Story
We are taking part in the Shine Night 10K Walk 2021 to show support for Aimee and to all who are affected by cancer. It was December 18th 2020, Aimee was 6 months pregnant when she was diagnosed with Malignant Melinoma. A cancerous tumour at the back of her left eye. This was found during a routine eye test by her Optician, while she was showing no symptoms. She’s recently started speaking openly about her experience to raise awareness, and encourage others to get their eyes tested and speak more openly and honestly about cancer. Aimee and her husband Aaron had to make the decision to treat the cancer while Aimee was still pregnant. There was a risk of them losing their son, but leaving the cancer untreated would create opportunity for it to spread and grow. In January of 2021, Aimee underwent two invasive surgeries and a course of localised radiotherapy to treat the tumour. The treatment and level of care provided by the team at St. Paul’s Eye Clinic (Liverpool University Hospital) and additional support from the Liverpool Women’s Hospital was second to none (daily, pre and post surgery monitoring of their son for both surgeries was provided). Regardless, her time in the hospital was difficult to say the least. 4 hours away from home, and unable to see her husband while the treatment was in progress, and only able to take paracetamol for pain relief. Thankfully, their son Evan was born in March 2021 and now he’s 6 months old, very healthy and very, very happy. Aimee had a checkup in July, 6 months post surgery, and although the results are very promising, the professor has said it’s too early to celebrate. Her biopsy result is very good, with an extremely low risk of the cancer spreading. Aimee’s currently receiving support and counselling from Maggie’s in Swansea, which is a huge help. Another checkup is scheduled for January 2022, and while we hope for more good news, we understand the fight against cancer is a marathon, not a sprint. ————————————————— Cancer is happening right now, which is why we are taking part in the Shine Night 10k to raise money and save lives. 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Every single pound you donate makes a difference to Cancer Research UK’s groundbreaking work, so please sponsor us now.