Supporting Shelly

On the 22nd December 2023, my wonderful Mum - Shelly Harkness, was diagnosed with a brain tumour. A biopsy at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham confirmed the doctor’s suspicions of a Chordoma diagnosis. A Chordoma is a rare bone cancer which affects 1 per 1,000,000 people!! After months of uncertainty, being told it was inoperable, and further deterioration of her health, she finally underwent 8 hours of surgery at Kings College Hospital in London on the 8th March 2024 which removed 97% of the Chordoma. Since the initial surgery, she has developed complications, which have led to two further surgeries, which left her in a critical condition.

 

It has almost been an entire year since diagnosis, and our family is still facing the struggle daily. Mum has had numerous admissions over the last 5 months with a further 4 operations; she is currently in Kings College with no current plan for discharge following multiple complications which have left her unable to speak and eat. However, we have had amazing news recently regarding mum’s treatment; she will be receiving radiotherapy. Although currently, as her health has deteriorated, this has been put on hold until she is well. Mentally, this time has been the hardest. Besides all our fears and emotions, we continue to travel daily between us to be with her and reassure her that she will be able to come home to us all!

 

Once again, we have had many people ask how they can help us and my lovely mum at this difficult time. With the spiralling costs of the daily travel, especially during Christmas, accommodation, and her care going forward, this fund has been set up to help with the costs associated with mum's care and to enable us to be by her side.

 

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our family during this uncertain time, it’s making such a difference to us❤️