Molly's story

Molly, from Settle, was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 when she turned 50. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she was given the all-clear in 2016. But, after going to her GP for unrelated tests in 2020, she was told the cancer had returned and spread to the bones in her pelvis.

“I found out on the phone when I was out running during lockdown,” said Molly, now 59. “It was quite a shock and I had a lot of different emotions. You go from feeling fairly normal one day and not really thinking about it, to suddenly being in a really bad place. That’s why it’s been so great to have a really good healthcare team around me.

“When it got to a point where I was in a lot of pain, the doctors put me in touch with Sue Ryder Manorlands and I was assigned Vicki, a Sue Ryder Nurse. I know I can call her if I need anything, and sometimes she just listens to me when I need a cry. She has just been so good.

“I know that Sue Ryder is going to be there for me through my whole journey, the good and the bad, which is so reassuring.”

Vicki has also helped Molly talk about her wishes, making sure everyone involved in her care is aware of what she wants.

“I know with Sue Ryder Manorlands I will have an ongoing need for their help and I know that when it comes to it, I would like to go to the hospice.”

Molly is determined to make the most of the time she has left and with the help of her friends has been fulfilling some long-held ambitions.

“While I’m here I’m going to try and do as many things as I can. I’ve put together a list of things I want to achieve.

“I had always wanted to plant a tree, so my friend arranged for me to plant a beautiful oak tree – called Cedric – in the woods. Another friend organised for me to have a zookeeper experience for a day at South Lakes Zoo in Cumbria, and I got to see the white rhino, which was just lovely.

“One of my doctors told me to embrace each day and don’t try to look too far forward, so I try to follow that advice. And that’s where Sue Ryder has been so reassuring.”

Molly has also driven a Porsche around a racetrack, spent a day trying on wedding dresses with her friends, taken her brother to a football match, adopted a dog and done a zip wire, among other things!

Broadcast on BBC One and Two (BBC One on 18th August and BBC Two on 23rd August), our appeal will feature people we have helped, including Molly, Sarah and Mark. They will share their inspiring stories with viewers in a special film and talk about the difference Sue Ryder has made to them.

The first £15,000 donated will be generously matched by our corporate partner, Dignity Funerals. This means that if you choose to donate to the appeal, you can raise even more for our essential work.