Doreen Phipps (my Nan), has always been the glue of our family, holding everyone together and giving everyone strength in whatever they face. She is cheeky, accepting, funny, kind, smart and incredibly humble - she never wants to make a fuss about herself or inconvenience anyone, and because of this she never gets the recognition she deserves for her kindness and patience.
In 2007, Doreen's husband, my grandad, died of Oesophageal Cancer at just 66. She has been on her own ever since then.
A few years ago, Doreen herself suffered from womb cancer undergoing exhausting radiotherapy for weeks, followed by hip Surgery and just recently severe edema in both legs, causing painful skin infections and bleeding. This may have been made worse by her diabetes - she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and yet did not receive (was not offered) any check ups over the course of over 3 years. After staying strong and finally getting past these horrible experiences, Doreen has now been diagnosed with Stage 4b Bowel cancer, which has already metasized to her lungs and liver. She will have to undergo intensive radiotherapy, chemotherapy and possibly surgery, despite her age. This will be extremely damaging to her, and regardless of treatment, she will not have long left to live.
This could have been caught earlier, however she has been neglected by her hospital, not receiving a single check-up after receiving radiotherapy for her womb cancer. Had this been monitored, and had she been listened to when she was expressing her worries, this cancer may have been caught at a curable stage, especially considering the links that are known between womb cancer and bowel cancer.
Back when her husband was with her, they used to visit Thailand together - it was a special place for them. Thailand was the last place she visited with him, and the first place that she visited without him. It holds a special place in her, and my, heart. However due to the increased cost of travel to Thailand, she has been unable to visit since that time. I know that it would be her "impossible dream" to visit their special place one last time before she joins grandad.
And so, I am begging for your help in making this happen for her.