Meet Lynsey Haggarty

“Beatson Cancer Charity were there with support and love, just when I needed it most.”

Last year, at only 37, Lynsey Haggarty found out she had Breast Cancer. Here’s her story…

Last April, just after my 36th birthday, I found out I had Breast Cancer. I had two young kids to look after, a career to maintain and a busy life to manage. My life was turned upside down and I really wasn’t sure how I was going to cope. I was terrified.

I never thought I would be the person telling my children – Eilidh, 10 and Ruaraidh, 8 – that their mum had cancer. Eilidh immediately broke into tears and asked “Mummy, are you going to die?” I felt awful that I had worried my kids and my husband. I put on a brave face and reassured them, “Mummy will be fine.”

Inside though, I was so afraid, I knew I had a challenging journey ahead of me. I needed chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and a variety of targeted treatments, which would be ongoing over the next few years. The doctors and nurses were lovely and so reassuring, but naturally, I had very anxious moments – worrying about myself, my kids, my husband and the rest of my family.

Then I was introduced to Beatson Cancer Charity.

Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre was a total oasis for me, it was a space where I could escape and completely switch off from all my worries. The Wellbeing staff are hugely caring and were always on hand with a cup of tea and words of advice when I needed it most. At times when cancer was on the forefront of my mind, I could pop into the centre, get stuck into a puzzle and get some breathing space from reality. It really is a sanctuary for thousands of people like me.

“So this year, I will be hanging my Beatson Bauble to say thank you to everyone at The Beatson and Beatson Cancer Charity, for providing support and love, just when I needed it most.”

Thanks to The Beatson and the support of Beatson Cancer Charity, I found out in December that my body had responded to treatment and my cancer has now gone. This was such a special moment for my entire family, it really was the best Christmas gift ever. I will always remember the relief on both the kids and Gary’s face; they didn’t need to worry anymore.

I now face a few years of targeted treatment to keep my cancer at bay, which means monthly visits to The Beatson and hopefully, when Covid-19 restrictions ease, plenty more trips to the Wellbeing Centre.

BEATSON BOOBY BIRDS

Lynsey is one of our fantastic Beatson Booby Birds – a group of 16 ladies who have organised a number of events, including a Booby Bird Ball, a skydive and local events to raise over £82,000 for Beatson Cancer Charity!