A mother of three from Shobdon has been given just months to live after being diagnosed with breast cancer, and needs donations to help fund her treatment. A friend set up a GoFundMe page to give Emma the best possible chance of seeing her young children grow up.

Emma Pocknell was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2021 at the age of 34. In a short space of time, she has dealt with appointments, procedures, scans, and a massive operation. Due to the pandemic patients are unable to have a supportive family member or friend with them when going through medical procedures, therefore Emma went through all treatment alone.

The GoFundMe page states: "There is absolutely no way Emma is prepared to give up without a fight, being a single mum of three young children, Olivia (11), Scarlett (9) and Chester (22 months), she has everything to live for."

Her friend Lianne described Emma as “so so brave” on the fundraising site.

When Emma was diagnosed her CT scan was clear. She went on to have months of chemotherapy to stop the cancer from spreading.

Unfortunately, Emma has received the news that the cancer has not responded to chemotherapy and an MRI has shown it has returned in her spine and lungs. Her current oncologist has said the NHS can no longer treat her, and she has been told that, at the most, she only has 10-12 months to live. And unless the tumour on her spine shrinks, she could be confined to a wheelchair. 

Lianne has contacted doctors at home and abroad in the hope they can provide further treatment or trials. A specialist in the treatment of hormone receptor breast cancer, Dr Stephen Johnston, based at London's Royal Marsden Hospital, has been recommended. Although Emma’s doctor can refer her to this hospital privately, the cost of treatment is prohibitive without fundraising.

“No donation is too small; every bit of help is appreciated,” said Lianne.

Currently, they have raised nearly £6,000 of their £100,000 target.

To donate, visit https://uk.gofundme.com/f/help-emma-get-to-see-children-grow-up-x