Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In October 2021 I developed acute appendicitis and by the end of a normal work day was being operated on by one of my surgical colleagues in my own theatre (I am a consultant anaesthetist) I recovered well but a week later was called back as the results showed that it was a rare appendix cancer that burst, causing the appendicitis. Unfortunately as it had burst it had potentially spread cancerous cells around the inside of my abdomen and I was referred for something known as “the mother of all surgery” at Basingstoke Peritoneal Malignancy Institute, part of Hampshire Hospitals. In December I had a long procedure known as cytoreductive surgery and hot intraperitoneal chemotherapy to remove any cancerous cells and hopefully prevent recurrence. It took a few days in intensive care and another week on the ward with the amazing staff before I went home to recover. I subsequently have had 6 months of further chemotherapy to treat any residual cancer cells. The peritoneal malignancy institute at Basingstoke is one of only 2 centres offering this kind of life saving surgery in the country. Appendix cancer is incredibly rare and doesn’t behave like other gut cancers which is why this radical approach is taken. From the start to the end of my journey, I can’t thank my NHS colleagues enough and I would love to give something back to Basingstoke to help further their research and help others in my position. I have slowly got back into running. I’ve never been a fast runner but love getting out on the trails in the fresh air. It’s taken a while to get over chemotherapy and contemplate any kind of long run. The Giants Head marathon is a difficult, hilly but fun course in Dorset which I will be running with my cousin and some amazing friends. I am not aiming for a time- merely to finish it. If you wish to support the PMI team in Basingstoke then please press the link. Thanks for reading this far and for all my amazing family, friends and other wonderful people who have stood by me through the last 18 months. 

Jo