Louise reveals her pioneering treatment trial journey and £7,000 of fundraising support

EVERY year there are around 3,200 new cervical cancer cases in the UK, equating to nearly nine every day, while in 2022 the World Health Organisation reported that it is the fourth most common cancer among women globally.

Back in July 2021, Louise Broadbelt, a member of the team at Signature at Esher, was among those women who were diagnosed.

After undergoing a hospital procedure for a separate matter, Louise was shocked to hear that she had suspected cancer.

From here, she was immediately referred to The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, where it was confirmed that she had Stage 3 Cervical Cancer.

Discussing her diagnosis, Louise said: “Being told you have cancer absolutely rocks your world. It’s a huge shock and your immediate thought is – am I going to die?

“My main concern was I couldn’t leave my teenage son, husband and family as I didn’t know how they would cope if they lost me.

“It was devastating but everyone I spoke to said I couldn’t be under the care of a better hospital. I knew I was in the best hands being at The Royal Marsden.”

It was at this leading specialist cancer treatment and research centre that Louise received much of her care, from radiotherapy to chemotherapy and brachytherapy. After this rigorous round of treatment she was able to enrol onto a clinical trial for immunotherapy, a pioneering treatment that uses a person’s own immune system to fight cancer.

Louise willingly accepted, eager to take the opportunity to not only aid in her own battle but contribute to research that could improve treatment for countless cervical cancer patients in the future.

Today, she continues to be a patient of The Royal Marsden and is proud to be a part of the trial.

“I feel very lucky to have been offered the opportunity and really hope it makes a difference,” Louise added.

“I also thought that taking part in this trial could help other patients like me in the future.”

Symbolic of her commitment to helping advance research into cancer and motivated by the fantastic people working at The Royal Marsden in Sutton who have cared and supported her, back in June 2022 Louise took to the skies for a charity skydive.

This proved to be a huge success, raising more than £7,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s Oak Cancer Centre Appeal.

She said: “I would never normally have wanted to jump out of a plane as I’m scared of heights, but I wanted to do something positive for The Royal Marsden and to give back something for all the amazing and exceptional care I have been shown.”

The money raised by Louise’s skydive contributed towards The Royal Marsden’s new Oak Cancer Centre.

This facility will speed up the translation of world-leading research into breakthroughs in treatment and care, transforming the lives of cancer patients at The Royal Marsden and beyond.

Speaking about Louise and her remarkable journey, Gabriela Smith, general manager at Signature at Esher, said:

“We’re all extremely proud of Louise – she is a true inspiration to us all.

“Louise is creative and inventive, particularly with the amazing seasonal displays she produces for residents to feel involved with the wider world.

“She brings joy and smiles to our home and residents.

“Over the last two years she has been through a lot, with so many appointments, scans, and treatments.

“Yet, despite this, she has been so cheerful and positive all the way through. Her contribution to helping advance research into cancer, both through her participation in a leading clinical trial and the incredible amount of money she raised through her skydive is incredible.”