In 2019, Ellie was just 22 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was the youngest person to be diagnosed with a type of breast cancer called, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
“My diagnosis hit me like a ton of bricks.
Overnight I went from working full time as a nursery nurse. Plus I was attending university part-time at the weekends to facing an uncertain future. However, thanks to the outstanding care I received at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, I’m happy to say I will soon be celebrating five years cancer free.
The staff at Clatterbridge were so amazing. They helped make my treatment the best experience they could. They were so full of compassion. It was difficult going through treatment at such a young age. But the wonderful staff gave me comfort in my time of need.
In February 2020, after completing my course of radiotherapy, I rang the bell to mark the end of my treatment. I was surrounded by my family and friends, as well as the staff who had seen me through my journey. It was such a special and emotional moment to share with them all.
My cancer is hormone related. So I am on a course of medication that I have to take for the next ten years. And I have yearly mammograms. Living with the worry that my cancer could return as I wait for my results each year is something I am learning to live with. But it has definitely made me a stronger person. And now I appreciate the small things in life, like spending Christmas with the ones I love.
Life has certainly changed a lot for me since then. I have graduated from university. And I have been promoted to deputy manager at the nursery. Plus, my partner Joey and I welcomed our beautiful daughter Raya in April 2023. And in July this year Joey popped the question, so we are getting married!
This Christmas I’m looking forward to the Clatterbridge Christmas Concert. And I am dedicating my Fairy to our beautiful daughter, Raya, for the joy she has brought into our lives. She was too young to understand what Christmas was all about last year, so this year will be extra special.
However you are spending the holidays this year, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2025.”
If you would like to find out more about the Fairy appeal then click here.
