Help fund Heather’s cancer treatment

Hello, my name’s Mark, and I’ve been blessed to have been Heather’s partner for more than 15 years before (finally!) becoming her husband in the summer of 2021. We have two amazing young boys, Finlay (10) and Elliott (7), who fill our hearts and lives with unbridled love & joy (when we’re holding our heads in despair at their antics!). Over the past year or so, we’ve really tuned in to and begun to appreciate just how fortunate we are. Heather is absolutely the kindest, compassionate and most beautiful soul I have ever known, legitimately my soul mate. It’s not just me saying this; ask anyone who knows her!

To say that Hev’s health journey has been extraordinary would be a massive understatement. However, the levels of experience gained through living with multiple health conditions (including but not limited to; Chron’s Disease, Fibromyalgia, Depression and a stroke at the age of 30) did little to prepare us for what was to come...

In May 2021, the lives we were building together were shattered – Heather, then aged 37, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, which had metastasised to her liver with more than 20 tumours. The following fortnight of various scans and meetings with surgeons and oncologists seemed to deliver a continual stream of bad news which felt like it progressively worsened – the cancer is terminal, it’s inoperable, the outlook is not good.

As a family, we are desperate to have Heather's light in our lives and for her to be able to see as many upcoming milestones as possible; Finlay starting High School, Elliott reaching double digits, Celebrating her 40th Birthday, to name but a few.

Heather has been receiving excellent care from the NHS and built some wonderful relationships with her care team. She is very personable and chats with everyone she sees, bringing a genuine brightness to the Wards. She is receiving three lines of chemotherapy every two weeks (Oxaliplatin, Irinotecan and 5FU for those interested). Heather has navigated 14 cycles of this gruelling regime so far, which has been working to prolong Heather’s life.

Researching all possible treatment options to make sure we get to keep the shining star that is Heather in our lives for as long as possible, we found out about a drug called Bevacizumab (Avastin). This is a drug that has had significantly beneficial results for colorectal cancer patients. But, devastatingly, and without wanting to get political about it, we were told that N.I.C.E. guidelines currently deemed this drug not feasible to be funded by the NHS in England, despite it being considered gold standard treatment in the United States of America, Australia and across Europe. Heather’s oncology team have agreed Hev would be a prime candidate to receive the treatment, and it could well help extend her life; but they cannot prescribe Bevacizumab freely on the NHS.

Owing to Heather’s fortnightly treatment schedule and the current cost of Bevacizumab, the bills are quickly due to start mounting up. We are therefore asking for help to raise money which will go towards funding ongoing courses of bevacizumab, prolonging Heather’s life, and aiding towards cancer-related costs. Any contributions would be a massive help and genuinely, gratefully received.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any assistance you're able to give. If you'd like to know more, you can follow Heather's updates/video blogs via her instagram page: @HevSarah

Much love and all the best xxx