Hi! I'm Orla, I'm a friend of Lucie and Aoife.

Lucie is the kind of person who never gives up. Whether training for competition, recovering from her own sports injuries, or helping countless others as a passionate and caring physio, Lucie has always found a way to overcome. She’s the one who shows up with a smile, even when life throws its hardest punches. She’s always there for her friends, family, colleagues and patients, offering compassion, support, and wisdom — no matter what. You'll also know Lucie is someone who doesn't ask for help, unless it's for someone else. She finds a way through, with strength and positivity.

But right now, Lucie needs us to show up for her.

In the summer of 2025, Lucie’s life took an unexpected and heartbreaking turn. She was diagnosed with an aggressive form of ovarian cancer that has already required not just one, but two incredibly long and complex operations — a total of 14 hours of surgery. The first removed a large tumour. The second surgery, which involved removing 45 lymph nodes and several organs, was even more intense. The complications have continued to mount, and Lucie’s journey is far from over.

Lucie should have received urgent surgery and treatment at home in Ireland. Instead, she was told it couldn’t happen for 5-8 weeks. With each passing day, the tumour was growing fast, twisting, necrosing and threatening her life. She used every ounce of energy she had left to fight for faster treatment — but the answer was always the same: nothing faster in Ireland. With no other choice, Lucie was forced to turn to Europe. She fought for a referral and was eventually sent to a hospital in north west France.

The medical care that Lucie is receiving in Rennes has been nothing short of lifesaving — her first surgery was planned and completed within 6 days of referral. Her surgeon took away the pain and symptoms immediately by removing a 9 cm diameter necrosed tumour that was embedded into multiple pelvic organs and had grown a further 1cm diameter in 3 weeks. However, Lucie is now physically weakened by the second surgery and her condition is far from stable. She’s had infections, kidney issues and a third surgery after an emergency admission. And that’s not all — more surgery is scheduled for New Year’s Eve.

Chemotherapy is due to start the week before Christmans and will last 4.5 months. Her road to recovery is uncertain. With each challenge, Lucie remains brave, hopeful, and determined, but the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming.

But Lucie is not alone. We are all here to stand with her.

Lucie and Aoife’s beloved dog, Ruby, who was a constant source of comfort and companionship for nearly 14 years, died unexpectedly just days after Lucie’s cancer diagnosis, adding heartbreak to an already incredibly tough situation. Lucie and Aoife are both under immense pressure. They’re juggling Lucie's evolving health situation and day-to-day needs with numerous accommodation changes.

Lucie’s world has become smaller — she’s living out of two rucksacks, and dealing with the pain and strain of being away from her loved ones for long stretches. Even so, she continues to find moments to smile and make a joke.

With the cost of accommodation, medications, travel, as well as everyday expenses, Lucie and Aoife need our help. This is where you come in.

We’re raising funds to ease the financial burden Lucie is facing, so she can focus on recovery without constantly worrying about money.

The funds raised will go directly towards helping Lucie with essential needs and easing the burden during this incredibly challenging time:

● Accommodation: Lucie’s had to move 10 times already since September, each time trying to find somewhere to stay that isn’t too far from the two hospitals, while she undergoes further treatments and recovery.

● Travel expenses: Aoife’s travelling between Dublin and Rennes to be there for Lucie as much as possible, and the cost of traveling back and forth is adding up.

● Medical expenses: Lucie has a long list of medical expenses from medications, equipment, 60 days of nurse visits already, blood tests, scans — the list goes on.

● Everyday costs: From healthy food to bus fares, Lucie’s needs are many. Contributions will help ensure she has the nutrition and care she needs to stay strong and any additional support she may need during treatment and recovery.

● A much-needed break: Lucie is so deserving of moments of peace and a chance to recharge, even if just for a few days, free from the weight of all this. If we can help make that possible, we will.

Lucie has always been a fighter. She’s shown so many of us what true strength and resilience look like. Now, it’s our turn to help her through the fight of her life.

Please donate whatever you can. Every donation — no matter the size — will make a huge difference. Your generosity can provide real relief and real hope.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing Lucie’s story can be just as powerful. A single share can reach someone who can help — and that ripple effect can change everything. Or — here are some simple ways to help fundraise:

* Share this page on social media or in group chats;

* Host a small fundraiser (fitness challenge, coffee morning, cake sale,...);

* Encourage friends, colleagues, or community groups to get involved.

Stand with Lucie. Let’s show her that we’re with her, every step of the way.