Latest news with #cancerawareness
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Mother who had trouble eating and ended up being diagnosed with deadly cancer finally gets her 'fairytale' wedding
Bride Kerry Lenders has finally said 'I do' in a fairytale wedding that was put on hold after struggling to eat led to a shock cancer diagnosis. It had been suggested the 39-year-old was suffering from acid reflux when she began to have trouble swallowing. Certain foods like bread and potatoes would just seem to get stuck in her throat, and Kerry says her worrying symptoms became increasingly unbearable. 'I'd been having trouble swallowing for about two years and it just kept getting worse,' she says. 'It got to the point where I couldn't keep much food down - and the only things I could eat were soups and ice lollies and custard!' Kerry adds: 'I even ended up eating in a separate room from everyone else because my little boy would get worried. 'I had been told it was acid reflux, but I was concerned it was something more.' Anxious about having problems on her wedding day after deciding to tie the knot with her partner of 20 years Scott Catterall in January 2024, just two months before, the former dog groomer saw a specialist and underwent a series of scans and tests. And she was devastated when, in March last year, she was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. 'After having the tests I was told it would take two weeks to get the results through … and got a call the next day saying the specialist wanted to see me. 'As soon as I walked in the room I could tell by his face that it wasn't good news and I said 'it's cancer isn't it'. I collapsed when he said he was sorry but yes, it was.' Kerry, from St Helens, had a 6.2cm tumour in her oesophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. So when she should have been looking for wedding dresses and choosing a bridal bouquet, Kerry was beginning a gruelling 10 months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 'My first thought was would I see my children grow up? It was horrendous. 'I didn't react how I thought I would. I thought I wouldn't get out of bed and would cry every single day (and I did cry for a couple of days). 'But then it was like fight or flight. Survival mode kicked in. 'Cancer had taken so many people I loved, my dad and my nan; Scott's sister, and others - it had wiped out half our family. 'I looked at the kids and thought it's not having me. 'I found out everything I could, and I got my battle gear on.' Kerry was treated at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool which she says 'was amazing' - 'the staff there are brilliant, especially my oncologist, Dr Amy Jackson' - and underwent four rounds of chemotherapy and 25 rounds of radiotherapy, as well as taking 10 chemotherapy tablets a day. She also had a feeding tube fitted after being told the treatment would make her symptoms worse before they got better, but she says: 'I never used my feeding tube, other than to take the chemo tablets which I crushed because they were like huge torpedoes. 'I discovered that some people are cured of cancer and then have to learn to eat again, and I didn't want to get over one problem, only to have another. 'Scott and I made nutritious soups and smoothies and I took manuka honey - doctors were amazed that instead of losing weight, I put it on! 'We didn't cancel the wedding, but we did put it on hold so I could put all my energy into my treatment. 'Scott was amazing. He was there for me every step of the way - proof that he's always been the right man for me.' When Kerry was finally given the all-clear in December last year, she smiles: 'I was on such a high. 'Then there was panic. There was a wedding to plan - so we went at it all guns blazing.' Kerry and Scott, 45, had decided to get married after their eight-year-old son Charlie asked why Kerry had a different surname from him and his sister Amelia, three. 'He said he wanted us to be a family,' says Kerry, 'and while we explained that we were a family, he said he wanted us all to have the same name. It struck at my heart.' Scott, who gave up his job as a travel agent to look after Kerry, says: 'We had always planned to get married - we'd been engaged for 16 years - but something always seemed to get in the way. 'Then we realised there would always be a reason not to do it - so let's just do it.' On Wednesday there were tears of joy as the couple married in an emotional ceremony at the 17th century Tempest Arms near Skipton, surrounded by close family and friends. It was a celebration, Kerry says, not just of her love for Scott, but of her relief and happiness at having been given the all-clear. 'It really is our fairytale ending,' she adds. 'If ever there was a time for a big celebration, this was it. 'Marrying Scott means more to me than ever after what we've been through. 'There were times when I feared it was never going to happen,' Kerry admits. 'But I pushed away the negative thoughts and the wedding became my goal to getting better. 'It wasn't just about getting married, it was a party to say we got through it as a team - and it was a big 'up yours' to cancer!' Scott says: 'Having gone through so much put everything into perspective. We had all our family and friends there and every guest had helped us to get to where we were. They helped us both through.' Son Charlie was ring boy and daughter Amelia was a flower girl and bridesmaid. Kerry said: 'Walking up the aisle was wonderful. I thought about Charlie wanting us to be a family and have the same name, and I thought of how hard going through cancer had been - but we did it!' 'It was an emotional day. There were tears,' smiles Scott. 'But they were tears of joy and happiness because now we can get on with the rest of our lives and making the most of every single day together.'
