Stand Up To Cancer: Thornton mum Paula Marshall launches Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 fundraising campaign

Paula Marshall’s life changed in ways she could never have imagined as she went from being a busy working mum-of-two to scheduling her life around surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy sessions.

Now the 49-year-old is backing the joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, and says she hopes people across the Fylde coast ‘will Stand Up To Cancer for everyone affected by this devastating disease’.

She said: “It was a huge shock when I heard the words ‘you have cancer’. I was terrified that I wouldn’t be around to see my children grow up. But it’s thanks to research that I’m still here and can look forward to a future full of special moments with my loved ones.”

Paula was aged just 33 when she found a lump on her left breast which led her GP to refer her to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for tests including a biopsy.

Paula and husband John were devastated when she was told she had breast cancer and would need a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

Their youngest child, Victoria, was aged four at the time while their eldest Craig was eight.

Paula recovered well from treatment, but in 2013 she was shocked to be diagnosed with bone cancer following a routine scan.

She was told she would need bone infusions for the rest of her life which involves a regular injection to keep bones strong to avoid the risk of fracture.

Then Paula suffered a further blow in 2020 when she was told the cancer had spread to her liver and she would need chemotherapy once again.

Due to the pandemic, Paula had to have the treatment alone at the hospital. But she battled on and 12 months ago had a hip replacement as she was using a wheelchair due to being in so much pain in her bones.

Paula had to give up her job as a primary school teaching assistant as she was under too much risk of contracting Covid-19.

She is currently taking chemotherapy tablets at home and feeling much more mobile since the hip operation. And she recently threw a big party for her 49th birthday after deciding she didn’t want to wait for her 50th.

Paula and John, 61, have been regular fundraisers for Cancer Research UK, and are urging people to support Stand Up To Cancer by fundraising in their own way.

Their son Craig is now in the Army and based in Cyprus while daughter Victoria is training to be a prison officer.

Paula is also step-mum to Ben, 33, who lives in Malta and Jasmine, 31, who lives in London.

She said said: “Cancer can affect anyone’s life, at any time.

“Success stories like mine would not be possible without research into better treatments, that’s why I’m lending my heartfelt support to this vitally important campaign. Every action big or small could help make a difference.”

2022 marks the tenth anniversary of Stand Up To Cancer in the UK, with more than £93 million raised to date. 

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for the North West, said: “Thanks to our supporters, every day our researchers are working tirelessly to help more amazing people like Paula survive. They’re finding ways to stop cancer from resisting treatment. They’re improving technology to detect cancer faster and boosting the immune system so that it’s better at destroying cancer cells.

“But there’s so much further to go. One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. All of us can play a part to help beat it. That’s why we’re asking everyone to Stand Up To Cancer this autumn and raise money that could help get new tests and treatments to those who need them most. If we all stand together, we can save lives.”

A free fundraising pack is available online for inspiration and support. To fundraise or donate visit su2c.org.uk