£12,000 raised as Doncaster mum and former pub boss battles cancer
She has been told that her cancer is inoperable in this country
Money has poured in for a Doncaster mum and former pub boss battiing cancer so she can go abroad for treatment after being told her condition is inoperable in this country.
More than £12,000 has been raised for Lydia Pearson, who formerly ran The Wheatley Hotel, so she can travel to Portugal for care.
Lydia, 59, has been diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer - after earlier surviving a fight with breast cancer.
Daughter Laura Sykes said: “She is now battling cancer again and has been told that she is inoperable in this country.
“Myself and family have been tirelessly researching for second opinions and have been given hope for the first time in five weeks.
“A pancreatic specialist surgeon in Portugal has reviewed her medical information and says her cancer is operable and is willing to operate on her this Friday so we are desperately trying to raise funds to keep her alive.”
A funding page has been set up for Lydia, who ran the pub between 2004 and 2018. You can donate here - https://shorturl.at/m8Ee8
A statement on the page said: “Our wonderful, caring, beautiful mother, Lydia has been diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer at just 59 years old.
“Pancreatic cancer is one of the most underfunded and understudied types, and one of the most dangerous due to its location.
“The NHS have said they cannot take it any further.
“Private care abroad is the only chance we have of saving her.
“Without it, she may only be with us for another year if we're lucky.”
She is set have surgery in Lisbon with a specialist surgeon and the page said: “He's given her a 40% chance of living a full life expectancy post surgery, compared to the NHS' 0% chance and one-year prognosis.
“This is real hope.”
The surgery is estimated at €60,000, plus accommodation for Lydia and immediate family, as she'll need several weeks to recover in Lisbon before she can travel home.
The family added: “We all believe our mum is the best mum in the world.
“She brought us into the world, clothed us, fed us, and ensured we never went without, even though she had very little.
“Our mum taught us how to carry on, no matter what. That when the chips are down and things are tough, it's okay to shed a tear, but you pick yourself up and keep on going.
“The last time she was diagnosed with cancer, she actually worked through her chemo. I couldn't quite believe my eyes as she stood there behind the bar, running a pub during treatment… pouring pints, laughing and joking with a beaming smile, and lighting up the room as though nothing was happening.
“She'd finish for the day, but not before making sure tea was on the table and the washing was done.
“Our mum is an exceptional mother of two, grandmother of three and wife. Unfortunately, cancer has come for round two.
“Though it will stand there with its big nasty teeth, eager to take another victim, it won't beat our mum.”