Emma my god daughter has stage 4 breast cancer. She is only 32 years old. Emma was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2019 at age just 26. Following a routine scan in August 2019 it was found the cancer and spread to her bones. This meant the cancer was now stage 4 and incurable.

In summer of 2023 again during a routine scan it was discovered that Emma had 3 tumours which had grown on her brain, which was deemed as secondary breast cancer tumours. She had brain surgery shortly after to remove 2 of the 3 tumours. The 3rd one was deemed to be unsafe to remove because of its position. This tumour was treated by gamma knife and reduced drastically in size. Emma recovered from this operation and returned back to work, full time.

In October 2024 again during a routine scan it was discovered that the 3rd remaining tumour had grown significantly and would soon start causing major issues unless it was removed. The tumour was removed in November 24 at The Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield. Although the operation went well, it was described by the surgeon as ‘challenging’. Emma had to go back to theatre five days later to have her skull replaced correctly, and ensure that there were no further brain fluid leaks.

Emma later suffered complications and unfortunately suffered a vasospasm of the brain, which has the same effects as a stroke. As a result Emma suffered paralysis to her left side and was in a critical condition. Her family were told that her condition was extremely critical and remained so for several days. Emma came through this and although still extremely ill, managed to gain some movement of her left arm. She remained in the critical care unit at Royal Hallamshire Hospital until 16th December, when she was transferred to Barnsley Hospital Acute Stroke Ward for assessment and care.

Clinically Emma had made amazing progress, although she still had no use of her left lower body, on 23rd December 2024 she was transferred to the Neurology Rehabilitation Centre at Kendray Hospital. It was explained to Emma and her family that she would receive intense physiotherapy, with a view to trying to gain the use of her lower left side, and hopefully be able to stand and walk again.

This ‘intense physiotherapy’ amounted to Emma being in her bed 23 plus hours a day with no rehabilitation on bank holidays or weekends and subsequently received less than 10 hours of physiotherapy in three weeks.

Following a three weeks stay at the Rehabilitation Centre, Emma was told that she was not progressing and she should go home and accept that she had a permanent brain injury and the leg would remain in its current state !! Emma would not walk again ! The NHS had given up on Emma but her family certainly had not. They sourced private rehabilitation and also took alternative advice.

On Friday 17th January Emma was taken home, in her wheelchair and was cared for by her family and shortly after started private rehabilitation.

Following five weeks of intensive rehabilitation Emma can now walk. The cost has been funded by Emma’s family. They have had no help from the NHS – no care package to assist them take care of Emma – NOTHING !

Emma is also now partially sighted which also hinders her mobility too.

Emma still requires ongoing physiotherapy several time a week, and this will be the case for the foreseeable future.

In April 2025 Emma has gone through a course of brain radiotherapy, in order to try and slow down the progression of the remaining tumour in her brain.

Following further hospital admission in June and July, Emma is now on an indefinite course of chemotherapy, which she has every three weeks. As well as this Emma continues to have physiotherapy several time a week and other therapies that help with the side effects of her clinical treatment. None of whish are funded through our NHS system.

Emma has always been a very independent young woman and she is trying to continue to retain as much independence as she possibly can – but she does require assistance and help on a daily basis.

Emma’s bathroom is no longer suitable for her needs and capabilities. Approval from our local authority has so far taken nine months and we are advised that it could take a further eighteen months, before any adaptations to the bathroom could be made.

Bathing for disabled people is obviously not important and it doesn’t seem that dignity and mental wellbeing is important either !!

Emma would like to return to work and continue to contribute to society as she has always done – but this is not possible at the moment. The lack of support from the NHS in rehabilitating Emma has hindered not only her progression but her work plans and her day to day living.

Obviously this is a huge expense and a 24/7 commitment, for Emma’s family so we are trying to raise some funds to enable Emma to be able continue with her physio and relieve some of this financial burden.

We would also like to raise enough funds to make some adaptations to Emma’s bathroom too, this would include a walk in shower, so she can bathe independently.

But it isn’t just about raising funds - if anyone would like to donate bathroom items or trades that could donate some of their time, so we can fix this we would be really happy to hear from you.