Young cancer patient to mark recovery at special event

Ashleigh O’Hara

A young cancer patient from Littleborough will mark her recovery from a rare form of head and neck cancer when she takes part in The Christie charity’s Walk of Hope next weekend.

Ashleigh O’Hara, 22, was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in November 2010, just two months after starting an English degree at Edge Hill University. She was 19 at the time.

She said; “I’d started having all sorts of problems with my sinuses and had horrendous pain down one side of my face. Then I noticed a lump in my neck that got bigger in a matter of days.

“I had a feeling then that something wasn’t right but you never expect to hear the words cancer when you’re still a teenager. I had a biopsy and then went for my appointment with my mum and my aunt to be given the news. I was in absolute shock and the news didn’t really sink in.

“I used to travel past The Christie every day on the bus on my way to university and didn’t really know what the hospital did – little did I know that I was about to spend a lot of time there.”

Ashleigh underwent intensive treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, even spending her 20th birthday in hospital. By July 2011 she was told she was in remission.

“It was a massive relief and I can’t really put it into words how that felt. The Christie is just an amazing place. Everyone from the doctors and nurses to the staff in the canteen. I just can’t fault it. Even when I go back now for follow up appointments – it’s a place where you just feel secure and confident and that you’re in safe hands. I owe my life to them and they will forever hold a very special place in my heart.”

Ashleigh, who hopes to embark on a career in journalism after her studies, has now started fundraising for The Christie as a way of saying thanks for the care she received.

“I’m finally getting back on my feet now after everything I’ve been through and although I wouldn’t be able to do anything like a big run yet, I want to raise as much money as possible from here on in as my way of giving of giving something back. The Walk of Hope will be so poignant for me and a great way to start my fundraising."

If anyone wants to support me please visit www.justgiving.com/Ashleigh-O-Hara. Even the smallest amount can help.

“I couldn't have done all this without my mum, Joanne. She has been my rock throughout and as a result of what we have both faced in my cancer diagnosis we have now coined the phrase ‘Team O'Hara’. I’ll be doing this walk with my mum and all our donations will go together,” added Ashleigh.

The Walk of Hope on the 21 September is a 10k walk through the grounds of Tatton Park. It honours the courage of those battling cancer and those who have lost the fight. It's a chance to say thank you for the care and treatment received, to celebrate with survivors and to raise vital funds for The Christie. 

The event begins with the launch of the doves of peace and midway through the walk there is a moment for reflection, as loved ones have the opportunity to throw a pebble adorned with the name of the person they are taking part in honour of into Tatton Mere.

Sporting events development manager at The Christie Charity, Emma Tilley, said; “Ashleigh has been incredibly brave to go through all this at such a young age. We’re thrilled that she’s taking part in the Walk of Hope with her mum.

“The event is always emotional and uplifting and helps us raise vital funds for this important cause. If anyone else would like to join us at this special event please contact our charity on 0161 446 3400 or visit www.christies.org/walkofhope.”