Larkhill mum features in new Cancer Research campaign

Kerry Norgate is one of the stars of the charity’s ‘Together We Are Beating Cancer’ campaign and features in a TV advert broadcast across the UK throughout September.

Carrying the message, “We are beating cancer”, the advert shows the moment Kerry turns to her husband, Russell, to tell him that her breast cancer has gone.

Kerry, a trainer with the RAF, said: “When my consultant at Salisbury District Hospital showed me my before and after scans that showed the cancer had completely disappeared, the enormity of what I’d been through suddenly hit me. I turned to my husband and told him, ‘It’s gone’ and just burst into tears. The moment felt even more emotional when I realised the film crew were also crying.”

Showcasing the heartwarming moments being made possible for people affected by cancer, right now, the campaign aims to shine a light on the invaluable impact that cancer breakthroughs have on the lives of people like Kerry to inspire more support.

The launch coincides with new data released by Cancer Research UK revealing around 1.2 million deaths have been avoided in the UK since the mid-1980s due to progress in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Over the last four decades, UK cancer mortality rates have fallen by around a quarter, after peaking in 1985 for men and 1989 for women. Had rates stayed the same, it is estimated that around 111,000 more lives would have been lost in the South West.

Kerry welcomes the figures and says she is living proof of the power of research after receiving treatment that she believes saved her life.

Reflecting on her experience, she said: “The progress that’s been made has enabled me to have a bespoke treatment plan that allowed me to continue with my normal day to day activities and live a semi-normal life whilst receiving life-saving treatment. Without my treatment, it might be a very different story for me.

“Not only has my cancer gone, but I have had the chance to do so many things I’ve wanted to do. I now really appreciate that life is for living and in the past year, I have been to Ireland, Portugal, Belgium and France. These were all things that were impossible to imagine when I heard those devastating words: ‘It’s cancer.’

“That’s why I’m starring in this vitally important fundraising campaign to help ensure that the life-saving progress in research can continue and more families like mine can make more moments that matter.”

It was exactly a year ago that Kerry felt a flat lump the size of a two pence piece in her breast. Her GP sent her to be checked, and within days, she received a mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy at the Salisbury breast clinic.

Kerry added: “I had an agonising two week wait for my results and when I was told it was cancer, it was a shock and I was almost in denial. I came home and cried and my husband and I didn’t tell our children, Reuben, 14, and Rachel, 16, until we knew more about what we were dealing with.

“When I met my cancer consultant, Dr Hugo De La Pena, the cancer had already grown quite rapidly but he told me that it was curable and that was so comforting.

“I began my chemo just a few days later and it felt daunting, but after just two sessions, I could no longer feel the lump and the scans showed it was disappearing. To see it physically shrinking was gold – it was exactly the boost I needed.

“I was fortunate that I didn’t lose my hair and felt able to continue working throughout my treatment and enjoy my hobbies – dressage. I even managed to compete for the RAF during treatment.

“At the end of April, I had a lumpectomy and this August I had two weeks of radiotherapy to ensure there were no traces of cancer left behind.”

“I’ve had such a positive experience and everyone has been so lovely. Being part of the Cancer Research UK advert and being able to show how progress has helped me, felt like another positive part of the process.”

Cancer Research UK’s scientists have been developing radiotherapy since the very beginning. Pioneering research by CRUK laid the foundations of modern radiotherapy back in the 1920s and 1930s, which has gone on to benefit millions of people worldwide. Since then, we’ve continued to optimise radiotherapy for treating cancer, making it more precise and reducing side effects.

Kerry added: “I’ve had such a positive experience and everyone has been so lovely. Being part of the Cancer Research UK advert and being able to show how progress has helped me, felt like another positive part of the process.

“Sadly, not everyone diagnosed with cancer will reach key milestones – and that’s why the charity’s work is so vital. I wouldn’t be here without the scientists who strive to find new ways to outsmart cancer and the incredible fundraisers who make it all possible. So, now I’m determined to do what I can to show my support. I hope I can inspire people across Wiltshire to do the same. They could help bring hope and joy to more families like mine.”

Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Wiltshire, Elisa Mitchell, said: “Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our supporters, together, we are beating cancer.

“Our research breakthroughs mean every day, people are being diagnosed earlier, have access to kinder and more effective treatments, and some cancers are prevented completely. This all adds up to more moments with the people we love – as our new campaign featuring Kerry shows.

“But around 36,800 people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the South West. We’re working towards a world where everyone can live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer and that’s why we’re calling on people across Wiltshire to help us go further and faster in the fight against the disease.

“By donating, fundraising, taking part in one of our Shine Night Walks, or volunteering at our shops, they could fund new discoveries that will help more people reach the life-changing moment when their doctor says: ‘It’s gone."