Kelly starts cancer treatment thanks to community’s help
A MUM battling terminal cancer has begun a treatment that could prolong her life even though the NHS deemed her case not “exceptional” enough to warrant it.
Kelly Maybury was refused a drug designed to starve tumours of blood and oxygen on the grounds of cost, despite the cancer spreading throughout her body.
Her friends and the wider community in her hometown of Maesteg were so appalled at the health board’s decision that they decided to fund it themselves.
And after a huge effort to raise funds, she had her first dose on Friday.
Julia Walters, who led the fundraising efforts, said Kelly was doing “really, really well” and that by Wednesday she would be feeling “a bit more normal”.
Speaking ahead of Friday, Kelly thanked the community “from the bottom of my heart”.
“Having this treatment wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the support and effort of everyone in the community,” she said.
The Kelly’s Wish fund has raised £58,000 towards the £75,000 needed in just two months.
Kelly, 36, restarted chemotherapy at Cardiff’s Velindre Cancer Centre, where she also received a dose of Bevacizumab, sometimes known as Avastin.
The drug costs £3,800 plus VAT per dose and Kelly’s Wish aims to provide 15 months of treatment.
“Unfortunately, no thanks to the NHS, I had to go public putting my- self and my family in the public eye telling them everything about myself,” said Kelly, a hairdresser and beautician who is married to Mark, 40, and mum to daughter Carys, 16, and son Daniel, 12.
“By doing this and having to ask for help, everyone supported me and the whole community got together and did what they could to raise money for my treatment and they are continuing to do so.
“I have had a tough time lately and all treatment had to be put on hold due to me recovering from two brain surgeries.
“I am slowly recovering from this now and am able to start treatment again.
“I am also starting Avastin thanks to the community who have managed to raise money and make this possible for me.
“I am very grateful to everyone and really appreciate everything they have done and, although I had to be open, I have had more support and it has brought everyone together and this couldn’t have been possible without them.
“Thanks so much from the bottom of my heart. Me and my family are very grateful.”
Kelly beat cervical cancer after being diagnosed in 2013 but last year she was told the disease had returned and was now in her lung, lymph gland and kidney.
Her consultant recommended Avastin but Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board denied her application for funding. In an email, the health board said the drug would “place a financial burden” on it.
It also said that “exceptionality” in Kelly’s application had “not been demonstrated”.
Kelly’s Wish filled the Llynfi Valley with green bows, each sold for £2, to help raise the money to fund the drug.
They also made and sold charm bracelets in the same colour, pins, hair bobbles and luxury green bows which come with pearls or diamantes, as well as organising fundraising events.
Head fundraiser, Julia, who is also treasurer and Kelly’s long-time friend, accompanied Kelly to Velindre.
She said: “It will be a long, long day, but I can’t wait for her to start Avastin.
“I did not imagine that the fund would take off in this way. It’s totally amazing, it really is. They are helping Kelly so, so much to give her something she was refused.”
Julia said people as far away as Australia have requested green bows and she hopes that Kelly’s Wish will continue to support Kelly and potentially other cancer patients in future.