My mums battle with stage 4 ovarian cancer
In July 2024, my mum was suddenly rushed to hospital with a swollen and painful stomach. After numerous battles with doctors to take the pain seriously, she was later diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. In August, she started her first round of chemo with 6 more to go, plus debulking surgery. Her diagnosis shattered our world.
I’m taking part in Ovar-Dressed London to raise funds and awareness in aid of Target Ovarian Cancer, the UK's leading ovarian cancer charity. They target what’s important to stop ovarian cancer devastating lives – that means symptoms awareness, life-saving early diagnosis, better treatments and support for everyone affected by ovarian cancer.
Please support my fundraising, and together we’ll transform the future for everyone diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
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For my mum
Friday 17th OctThat day in July will stay with me forever. My mum was rushed to hospital with severe bloating and abdominal pain. In the car, we held hands — her eyes watering, mine trying to hold back the tears. She turned to me and said, “If I don’t make it, I just want you to know the last 32 years of my life have been the best.” My heart sunk.
My mum doesn’t get seriously ill? Where had this come from? She’s only 62. She can’t die now.
Weeks passed in a blur of pain, confusion, and frustration — arguments with NHS staff, endless tests, and agonising waits for results. Then came the diagnosis: stage 4b ovarian cancer. We were stunned. Just eight months earlier, she was walking me down the aisle, singing, dancing, and lighting up the room at my wedding. It didn’t make sense. Yes, she’d had some bloating, but nothing like this.
It’s always been just me and my mum. She’s been my rock since childhood — the parent who never left, who stood by me through every storm. We’ve faced so many struggles together, and I had to remind myself: we’ll face this one together too.
Now, three months on, she’s nearing the end of her third cycle of chemotherapy. Cancer has a way of crashing into your life without warning, tearing everything apart. She’s had to give up work and travel — two things she’s passionate about — to focus on herself and this brutal fight. But there’s hope. Her latest test results showed her CA125 levels dropped from 309 to 47. We’re overjoyed.
My mum is my world. She’s battled through so much in life and always emerged stronger. She’s doing it again now — facing cancer like a warrior. On Sunday, I’m walking for her. And for every woman whose life has been touched by this awful disease.
ShareThank you to my Sponsors
£11.33
Roisin Barrett
£21.84
Rebecca Hine
Thinking of you all ❤️
£20
Zoë
Love you darling xxx
£32.23
Gaynor Hart
£53.32
Sarah Henderson
Very best of luck with this fundraising endeavour for a very important cause which I know is very close to your hearts.
£21.36
Donata Brazier
Wishing your Mum the strength to pull through. From a cancer surviver.
£11.33
Lucy Redmond Roche
£50
Gigs Banga
£106
Liam Keating
£20
James Chandler
£21.84
Charlotte-anne Swift
£20
Mel
❤️❤️❤️
£20
Pierce Walsh
God bless Caroline my wonderful cousin. I know you're being super strong, and we're all behind you here in Donegal.
£21.84
Yohanna
You’ll smash it! Well done ❤️
£21.84
Becky
🩷
£20
Pauline Mooney
£11.33
Jane Rogers
I was so upset to read this as your mum and I go back years as school friends. She is a very strong lady and I know she will fight this. I hope the small amount I could afford to donate will help. Give your mum a big hug from me❤️
£20
Umanaz Ali
My Doha mum, Caroline, you're a fighter!! Good luck with the run Mariam, an amazing thing to do ❤️.
£30
Harriet Deane
Loads of love to you all xxxx
£20
Alexis
Sending my very best wishes and love to your Mum, Mariam. We worked together at Aer Lingus in the 90's
£35
Alex Jozsa
Well Done, great to raise awareness.
£21.36
Annabel Dent
Sending lots of love to you all xx
£106
Trish Keating
£20
Bhavvyy
£20
Natalie Haynes
Well done Maz ❤️
£21.84
Michael Clarke
£37.47
Caroline Keating
Thank you Mariam and everyone who donated. Xxxxxx
£15
Well done Maz x