A family is hoping to raise £120,000 to help an Isle of Wight woman receive pioneering and potentially life-saving surgery.
Susan Bulmer has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, metastatic ocular melanoma.
In 2009, at just 35 years old, an ocular melanoma was discovered in her left eye, meaning the whole eye had to be removed.
Thirteen years later, in October 2022, an annual liver scan revealed the melanoma had returned and metastasised to her liver.
Up until then, Susan had worked as a carer for people with dementia at The Briars care home in Sandown, working through the Covid pandemic.
She also previously worked in primary schools in Sandown and Lake.
Susan with youngest son Jayden
The latest diagnosis is considered stage 4, incurable cancer.
Almost all cancer treatments are completely ineffective in metastatic ocular melanoma.
At just 48 years of age, doctors have now given Susan between 6 and 12 months to live.
There is one small chink of potential light on the horizon though.
A revolutionary treatment, chemosaturation, has been shown to be effective in treating metastatic ocular melanoma but is not available on the NHS.
The cost of the treatment is a staggering £120,000 and will need to be self-funded.
Susan has spent her entire life helping others
Susan's daughter, Heather, said:
"We would be incredibly grateful to anyone able to support us in funding this treatment for my mum.
"Anyone who knows her is aware of what a beautiful, kind, and lovely person she is.
"She is the most amazing mum to me, my sister, my two teenage brothers, and our three little dogs that adore her so much!
"We need her here with us. She has so much life to live and love to give."
Chemosaturation has shown success in almost 90% of patients by either providing tumour stability, reducing tumour load or, in some cases, almost removing the patient’s cancer completely.
In 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved chemosaturation as a safe and effective treatment for improving overall survival.
Those wishing to donate can do so through Susan's JustGiving page.
Maritime Units Heading For Isle Of Wight Armed Forces Day
Funding Boost For Council Chairman's Chosen Charity
Medina Way Works In Place This Sunday
Islander Georgie To Star On BBC1's Great British Sewing Bee
Labour's West Wight Candidate Outlines Island Plan
Scam Warnings Issued For Isle Of Wight
Islanders Invited To Take Part In Charity Fire Walk For St Catherine’s
New Company To Bid For Digital Radio Licence On The Isle Of Wight
Police Respond To Anti-Social Behaviour Involving Electric Motorbikes In Puckpool
New Records Set Following ‘Extraordinary’ Walk The Wight
Appeal Launched Following Ryde Cashpoint Theft
Islanders Urged To Make Sure They're 'Emergency Ready'
Cast Your Vote For New Sea Defence Scheme To Win People's Choice Award
Operation Sceptre - A Number Of Surrender Bins Across Isle Of Wight
Man Jailed For Ryde Burglary And Knife Offences
Top Marks For Gurnard Primary Playground Project
Marathon Runners Raising Funds For Isle Of Wight Youth Trust As Part Of Mental Health Awareness Week
Body Of Man In 40s Discovered Following Brighstone Fire
Food And Fuel Support Extended For Island Families In Need
Hovertravel Releases More Than 60 Late Flights For July And August
