Help Amanda Keep Living, Accessing Treatment and Making Memories ❤️

Over 10 MILLION TikTok views and counting!

Hello, my name is Amanda Barnes. I’m 49 years old, a mum to two wonderful children, Connor and Ruby, and I’m living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

You may recognise me as the woman who wore a wedding dress without a groom!

What started as a simple wish to experience something I’d always dreamed of has now reached over 10 million people around the world. The extraordinary kindness, messages and love I’ve received have been completely overwhelming.

So many people have asked how they can help me, which is why this fundraiser has been created.

My story

My cancer journey began long before I even knew I was ill.

My cancer had gone undiagnosed since April 2021. Completely unaware that I was living with cancer, I went on to complete the Deloitte Ride Across Britain in September that year, cycling an incredible 970 miles in just nine days.

Just two months later, in November 2021, I discovered a lump near my lymph nodes. Despite repeatedly seeking medical advice, it took three attempts before I finally received my breast cancer diagnosis in July 2022.

By October 2022, I was told the cancer had spread to my spine. I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and given a prognosis of May 2023.

Yet here I am, more than three years later, still living, still making plans and still determined to make every day count.

Unfortunately, my cancer has continued to progress and now affects my bones, liver, lungs, eyes and brain.

I’ve lost the sight in one eye, have several small brain tumours and have experienced serious complications from chemotherapy, including neutropenic sepsis.

My mobility has deteriorated considerably. It’s difficult to comprehend that the woman who cycled almost 1,000 miles across Britain now sometimes struggles to get around her own home.

But I haven’t stopped wanting to experience life.

My treatment and why I need help

I’m continuing specialist cancer treatment in London, travelling regularly from my home in Devon for chemotherapy, scans and consultations.

Alongside my conventional oncology treatment, I’ve also chosen to receive complementary therapies, which have been part of my cancer journey for several years.

I’m now exploring another possibility: Sanoviv Medical Institute in Mexico.

Sanoviv offers a residential integrative health programme, combining medical assessments with nutritional, lifestyle and complementary approaches.

I’m hoping to explore a potential four-week stay, subject to medical assessment and agreement with my oncology team.

I understand that this is not a proven cure for my cancer. My intention is to investigate whether the programme could offer additional supportive care alongside my existing treatment.

Because of my current health, limited mobility and the distance involved, I would need somebody to accompany me and remain with me throughout my stay.

The programme, suitable long-haul flights, accommodation for my companion and associated travel would involve considerable expense.

At the same time, I need to continue accessing specialist treatment in London.

My circumstances have changed significantly. I now require daily carers, rely heavily on support from my family and may need specialist mobility equipment and adaptations to my home.

I want to preserve as much independence and quality of life as possible.

Most importantly, I want to continue making memories with Connor and Ruby.

How your donations will help

Our fundraising target is £225,000.

This is a provisional 12-month planning budget rather than the price of a single treatment. My medical and care needs are constantly changing, and some proposed costs are still subject to quotations and medical approval.

Your generosity could help towards:

* Exploring the proposed four-week programme at Sanoviv in Mexico, including appropriate travel and a companion.

* Continuing specialist cancer treatment and regular travel between Devon and London.

* Complementary therapies alongside my oncology treatment.

* Daily carers and additional support at home.

* Specialist mobility equipment, a potential stairlift and other necessary home adaptations.

* Unexpected treatment-related and care expenses as my circumstances change.

Any funding secured through other sources will be taken into account, and I’ll keep supporters informed of significant changes to my plans.

The wedding dress that started it all

I’d always dreamed of wearing a wedding dress.

One day, I decided I didn’t want to keep waiting for an occasion that might never come.

So, with the help of my incredible friends, I wore the dress.

There was no groom and no wedding. Instead, I was surrounded by people who loved me.

My friends arranged everything, a beautiful dress was kindly loaned to me, and a professional photographer generously captured the day.

Some friends travelled from London and even Amsterdam just to be there.

We laughed, celebrated, took beautiful photographs and then I changed out of my wedding dress and went to the spa!

It was never about having a pretend wedding. It was about creating a beautiful memory while I still had the opportunity.

Then my friend Lucy shared the video on TikTok.

You can find it on Instagram and TikTok under @lucykmua and see snippets from the wedding too.

Over 10 million views later, here we are.

The response has reminded me just how much kindness there is in the world.

I’m still here, and I intend to keep living

I’m realistic about my illness. I know how serious stage 4 cancer is, and I’m not asking anyone to promise me a cure.

What I’m hoping for is the opportunity to continue accessing appropriate treatment and support, maintain my independence for as long as possible and spend precious time with the people I love.

If you’re able to donate, however small the amount, I would be incredibly grateful. If donating isn’t possible, simply sharing my story would mean so much.

Above everything, I hope my story encourages people not to keep putting off the things that matter.

Take the trip. Wear the dress. Make the memory.

There may not have been a groom, but there was certainly no shortage of love.

I’m still here. And while I’m here, I intend to keep living.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Amanda ❤️

Amanda Travels With Cancer

TikTok video