Shropshire Star

'I'm not dying, I'm going on holiday': Shropshire gran defies doctors

A remarkable Shropshire grandmother is defying doctors who gave her months to live to raise money for the hospice she attends.

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"They've said I could be dead by Christmas but I'm not going anywhere – I'm going on holiday," said Carol Woodward.

"I'm not one of these with a bucket list of things to do. I would rather raise money for local charities," said the 67-year-old from Ford, Shrewsbury.

Mrs Woodward has raised £3,000 for Severn Hospice in the last year while battling breast cancer which spread to her bones and lungs.

"I look a picture of health," said the former auxiliary nurse who worked at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for more than 20 years.

"I've got a lovely tan and I'm a bit bloated from the treatment but I'll soon get my figure back.

"And I've got a mass of curls. It's just starting to come out again. I've been bald three times but it doesn't matter - it will grow back."

Mrs Woodward who lives in Appleby with husband Rick, was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2011.

She said: "It was so aggressive they said I needed chemo before they could even start to remove it.

"I had my first breast removed in June 2011 and the second in February 2012 after chemo and radiotherapy on the other side.

"I had reconstruction of both breasts then I had my first six-month clear appointment in May 2013 and two weeks later I was diagnosed with bone and lung cancer.

"I am just what they call splattered. Since last September I've had seven rounds of chemo but none of them have worked for me.

"So the chemo I am having now is my last lot. We are just trying something different and if that doesn't work they've said I could be dead by Christmas. But I'm not going anywhere - I'm going on holiday."

She added: "We've just got back from Fuerteventura - travel insurance was sky high - they wanted £758 for a week and double for two.

"We thought we'd risk it and if anything happened to me while I was there Rick would have me cremated and take me home and have a service when we get back."

The couple held a party at their home which raised £1,650 for Severn Hospice where Mrs Woodwards has reflexology at the centre in Bicton Heath.

The Woodwards have sons Russell, 47, Graham, 45, Neil, 41 and grandchildren Harvey, 12, Lewis, nine and Connor, eight.

Mrs Woodward said: "Rick and my family are 101 per cent supportive.

"Between September and January last year Rick drove me to Manchester once a week for my treatment.

"It's a 160-mile round trip but he wouldn't let anyone else drive me. He is solid support."

Mrs Woodward sees herself as "living with cancer" rather than "suffering from cancer".

"You've got to have a positive mind," she said. "I know I'm not going to get better but hopefully this chemo might give me some more time.

"The day I was diagnosed I saw a little girl at the hospital she was about 11 she was bald and she had a big smile on her face. I thought if she can do it I can.

"When I was told I had secondary cancer I said let's get on with it and start fighting again. It's the positivity that helps you through. I will not let it defeat me."

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