Mother credits Dame Deborah James's cancer campaign for saving her life
- Lyndsey Ainscough diagnosed with stage three cancer after experiencing symptoms.
- Dame Deborah James's cancer campaign prompted her to get checked leading to successful treatment.
- Mother-of-three expresses gratitude for being alive due to the awareness campaign.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Lyndsey Ainscough, a secondary school attendance manager from Leigh in Greater Manchester, discovered she had stage three bowel cancer after watching campaigner Dame Deborah share her story on TV just weeks before her death in June 2022. Despite initially attributing her symptoms of bleeding and tiredness to irritable bowel syndrome, Ainscough's life took a drastic turn when she recognized her own symptoms while watching Dame Deborah speak. Following a colonoscopy in June 2022, Ainscough was diagnosed with cancer, leading her to undergo experimental immunotherapy treatment at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, ultimately resulting in her being cancer-free. Reflecting on her journey, Ainscough vividly recalls the shock of her diagnosis and the immediate fear of mortality that gripped her upon seeing the concerning images during the colonoscopy. Encouraged by Dame Deborah's advocacy for cancer awareness and early detection, Ainscough bravely joined a clinical trial in September 2022, a decision she describes as a "no-brainer." Since her recovery, Ainscough has been able to enjoy precious moments with her family, including a memorable family holiday, a surprise 40th birthday party, and watching her son play rugby at Wembley with his school team. Dame Deborah's impactful advocacy efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she is credited with inspiring a surge in individuals seeking testing for bowel cancer. Ainscough attributes her decision to get checked to Dame Deborah's candidness about her own battle with cancer, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms and overcoming any embarrassment or hesitation in seeking medical attention. Through initiatives like the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK, Ainscough aims to honor Dame Deborah's legacy by raising cancer awareness and supporting innovative research to benefit those affected by the disease, offering hope for more quality time with loved ones for individuals battling cancer.