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Full time mum Jo felt her world had fallen apart when she was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in August 2016.

After being told that the cancer had advanced, Jo undertook an operation to remove her oesophagus in February 2017.

Jo started blogging her journey in order to try and help others and keep her loved ones up to date with her treatment. ‘By sharing my cancer journey it has helped me to try and stay positive and focused on looking forward to a brighter future with my family.’

‘I am determined to beat this cancer once and for all. My motivations comes from the love and support of my sons and my husband.’

Jo has now finished her treatment and is enjoying being ‘mum’ again. ‘I look forward to new beginnings, new dreams and aspirations and seeing my boys grow-up.’

Thanks to donors like you, mums like Jo are able to make more memories with their families.

As a single parent to a young child and triplets, being diagnosed was tough for Emma in 2010.

She found solace in blogging and was keen to share her experience and provide strength to others facing a similar reality.

Things began to look up with the five-year all clear within touching distance. “I felt great. Actually, scrap that. I felt bloody brilliant.”

Then, as before, everything came crashing down with a second diagnosis of breast cancer in 2015. “The shock was immense. I was blindsided.”

Emma’s treatment has included the drug Herceptin. Thanks to your regular donations, Cancer Research UK-funded researchers, including Professor Julian Downward, played a vital role in the development in the discovery of this drug.

In 2012 Alfred was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.

“When I was told I had prostate cancer I was told to think short term rather than long term which completely deflated me, but it was even more difficult breaking the news to my wife and children.”

Alfred joined the Cancer Research UK-funded clinical trial, STAMPEDE, as part of his treatment. “It’s a trial looking at new combinations of treatment for prostate cancer patients to see which can improve survival.”

“Now I’m here 6 years later, and I would never have thought that possible.”

This year, thanks to supporters like you, people like Alfred are celebrating more time with their family.

“My grandaughter is so important to me. I love all my family, but I really didn’t think I would get to see her grow up. I am spending more time with her and creating memories.’

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to people who support Cancer Research UK, from the bottom of my heart.”

“My children, James and Grace, have been a massive support through my cancer experience. It was because of them that I knew I had to beat cancer. They are my world!”

Alex, mum of two, received the news she had breast cancer after noticing a lump in 2009.

“As a mum being diagnosed with cancer, it’s terrifying. You think to yourself "Will I beat it? Will I survive to see my kids graduate, grow up and marry? You find inner strength because you want to survive. You don’t want your kids to be without their mum.”

“I’m so grateful for my family and friends who helped during my treatment when my bones ached during chemo and I couldn’t climb the stairs. And I’m so grateful for the love of my children and them saying ‘Your hair will grow back mum, you’re still beautiful to us.'’”

Because of you, people like Alex don’t need to worry about missing out on those special family moments. Thank you.