Update

Dear friends,

We are sharing Carmen’s Gofundme page again for those that would like to make a contribution to support her as we launch a legal response to the NHS.

Following advice, we are instructing a solicitor to send a pre-action letter to challenge the decision to deny providing Carmen’s current medication, Avastin, through the NHS despite its recent approval as an NHS drug for cancer patients. As you are aware, Carmen has been paying for her treatment privately and the support you have all given through this page has helped her enormously. The recent news that the treatment would be made available on the NHS was gratefully welcomed however the NHS continue to deny Carmen the right to this treatment despite the evidence that it is literally lifesaving for her. Their decision is based on the dates she began her treatment which exclude her from being eligible - a decision we cannot fathom. However, we are optimistic that if we take this action they will reconsider and make the decision Carmen needs - that all the treatment she needs is available on the NHS moving forward.

Whilst it is a miracle that Carmen is still with us, she does have stage 4 terminal cancer and without the Avastin the fear is the tumours could start growing again. Currently they are shrinking by a very small amount with each scan but it has recently been made clear that because of the number (14) and position of tumours in her liver, it will never be operable. Thus the continuance of the current treatment plan which includes the Avastin is critical to keep them at bay. And unless this is funded, even with everyone’s incredible generosity and utilising all her own savings, she can’t maintain the cost. There are always miracles and they are making advances in cancer treatments all the time, so we need to get this funded to keep her in the treatment that is currently keeping her alive. We would also like to add that Carmen has been bowled over by everyone’s love and generosity and think this has also played a role in her successful cancer treatment. Thank you beautiful people ❤️ Once again, we are so very grateful for your continuing support and love and any contribution you are able to make - no amount is too small. Love always X

Hello friends, as you will know, our incredibly special and dear friend Carmen (who so many of us knew as Candy in our youth) was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021. What followed was an extremely difficult, painful and courageous battle but one with positive results and more recently Carmen has been rebuilding her life, travelling again and making important memories with friends and family. However, we have now received the devastating news that her cancer has returned. This new diagnosis seems so very cruel but we believe there is always hope - acting immediately is paramount. Due to the severity of Carmen's condition alongside continuous delays and unsatisfactory care in Wales, Carmen's treatment has been transferred and is to continue at the MacMillan Cancer Centre at University College London. She is receiving standard chemotherapy treatment there as well as receiving an additional drug, Avastin, which is not currently paid for by NHS England. It is for this reason that we - her close friends - have launched this Gofundme campaign in order to support Carmen in getting the critical care she needs. No contribution is too small, everything will help. We are just so very grateful for any donations. Love always.