Hello, I have created this page on behalf of my beautiful sister, Annie.

Last year, Annie was sadly diagnosed with an inoperable leiomyosarcoma. We are raising money on her behalf to help fund potential treatments abroad, ongoing medical costs such as scans and second opinions, and any additional expenses that may arise to make life a little easier for her and her family throughout this journey.

Although I have set up this page on Annie's behalf, she would like to share her own story in her own words to help raise awareness of this devastating disease. Please take a few moments to read and share her story, and, if you are able, make a donation.

We are incredibly grateful for every donation and act of kindness, as well as every share that helps raise awareness. Thank you so much for your support.

Last February, I found out that I had cancer, a type of sarcoma called leiomyosarcoma, in my abdomen. It was a shock like no other and extremely scary for my family and me. I had heard the word sarcoma, but had no idea about the different types, and I was suddenly in a situation I never, ever imagined. In the months leading up to my symptoms were really only bloating and tiredness until I started feeling a pain in my left side every night when I was lying down.

That new pain led me to make a doctor's appointment, and from there, a week or so later, I was told I had a 'mass' measuring 10x8x9cm behind my stomach in an area of my body called the retroperitoneum. Basically, a cavity where something could grow, unknown to me and cause no symptoms until it had grown very large.

Two months followed with a lot of doubt and sadness, whilst the doctors did a biopsy and I waited to start the correct treatment.

Unfortunately, I was told my tumour is inoperable here in Ireland, due to its location - it's right up against my aorta and inferior vena cava (two major blood vessels that run down your back and are the main blood supplies to your whole body). But I still remain hopeful that the tumour may shrink to allow surgery or that I can find a surgeon outside of Ireland who would consider surgery.

It's been a very rough year and a half. I've had many rounds of chemotherapy of different types, a 10-day course of high dose radiotherapy, and now I am on a targeted therapy drug to keep everything stable for as long as possible.

I've had moments of pure happiness in amongst all the medical mess, and felt love like no other from my son, husband, family and friends.

I don't want to leave them, so I have decided to keep trying to find an alternative surgeon or treatment that might give me a stronger chance to fight this awful disease. I am raising money towards a potential treatment. If you would like to help, you can do so here - thank you, Annie.