New York Times
12 hours ago
- Health
- New York Times
How Nick Gray, son of Eddie, is paying tribute to his brother: ‘It's a way to keep his memory alive'
You will always remember those people who are by your side, propping you up, in your darkest moments. For Nick Gray and his family, it's the hospice staff who cared for his brother, Stuart, through his final days. Nick and Stuart are the sons of Leeds United legend Eddie Gray (main photo: Stuart on the left, Eddie in the middle, Nick to the right). The former is currently on his latest fundraising drive in memory of his sibling, who died from cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of liver cancer, in January 2024, at just 50 years old. Advertisement Nick, 39, is trying to complete 25 separate events throughout 2025 to raise money for Saint Michael's Hospice in the Yorkshire town of Harrogate, a 30-minute drive north from Leeds. The care and support the Gray family received through that harrowing time in their lives has stayed with Nick, who felt he needed to do something after Stuart's death. 'They are drastically underfunded,' he tells The Athletic. 'It's such a great place. It's very close to mine and my family's hearts. We saw how well Stuart was looked after while he was there. They made his final few weeks as comfortable, peaceful and as pleasant as possible in that situation.' The activities range from a 22-mile (35km) swimming challenge to a 12km (seven-mile) obstacle course and, crucially, shared experiences with Stuart's sons. You can read more about Nick and his endeavours here. Stuart is survived by five children and his partner, Rachel. Nick, who is going at this despite a long-standing back issue which stopped him playing football 15 years ago, will caddy as Stuart's son Jacob tackles 72 golf holes in a day, and will run Glasgow's half-marathon with Adam, another of his nephews. He may even take the fundraising on into 2026 and finish his push with the London Marathon. Stuart was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in June 2023, when it was already at stage four — the most serious. At that point, Nick says, it was clear to the family that it was terminal and they were hoping for a miracle. They looked into clinical trials and innovative treatments, but none of it was possible for Stuart. He died at Saint Michael's, with his loved ones around him, just seven months after that initial diagnosis. 'It was very, very difficult,' Nick says. 'As you do in those situations, you just get on with it. It was particularly difficult and awful for Stuart's partner and his children. We were there, as best we could, to support Stuart and support them. You just do what you can. It was inevitable, what was going to happen. We knew it was coming, but when it does come, it's never easy. Advertisement 'People deal with grief in different ways. In reflecting on how I've dealt with that, my go-to was to think, 'Right, well, what can I do next? How can I support the people who supported us?'. That's been my coping mechanism.' News of Stuart's illness and eventual passing rocked his loved ones, and the wider football community too. The family are tied to the very fabric of Leeds United, including Harry, 16, and 19-year-old Archie Gray wearing the shirt in recent years, but Stuart himself had a good career as a pro between 1992 and 2006, playing for Celtic, Reading and Rushden & Diamonds among others. The family's first fundraising campaign, after Stuart's original diagnosis, was dedicated to securing the expensive and inaccessible treatments he needed. Sadly, as his condition deteriorated, the options became fewer and fewer. More than £50,000 was raised through that campaign, and the money ended up being donated to AMMF, the UK's only cholangiocarcinoma charity, and to Saint Michael's. Nick went on to raise a further £2,424 for AMMF in September 2024 by completing the 24 Peaks Trek, which takes in 24 of the English Lake District's highest peaks across two days. Nick is modest about the efforts he is putting into all this. He sees it as one important way of keeping his brother's memory alive, of ensuring everyone hears his story. 'It's a nice way — not that we will ever forget Stuart — to keep his memory alive and do something that keeps him fresh in the mind and shares his story with others,' he says. He just hopes the money he raises now can ensure other families will benefit from the priceless work the Harrogate hospice does for people in the community. His family is large but tight-knit, they were all together in those grim January days near the end with Stuart, when the hospice staff eased their pain as best they could. Advertisement 'We are very close as a family,' Nick says. 'We are all, for the most part, local to the area, so we were all here and able to kind of lean on each other through Stuart's illness. 'Even at the darkest times, the day Stuart passed away, we were all there, we were all with him. That's something that only strengthens that bond. 'We'll certainly never forget Stuart. We will keep talking about him. We'll keep his memory alive.' To donate and support Nick's efforts, click here. (Top photo courtesy of Nick Gray)
