First-time mum Kayleigh turner is appealing for backing to pay for more life-saving cancer research which helped her beat the disease.

Kayleigh, 32, from Richmond, was diagnosed when she was in her 20’s and underwent gruelling treatment, now she is supporting the Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 campaign Stand up to Cancer.

Kayleigh said that even after finding a lump in her breast and being sent for tests, she wasn’t expecting to receive a cancer diagnosis at age 26.

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“It was a curveball, we weren’t expecting that. I did assume it would be normal.

The Northern Echo: Kayleigh with baby Quinn Kayleigh with baby Quinn (Image: Stand up to Cancer)

“But it’s thanks to research that I’m still standing and can look forward to a future full of special moments with my loved ones. If the research hadn’t been done, we don’t know what treatments would be available,” she said.

After giving birth, Kayleigh is hoping her baby daughter Quinn can grow up in a world free from the fear of cancer. “It can affect anyone’s life, at any time, so we really have no choice other than to unite against it and help support the scientists to keep making new discoveries,” added Kayleigh.

She discovered a lump in her breast while in the shower, although she and partner Josh didn’t believe it could be cancer. Tests revealed the devastating news, it was stage 2 cancer with a fast-growing tumour which had not spread to her lymph nodes.

The Northern Echo: Kayleigh with baby Quinn Kayleigh with baby Quinn (Image: Stand up to Cancer)

She needed strong chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and her eggs and embryos were frozen as a safeguard, although baby Quinn was conceived naturally.

“I was the youngest person on the hospital ward, everyone else was older or my grandparents’ age. You walk in and think, oh my goodness what’s going on? It’s quite daunting but the team were incredible.

“I ended up losing my hair, which was probably one of the worst things about it, which is ridiculous.”

Kayleigh’s treatment lasted for nine months and she credits Josh, parents Sue and Mark and family and friends for providing her with "incredible support, to help her through it.”

Now she is urging people to check themselves for cancer and to get concerns checked out and support fundraising for the Stand Up to Cancer campaign to help raise money for research.

"It’s important to just be familiar with your normal and not be frightened to ask questions if it’s something unusual.”

Kayleigh added: “Success stories like mine would not be possible without research into better and kinder treatments, that’s why I’m lending my heartfelt support to this vitally important campaign."

Cancer Research UK spokesperson Michaela Robinson-Tate said: ”Thanks to our supporters, every day researchers are working tirelessly to help more people like Kayleigh survive.

"They’re finding ways to stop cancer from resisting treatment. One in two of us will get cancer. All of us can play a part to help beat it. That’s why we’re asking everyone to Stand Up To Cancer.”

To fundraise or donate su2c.org.uk

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