Hi, my name is Rita.

I’m a loving mum to my 7-year-old son, as well as a daughter, a sister, and a friend. I’ve always been the person who takes care of others—helping people stay healthy and strong through my work as a personal trainer.

Six weeks ago, everything changed.

What started as a normal Thursday morning quickly turned into something terrifying. I woke up with a severe headache and began vomiting.

At first, I thought it was something minor—maybe food poisoning or a virus. I told myself I just needed some rest and everything would be fine.

But instead of getting better, I got worse.

By that evening, everything became a blur. My family rushed me to A&E, and after hours of waiting and a CT scan, I heard words no one is ever prepared for:

“We’ve found a mass in your brain.”

I was in critical condition due to swelling in my brain, and doctors were preparing me for emergency surgery. I was taken to intensive care, where they worked to stabilise me. Thankfully, I responded well to medication and did not need emergency surgery that night.

As my condition improved, I was moved from intensive care to a ward so doctors could plan the next steps.

After further scans and tests, doctors were still unable to determine exactly what the mass was, so I had to undergo brain surgery for a biopsy.

Following the biopsy, I was diagnosed with:

Stage 3 astrocytoma (glioma, IDH-mutant) — a form of brain cancer.

It’s not curable, but it is treatable.

I am now undergoing 6 and a half weeks of brain radiotherapy (I’ve already completed my first week), followed by a year of chemotherapy. At this stage, surgery to remove the tumour isn’t possible due to its deep location in my brain.

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Despite everything, I’ve created this page because I truly need help.

I’ve always worked hard and supported myself. I’ve never needed to take time off sick before. But now, after this life-changing diagnosis, I’ve discovered that being on a zero-hours contract means I’m not entitled to company sick pay.

I am currently relying on statutory sick pay, which is a significant drop in income.

With the long road of treatment ahead, I don’t know when—or if—I’ll be able to return to work.

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How the funds will help

Your support will help me focus on my treatment and recovery without the constant stress of financial pressure.

Donations will go towards:

• Essential living costs such as bills, food,

• Supporting my son and making sure his needs are met

• Travel to and from hospital for ongoing treatment

• Allowing me the time and stability to focus on recovery

Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a real difference in helping me get through this incredibly difficult time.

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As much as I’m grieving the life I had before, I know I have to keep going—for myself and for my child.

Every day is now about finding strength, holding onto hope, and being there for the people I love most.

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If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, or even just share my story, it would truly mean the world to me and my family.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and support me.

With love,

Rita