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
My best friend died at 11 after telling me to live my life for him
Ryan Quinn remembers the first time he met Aaron Murphy, the boy who would become his best friend. He was three and it was his first day at nursery. "After my mum dropped me off, I got very upset. It was the first time that I'd been on my own without her," he said. "As I turned around to go and find her, Aaron was standing behind me. We became inseparable instantly. "We were the closest of friends. We had so much in common. We had a love for Minecraft and for Star Wars." Just months into the friendship between the two boys from Dunfermline, Aaron Murphy was diagnosed with neuroblastoma - a rare form of childhood cancer which develops in nerve tissue and usually affects children under five. After various treatments, Aaron's cancer entered remission. But when he was 10, his cancer returned. He went through further treatment, but there was nothing that could save him. He died three weeks shy of his 12th birthday. Ryan was supposed to visit Aaron in hospital that evening but was picked up from school early. "I was so excited," he said. But the atmosphere in the car on the way home was silent. "When home, my mum sat down next to me and put her arms around me. 'Aaron's gone, Ryan,' she said." Losing a close friend at the age of 11 brought unimaginable grief to Ryan. He was angry at the world and at the disease that took his friend. "I became very reclusive and very depressed," said Ryan. "About three months after Aaron passed away, I started high school, which was hard because it was a massive change. "Suddenly I started this new school where I didn't really know anyone and my best friend wasn't there." On what would have been Aaron's 18th birthday, Ryan has shared what it was like to lose his childhood friend while they were both children themselves. Now 17, Ryan wants to turn his grief into a vehicle for change. "I thought I could put the anger and passion I felt into something - which was campaigning for children's cancer and raising awareness," he told BBC Scotland News. Aaron's last words to his friend were "Live your life for me, Ryan" and that is what he is trying to do. He says he is determined to honour his request. Ryan has undertaken fundraising and lobbying. Last year he did a sky-dive in memory of Aaron to raise money for a charity called the Team Jak Foundation which provides support for families and friends of people affected by cancer. It helped Ryan to deal with his grief and he said he wanted to pay them back. Earlier this year he spoke at the Scottish Labour Party conference. After that he managed to secure a meeting with Scotland's Health Minister Neil Gray who invited him to the Scottish Parliament to discuss the issues that Ryan is highlighting. Mr Gray told Ryan he was committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with cancer. Thoughts turned to Aaron during the meeting. "I thought, 'What would Aaron think of what I'm doing?' "There was one empty chair at the table. "I am confident that Aaron was sat in it, and I hope I did him proud." June is a hard month for Ryan. As he reaches adulthood, he has lots of questions about what happened to his best friend. He said " Recently I bought my first car after passing my driving test and the first thought I had when I put the key into the ignition was 'Why do I get to do this and Aaron doesn't?' And I'm constantly reminded of that as we approach Aaron's 18th birthday." Six years on from Aaron's death, Ryan says he misses his friend more than ever. "I loved Aaron with my whole heart and I always will," he said. "Aaron's death inspired me to be a campaigner so that he and the other children and young people who die from cancer each year are never forgotten. "I want to make sure that Aaron's story gets to the right places and on the right people's desks and I hope that meaningful change will be made." More stories from Edinburgh, Fife & East More stories from Scotland 'Radiographer started crying during my cancer scan'
BBC News
19 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
My best friend died at 11 after telling me to live life for him
Ryan Quinn remembers the first time he met Aaron Murphy, the boy who would become his best friend. He was three and it was his first day at nursery."After my mum dropped me off, I got very upset. It was the first time that I'd been on my own without her," he said."As I turned around to go and find her, Aaron was standing behind me. We became inseparable instantly."We were the closest of friends. We had so much in common. We had a love for Minecraft and for Star Wars." Just months into the friendship between the two boys from Dunfermline, Aaron Murphy was diagnosed with neuroblastoma - a rare form of childhood cancer which develops in nerve tissue and usually affects children under various treatments, Aaron's cancer entered remission. But when he was 10, his cancer went through further treatment, but there was nothing that could save died three weeks shy of his 12th birthday. Ryan was supposed to visit Aaron in hospital that evening but was picked up from school early."I was so excited," he said. But the atmosphere in the car on the way home was silent."When home, my mum sat down next to me and put her arms around me. 