Pensby mum begins lifesaving cancer treatment abroad thanks to campaign across Wirral to raise cash

Nov 30 2011 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

A MUM-OF-TWO has now begun receive lifesaving treatment abroad thanks to a Wirral-wide campaign to raise cash.

Susan Saul flew out to Germany on Saturday to begin the first course of treatment to save her life after medics gave her three months to live.

The 39-year-old has been battling a rare form of cancer, osteosarcoma, which eats away bone.

Sue was diagnosed four years when the cancer started in her knee and spread to her femur, but it has now spread to her pelvis, spine and rib.

The Pensby mum will need five courses of the ground-breaking treatment, each lasting around three months a time.

Sue told the News: “Thank you to everyone who has helped to get me to the position where I can now begin my first treatment. I know this is just the beginning.”

In the nine weeks since family and friends launched the Save Our Sue (SOS) campaign, £35,000 has been raised– enough to send her for the first stage of treatment.

Sue’s husband Marcus travelled with her but will return to Wirral this week to look after their daughters Seren, eight, and Estelle, four.

The SOS campaign is still going strong, with a number of activities organised to ensure Sue has enough cash to continue receiving treatment.

Long-time family friend Peter Greer told the News: “The campaign started nine weeks ago and we have raised £35,000. We have now got enough money for the first treatment, which will last three months.

“Sue has now been accepted by a world expert in osteosarcoma, Dr Lenz, who is based in Munich.

“Sue flew out on Saturday to start it because she was told she has not got long to live.

“It is non-toxic treatment and does not bombard her body with chemicals – it is not like chemotheraphy – so her immune system does not get invaded.

“She will be away for Christmas and will be on her own – she will be going through it by herself.

“It is absolutely fantastic that Sue can finally go. The generosity of the people who helped is amazing.

“Now we are trying to get more involvement from businesses.

“Sue needs five courses of treatment, lasting three months, but gradually it will get less.”

SAVE our Sue calendar of events:

l A Christmas fair at Inglewood Manor, in Little Sutton, on December 11.

lA ‘Jamie at Home’ party night will take place on Tuesday December 13 at Thornton Hough Women’s Institute, in Neston Road, Thornton Hough. There will be Christmas gifts, party quizzes, games and top raffle prizes. It runs from 7pm until 9pm and tickets are priced £2, which includes a glass of mulled wine and mince pies upon arrival. All money made from the raffle and 15% of sales will be donated to the Save Our Sue campaign.For tickets, call 07772 065 732.

l Save a date for next year – on February 3 a Winter Ball takes place at the Holiday Inn, Cheshire Oaks.

l Check the Save Our Sue Facebook page for more events and details.