Help The Fitzsimmons Family Through a Double Cancer Crisis

Dear All,

We are reaching out to ask for your support for the Fitzsimmons Family from The Wirral - dear friends who are facing an unimaginable double cancer crisis.

In just a few short months, this loving family of 5 has been confronted with two devastating health diagnoses. In January 2025, Janne, a devoted mother of 3 and only 49 years old, was diagnosed with advanced gynaecological cancer. She is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy at Clatterbridge Hospital and is due to have major specialist abdominal surgery in June, followed by further treatment. Janne lost both her parents to cancer in her 20s and so her diagnosis has been devastating for the entire family.

Just as the family was coming to terms with Janne’s diagnosis, their 12-year-old daughter, Holly, was found to have an extremely rare 10cm ependymoma tumour in her neck and spinal cord. On April 9th, Holly underwent a highly complex and risky 8-hour surgery at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where surgeons had to remove her vertebrae and cut through her spinal cord to remove the tumour. Without the surgery, Holly would have been paralysed from the neck down. Thankfully, the operation was successful, but Holly is now undergoing further intensive cancer treatment as well as rehabilitation to regain her mobility and deal with ongoing nerve pain and numbness.

Throughout this time, Janne has continued her own difficult treatment while staying by Holly’s side in hospital every step of the way.

In the coming weeks, both Janne and Holly face further gruelling treatment. Janne will undergo major surgery followed by what will likely be a very long recovery just as Holly starts 6 weeks of daily radiotherapy at Christie’s Hospital in Manchester to deal with any residual malignant cells. Holly, together with her dad Andrew, will need to stay in Manchester for the whole duration of Holly's treatment. The emotional, physical, and logistical toll on the whole family will doubtless continue to be immense. Janne will require an extended stay in hospital in a different city and the two parents will need to also be looking out for the physical and emotional wellbeing of their two other children whilst they are all dealing with this double health crisis.

Both Janne and Andrew are self-employed. With Janne unable to work due to treatment and Andrew dedicating himself full-time to caring for his wife and daughters, the family has no stable income during this critical period. Alongside the emotional strain, the financial pressure is growing. After Janne has recovered from her major surgery she still has to undergo further chemotherapy and then ongoing treatment for at least another two years.

We are asking for your support. Any funds raised will help to:

Any donation - no matter the size - would mean the world to this resilient and generous family. If you're unable to give financially, please consider sharing this message.

Let us all hold the family in our thoughts and prayers.

With heartfelt thanks,

Team Fitzsimmons -

Umeeda, Ellie & Lou