A mother-of-two who is thought to be one of Britain's longest survivors of incurable cancer believes her attention to mental wellbeing has allowed her to cope with the devastating disease.
Laura Ashurst, 56, from Stokesley, was first diagnosed with cancer 23 years ago when her son was six-months-old and her daughter was three.
After her initial diagnosis, her breast cancer spread to her lungs and she has spent the last 16 years living with incurable Stage Four cancer.
Despite advancements in treatment, the average life expectancy following a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer is between three and five years.
However, the mum-of-two has now opened up about how she has not only survived following terminal cancer - but thrived.
“We can be in front of the best oncologists or have access to the best drugs, but what also determines our ability to live well is the mental space we carry around each day,” said Laura.
“Practicing self-kindness gives you reserves to show kindness to others. We all need help and support to develop our ability to show self-kindness.
“When I was diagnosed I was given just two years to live. But I’m still here, and that’s testimony to the exquisite sensitivity my disease has to the aromatase inhibitor drug Letrozole alongside the complementary support I gain from embedding mindfulness and meditation into my life.”
After training in mindfulness and meditation, Laura has since launched a business called Living with Hope.
“The name of that business encapsulates how I live my life,” she added.
“All any of us have is now, and to some degree, we all live with uncertainty.
“To live presently with uncertainty is something I have to practice daily.
“Mindfulness encourages us to notice the small things, things that in the busyness of each day we would ordinarily miss.
“These are often the things that are most important in life.”
This belief and new business setup from the 56-year-old came as she appeared on Ian Kinnery’s 'The Changing World of Work' podcast, which focussed on tips to manage your wellbeing in the workplace.
Having previously talked openly about his mental health struggles, Ian – a former European Business Coach of the Year recipient – said Laura “perfectly embodies” the power of mindfulness.
“We all face enormous mental pressures, especially within the workplace, but Laura has shown that when you manage them – and even make them work in your favour – they can actually have a positive impact on your life,” said Ian.
“She’s channelled the power of positivity through meditation and breath work, but there are a host of different steps that you can take to look after yourself – especially in the workplace.
Most read:
- Latest pictures as 999 crews speak with man on roof of Darlington office block
- Two men charged with murder as alleged victim named by police
- Woman who arrived injured in hospital sparks CSI probe in front garden of home
“Unfortunately, jobs are one of the biggest inducers of stress and I know first-hand just how much of a toll your career can take on you.
“Everybody needs to find a way to cope with their stresses, and that’s where coaching can bring about enormous benefits, especially for those who ignore the warning signs that they are struggling themselves.
“Often these are the people who, on the surface, seem highly successful such as business leaders. But the reality is we all have struggles and we could all do with taking a leaf out of Laura’s book to focus on ourselves – as she’s living proof about how well it works.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here