Lynn's Walking Challenge to Fundraise for Laura

I'm Lynn and doing this wee challenge for Laura McGowan, who is the sister of my lovely friend Donna who passed away from cancer in 2018. Below is her story...

LAURA'S STORY

Laura is 35 years old, married to Alan, and they have a 12-year-old daughter, Millie who is her whole world — and not forgetting their beloved Cocker Spaniel, Frankie.

Laura’s journey began in 2018 when she tragically lost her sister, Donna who was 41, to sarcoma cancer. Just months later, Laura received a devastating diagnosis of breast cancer herself. After undergoing surgery and radiotherapy, she was told the treatment had “cured” her cancer and advised to focus on enjoying life.

In 2022, tragedy struck again when her brother Kevin was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer who was age 42. Exactly one year later—just months shy of celebrating five "cancer-free" years—Laura received crushing news: her cancer had returned. This time, it was stage 4 breast cancer that had spread to her bones and liver.

After almost 2 years of treatment, Laura’s most recent scans show progression in the liver, which was already severely affected when she was first diagnosed. While her bones remain stable for now. The treatment Laura urgently needs to target the cancer in her liver is unavailable in the UK. These advanced and less invasive therapies are accessible in America and Germany, but they come at an overwhelming cost, ranging from £5,000 to £50,000 per treatment. Additionally, holistic and alternative treatments that help maintain her overall health and strength can cost up to £1,400 per month, making them unsustainable in the long term.

Despite these challenges, Laura considers herself lucky to be surrounded by a supportive family and friends who are committed to helping her access every possible option. To make this a reality, Laura’s loved ones are launching this fundraising campaign to cover the costs of her medical treatments and give her a fighting chance to live a good quality of life.

Every penny donated will go directly toward Laura’s treatments, and every act of generosity will be deeply appreciated.