A York woman living with an aggressive brain tumour has launched an urgent fundraising appeal for treatment abroad – after being told there are no further options available on the NHS.
Emma Ward, 47, was diagnosed in March with grade four glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. When diagnosed, she was given just 12 to 15 months to live.
In six days, the appeal has already received an outpouring of support, with more than £76,000 pledged on the JustGiving page, towards the £150,000 needed to fund vital treatment in Germany.
Emma has lived in York all her life, originally from Rawcliffe and now living in Poppleton.
A mum to two teenage daughters and a long-time employee of Nestlé, Emma has already undergone awake brain surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite this, she has been informed that there are currently no further treatment options currently available on the NHS.
After learning of others locally who have benefitted from immunotherapy, Emma is hoping to travel to a specialist clinic in Germany for treatment that would help her body’s immune system better recognise and fight the tumour. This offers hope of slowing the cancer’s growth and giving Emma more years with her daughters and husband Dan, who has faced cancer twice himself.
The total cost of the treatment is approximately £150,000, beyond what Emma and her family can fund alone. Her appeal has prompted a remarkable wave of support across York and further afield.
Emma says she has been deeply moved by the kindness shown so far: “I’m overwhelmed by the support I’ve received and desperately hope that I’ll be able to get the treatment I need to keep me with my family. Without the treatment, my girls will lose their mum far too early.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has donated, shared my appeal, or offered to fundraise on my behalf and am incredibly humbled. Thank you.”
The ‘Hope for Emma’ appeal is supported by brainstrust, a UK brain tumour charity, helping Emma access treatment quickly and safely. Any surplus funds will be used to support others affected by a brain tumour diagnosis.
Emma’s family, friends and supporters are urging the community to continue donating and sharing her story so she can begin the urgent treatment in Germany in February.
To find out more and to make a donation, visit Emma’s official JustGiving page.
