Hi, my name is Gem.

I’m 40 years old and live on a croft on the north coast of Scotland with my husband of 10 years and our two wonderful, adventurous boys, aged 4 and 9.

Unfortunately, my 30s were dominated by cancer. In 2018, I was diagnosed with primary breast cancer. In August 2023, we received the devastating news that the cancer had spread to my bones and liver. I am now living with stage 4 breast cancer. (I've been writing about my journey on Substack if you would like a read)

https://substack.com/@notesfromthecroft

Since then, I have gone through countless rounds of treatment and chemotherapy. Sadly, each line of treatment has only worked for a short time, and I am now running out of options available through the NHS. I have also not been eligible for any clinical trials I’ve tried to access.

Faced with this, I began exploring other treatment options. I have found a specialist centre in India that focuses on advanced cancers like mine, and I truly believe this could give me more time, with access to different medicines and treatments than those currently available to me through the NHS.

This is not a decision I have made lightly, but I am choosing hope and a path that I hope will give me more time.

I’m not ready to say goodbye to my children. I want to be there as they grow up, to support them, love them, and be part of their future for as long as I possibly can.

However, this treatment comes with significant costs that my family simply cannot afford alone.

Asking for help like this does not come easily to me. I’m someone who usually likes to give back or offer something in return, but in this case, all I can offer is my deepest gratitude and the hope that your kindness might help give me more time with my family.

I completely understand that times are difficult for many, and I would never want anyone to give beyond what they can afford. No donation amount is too small. It will all go towards this trip.

Even if you are not able to donate, your kind thoughts, support, and sharing of this page mean so much to me. I am already overwhelmed with the love and support that has been shown to us already over the years.

If you are able to help, please know how truly grateful we are. Your generosity will help me access treatment, as well as cover food and accommodation while I am in India. Above all else, I hope it will allow me to be part of my boys’ lives as they grow up.

I will of course share my journey whilst I am out there.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for any support you can give.

With much love,

Gem xx

P.S. I have chosen a beneficiary to manage the funds while I am in India to help ease the load.