Thursday, April 25, 2024
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Brit given three months to live with incurable cancer smashes bucket list fundraiser

A BRIT who has been given another three months to live with incurable cancer has smashed her bucket list fundraiser. 

Nicky Newman has raised £15,000 in three days thanks to her sister Kirsty Marshall who set up a fundraiser to allow Nicky to start a bucket list.

33-year-old Nicky, was told last month that she had another three months to live and shared the news online with a picture of her partner Alex Newman.

The couple - Health News UK
Nicky Newman and Alex Newman pictured. (C) Nicky Newman

 

Posting to Instagram Nicky wrote: “These faces are an accurate representation of two humans who have just been given another three months together!” 

The influencer, from Gilford, Surrey, said she was “overwhelmed” with the money raised and has so much to do but has to take into consideration she will be on chemotherapy for the rest of her life.

The list was started in 2019 before Covid-19 hit which made it impossible for Nicky to get started on the itinerary.

As a vulnerable individual Nicky had to shield throughout the pandemic and is now easing back into normal life. 

The brave Brit eased into the list with paddle boarding outside with friends as her first item to do.

As soon as it’s safe to travel Nicky and her husband Alex are aiming to re-book their dream holiday to the Maldives, which was cancelled due to her ongoing treatment. 

Nicky was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2018 after noticing a lump in her breast during IVF treatment. 

The 33-year-old has had two progressions to different treatment over the past three years. 

The first treatment, targeted Immunotherapy, gave Nicky 19 months to live before it stopped working. 

Nicky in hospital - Health News UK
The Brit was diagnosed in 2018. (C) Nicky Newman

The drug had only been approved three months before Nicky’s diagnosis.

The second treatment didn’t work as expected as the cancer continued to grow. 

She is now on her third treatment, mainstream chemotherapy, which currently is still working as doctors have told the influencer she has another three months to live. 

Speaking today Nicky said: “My sister set up the fundraiser and I didn’t know, she just told me it had already raised £2000.

“I sat in tears and laughter as I didn’t know how to handle it. 

“I was totally overwhelmed and didn’t expect it. Instagram is a full-time job now, I put all my energy into it. 

“I spend all day long chatting to my followers, but when the support becomes physical, seeing how many people are out there behind you becomes hard to believe.

“Running my Instagram has given me a purpose, it has made my diagnosis worth it, being able to spend my time helping other people. 

“Most of my followers don’t have cancer and are just following my journey.

“It’s not until something really traumatic happens that you realise how much you need to seize the day.

“Every time I get a message from one of my followers and I can help them it gives me the drive to keep on going.” 

Nicky after a scan - Health News UK
The fundraising target was smashed.                                                                                       (C) Nicky Newman

The 33-year-old continued: “I get a full body scan every three months to check if the cancer is still stable or progressing.

“I class each three month block as another three months to live. Secondary cancer can progress very quickly so I’m just grateful to be given another three months of life.

The fundraiser has raised £16,000 in just four days from over 1000 contributors. 

Jennifer McKendrick said: “You are a true inspiration to so many of us! You light up your followers’ days just by being you. 

“You’ve taught us to just live in the present & really live life to the full each day, so thank you.” 

Anna-Marie Massey said: “Nicky you inspire me every day, and if I can help you to complete your living list then that is the least that I can do.” 

While Kate McKay added: “Thank you for lighting up so many lives just by being your beautiful, wonderful self! 

“We can’t wait to see you tick some more things off your living list.” 

Those who wish to donate to Nicky can do so through this link https://gofund.me/4bcaf080

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