Story
This fundraiser is in memory of Carol Wright who sadly passed away on 16th August 2024 after a valiant fight against glioblastoma, a stage 4 aggressive brain cancer.
Carol Ann Wright, beloved daughter of Kathleen and John Feely, sister to Kathryn, loving wife to Steve, devoted mother of Daniel and Katie, continues her legacy through her young grand children, Oliver and Francesca.
Carol’s treatment journey
On 30th April 2024 Carol attended Blackpool Victoria A&E with mixed symptoms of fatigue and headaches after complaining of feeling “out of sorts” for a few months. She was seen promptly which is where she was told the unfortunate news that several masses had been identified in her brain.
From this initial discovery, she was quickly referred to the specialist neuro-oncology team at Preston Hospital. On Tuesday 14th May, Carol and Steve met with the neuro-oncologist consultant to understand her treatment options.
Carol described hearing her diagnosis as “the most hideous words that anybody could hear”.
As the tumours could not be completely removed, she was given the option of palliative treatment to treat symptoms, or a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy to attempt to slow the growth of the tumour. Carol quickly chose the maximum treatment she would be offered as she was so determined to make the most of her remaining time with friends and family.
Here Carol’s treatment journey began, where she received excellent care throughout her brain biopsy surgery on Thursday 16th May, followed by six weeks of intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Carol visited the Rosemere centre at Preston Hospital between 18th June 2024 and 29th July 2024 for radiotherapy where she was supported by the amazing team staffing LA5 and LA8. Carol was particularly fond of a hot chocolate and Twix served by the volunteers at the centre cafe.
On 29th July, Carol rang the bell to signify the end of her radiotherapy treatment, surrounded by claps from the clinical team and her family, Steve, Daniel, Imogen, Oliver, Katie and Rob. The family celebrated this milestone, in Carol’s garden, on the sunny Monday afternoon with champagne and homemade pizza.
On Friday 2nd August, Carol was admitted to hospital to help treat her deteriorating blood count. Carol remained in hospital cared for by the fantastic team on Ribblesdale Ward until she passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Friday 16th August. The day before her passing, the team went above and beyond to support visitors to say their goodbyes to Carol, even organising for her new granddaughter to meet her hours after her birth.