendations.

Please donate what you can and share this page. Any monies raised that are not required for consultation and/or treatment will be given to Kelly and her family to create amazing memories together.