On 3rd November, 2025 my wonderful cousin, Lorna, underwent life-changing surgery at Poole Hospital as part of her cancer treatment for squamous cell carcinoma in her lower jaw. The surgery took 14 hours, was extremely complex and involved removal of the tumour and part of the jaw. Bone was also removed from her leg to create a new jaw. As a result, she will need several months of recovery and intensive rehabilitation. In early to mid January, she will start 6 weeks of Radiotherapy to her mouth and neck area which will create its own set of side effects.

As Lorna spends a lot of time working in Uganda, she does not have a base of her own in the UK but instead lives with her dad. However, upon discharge from hospital, (by mid November), she will need to stay close to the hospital in order to continue her treatment. Lorna’s Dad lives over an hour's drive from the hospital. Given his age (90), it isn’t feasible for Lorna to stay with him as she continues her treatment. It has been decided the best thing would be for Lorna to rent a property close to Poole Hospital for three or four months as she continues to attend appointments at the hospital.

We have decided to start a GoFundMe for Lorna to try to raise a few funds to supplement the rental costs and possibly contribute to extra therapy to help her speed her recovery. As we all know, Lorna has an amazingly strong and determined spirit and with as much help as necessary, she will recover, but it will be a long and arduous process. Lorna has an admirable career as CEO of an educational trust in Uganda, however her salary isn’t particularly high. Lorna will, of course, receive financial assistance from the family, but any further support from her wider community of friends and extensive work connections, would be most welcome. Thank you so much everybody.

Sarah

Hi All,

Lorna would like me to pass on the following message to all of you.

''I wanted to say a massive thanks to all of you! Yet, thank you feels a little on the weak side to express the strength of the support I've been feeling and the love I've been shown.

I was a little taken aback when I heard a GoFundMe was being started, and a bit strange that the boot was now on the other foot and I was the one at the centre of some fundraising. I've since been overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity.

You've helped enormously by making it possible for me to stay near the hospital for appointments, treatments and now the radiotherapy, starting in the next 2-3 weeks and boosted me tremendously at this terrible and painful time, which I can't wait to see the back of. With you behind me and with me, the road will feel a little less bumpy and a lot less lonely.

When I say I like to take the road less travelled, I didn't quite mean this one! I'm looking forward to it turning out to be a shortcut to lots more beautiful sunrises and sunsets, wherever those may be..''

Love and thanks to everyone ♥