Marie using cancer experience to help others going through it

An Angus woman diagnosed with terminal cancer is working hard to find a way to help others.

Marie Fenton, 50, from Carnoustie, has launched a campaign to buy a “coolcap” machine for Ninewells Hospital in Dundee to prevent cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy from losing all of their hair.

The former head teacher at St Margaret’s Primary School in Montrose was first diagnosed with a rare form of cancer of the appendix two years ago after suddenly experiencing severe stomach pains.

The cancer is difficult to diagnose until it is at an advanced stage.

Marie undertook a series of gruelling treatments and surgery and last October started another course of chemotherapy to combat new liver growths.

By December she was given three to five years to live and in January she learned the cancer had spread to her liver and lungs.

She said: “In February planned surgery was cancelled due to accelerated and aggressive spread of the cancer and I was given a terminal diagnosis of six to 12 months.

“My dream of returning to work became impossible.”

Despite her ordeal, the mum of two is refusing to be defined by her illness and is now working hard to find a way to help others through her fundraising for a coolcap.

She said: “Using the scalp cooling machine allowed me to keep my hair all the way through chemo treatment, giving hope to those I love and who love me. I still looked like me rather than some withered shadow of my previous self.”

So far Marie has raised more than £2,000 towards the £13,000 target.

To donate visit justgiving. com/crowdfunding/mariefenton