Emma's battle with cancer - Ash’s 50k ultra

I went to school with Emma and to be honest I haven't seen her in person for probably 20+ years. That said we're digital/social media friends (it is 2023) and when I read her story and  I felt compelled to contribute in some way. So on Sunday 21st May I'll be running the Goring Gap 50k ultra with a couple of mates. I've set myself a lofty goal and appreciate we’re living in tough economic times… but if you can donate just a little and help to make a difference, whatever that looks like, that would be amazing. If not just send positive vibes :) 

Emma's story

This is our beloved Emma and her beautiful daughter Alice (20 months)

Emma has always joked that she has been luckily unlucky with her health, having been diagnosed with MS in her late twenties, then an early scan picked up a borderline ovarian tumour in 2019. By some miracle, at the age of 40, she went on to have her much longed for Daughter Alice in 2021, the greatest and most treasured gift. A bright and joyful future ahead of them, Emma set out on her journey of being a Solo Mum by Choice and living life to the full.

September 2022 brought severe migraines and some confusion which Emma put down to her MS. Sadly at her routine annual MRI scan on 28th October to monitor her MS, a tumour was discovered. On the 23rd of November, Emma had a craniotomy at the National Neuro Hospital in London to remove it. Test results came back with the devastating blow that the tumour is a grade 4 Glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive forms of cancer out there. Of course, her family and friends are devastated and Emma is now facing months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to give her the best chance possible of extending her life, but the harsh reality is that this disease has no cure and Emma has been told that her life expectancy is approximately 2 years.

Sadly the UK seems to be behind the times in approving more advanced treatment options, specifically immunotherapy. Family and friends are on a mission to look at every possible trial or treatment path. Immunotherapy vaccines available in Germany and USA seem to be the way forward but with costs in the region of between £50,000 and £250,000 this is something Emma needs your help with.

Emma is one of life’s good ones, beautiful on the inside out and all the way through, her bravery, strength and love for her daughter are keeping her going and she is determined to give survival her best possible shot. This cruel cancer will deprive Alice of her only parent.

Please help by donating anything you can afford, no donation is too small and all will go towards offering Emma the best possible chance.

Thank you for reading Emma’s story, she wants nothing more than to watch Alice grow up. Please donate and share with friends and family to raise awareness, help improve Emma’s prognosis and give her a fighting chance to live.

Thanks all - Much love xxx