East Lancashire Hospice raises awareness of Cancer in Pregnancy and the benefits of Complimentary Therapy

Kirsty aged 42 from Great Harwood, had a full and busy life; a growing family, an NHS career, and the anticipation of welcoming a third child. But in June 2023, during what should have been a joyful pregnancy, everything changed as she discovered a lump in her breast.

What should have been a time of excitement and preparation became a period filled with uncertainty, hospital appointments, and fear of the unknown. Facing hair loss, the physical toll of treatment, and the emotional weight of carrying both her baby and a cancer diagnosis. Despite everything, she persevered.

She was recommended to East Lancashire Hospice early on in her diagnosis, she was anxious and scared but soon found acceptance and a feeling of safety, in the hands of the team at East Lancashire Hospice.

“I’ve experienced the Hospice from both sides: In April 2025, my stepdad, Kevin, received care on the Inpatient Unit. Me and my family were able to stay by his side, spending precious time together in a lovely and supportive environment”. It was here that I met Danielle, a Complementary Therapist, who introduced me to a different kind of care, one that focuses on the whole person,” said Kirsty.

After taking time to grieve, Kirsty was referred to the Complementary Therapy service in January 2026. Now, she attends one-to-one sessions with Danielle and takes part in the Hospice’s Complementary Therapy Relaxation Group. From her very first appointment, Kirsty felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time; relaxed, listened to, and understood. Danielle took the time to get to know her, not just as a patient, but as a person with a life, a family, and a story.

Her perception of hospice care has completely changed. Where she once associated hospices with fear and end-of-life, she now sees East Lancashire Hospice as a place of warmth, compassion, and support, a place that cares for both patients and their friends and families.

Kirsty adds;

“Today, my life is a constant balancing act; hospital appointments, blood tests, and recovery from ongoing treatments, all while raising my three young kids, but I continue to advocate for cancer awareness during pregnancy. I am using my platform to raise awareness and to encourage others not to ignore symptoms”.

Kirsty`s third child is now two years old, living a full and healthy life. However, for Kirsty, uncertainty continues. She is currently awaiting biopsy results following signs of cancer progression on her Supraclavicular Lymph node.

Despite it all, Kirsty continues to face each day with strength, honesty, and determination, not just for herself, but for her family and for others who are in a similar situation.

In the UK, two people every day are diagnosed with cancer during or shortly after pregnancy. (British Journal of Cancer)

Each year, East Lancashire Hospice needs to raise more than £4.5 million to provide specialist palliative care and support for the people of Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.

A donation helps people like Kirsty feel seen, accepted and supported, through compassion care and Complimentary Therapy

East Lancs Hospice: Raising Awareness of Cancer in Pregnancy

URL: www.eastlancshospice.org.uk/kirstysstory

Email: fundraising@eastlancshospice.org.uk