'Aaron's gone, Ryan,' she said." Losing a close friend at the age of 11 brought unimaginable grief to was angry at the world and at the disease that took his friend."I became very reclusive and very depressed," said Ryan."About three months after Aaron passed away, I started high school, which was hard because it was a massive change. "Suddenly I started this new school where I didn't really know anyone and my best friend wasn't there." On what would have been Aaron's 18th birthday, Ryan has shared what it was like to lose his childhood friend while they were both children 17, Ryan wants to turn his grief into a vehicle for change."I thought I could put the anger and passion I felt into something - which was campaigning for children's cancer and raising awareness," he told BBC Scotland News. Delayed cancer diagnosis Aaron's last words to his friend were "Live your life for me, Ryan" and that is what he is trying to says he is determined to honour his request. Ryan has undertaken fundraising and year he did a sky-dive in memory of Aaron to raise money for a charity called the Team Jak Foundation which provides support for families and friends of people affected by helped Ryan to deal with his grief and he said he wanted to pay them this year he spoke at the Scottish Labour Party that he managed to secure a meeting with Scotland's Health Minister Neil Gray who invited him to the Scottish Parliament to discuss the issues that Ryan is Gray told Ryan he was committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with cancer. Thoughts turned to Aaron during the meeting."I thought, 'What would Aaron think of what I'm doing?'"There was one empty chair at the table."I am confident that Aaron was sat in it, and I hope I did him proud."June is a hard month for Ryan. As he reaches adulthood, he has lots of questions about what happened to his best said " Recently I bought my first car after passing my driving test and the first thought I had when I put the key into the ignition was 'Why do I get to do this and Aaron doesn't?' And I'm constantly reminded of that as we approach Aaron's 18th birthday."Six years on from Aaron's death, Ryan says he misses his friend more than ever."I loved Aaron with my whole heart and I always will," he said."Aaron's death inspired me to be a campaigner so that he and the other children and young people who die from cancer each year are never forgotten. "I want to make sure that Aaron's story gets to the right places and on the right people's desks and I hope that meaningful change will be made."
BreakingNews.ie
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Lord Henry Mount Charles of Slane Castle dies aged 74
The death has been announced of Lord Henry Mount Charles, the 74-year-old custodian of Slane Castle in Co Meath, following a 'long and valiant battle with cancer.' A statement issued on behalf of his family announced the peaceful passing of the Marquess Conyngham on Wednesday evening. Advertisement '(He was) a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and custodian of Slane Castle, Lord Henry's courage, and unwavering spirit inspired all who knew him. "Lord Henry leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as a passionate steward of Ireland's heritage, dedicating his life to preserving Slane Castle and transforming it into a beacon of culture, music, and community. "His visionary leadership and generosity touched countless lives, while his warmth, humour, and resilience endeared him to friends, colleagues, and admirers across generations.' The family also expressed their 'heartfelt gratitude' to the exceptional staff at St James's Hospital as well as the many caregivers who supported Lord Henry with compassion over the last decade. They are also 'deeply moved' by the outpouring of public kindness and solidarity during this difficult journey. Advertisement 'As they navigate this time of loss, the family kindly requests privacy to grieve and reflect on Lord Henry's remarkable life. Funeral arrangements will remain private. "Lord Henry's light will continue to shine through the lives he enriched and the enduring contributions he made to Ireland's cultural landscape. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten." Meanwhile, an RTÉ documentary on the life of Lord Henry titled 'A Lord in Slane : Henry Mountcharles' aired last December. It depicted his work at Slane Castle and in particular his achievement in making Slane the premier outdoor concert venue in the country. The first ever Slane rock concert saw Thin Lizzy and U2 headline the legendary rock and roll venue in 1981. Other acts who have performed at Slane include David Bowie, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and REM.
