Lynsey Haggarty - Bauble Stories

Last April, just after my 36th birthday, I found out I had Breast Cancer. I had two young kids to look after, a career to maintain and a busy life to manage. My life was turned upside down and I really wasn’t sure how I was going to cope. I was terrified. I never thought I would be the person telling my children – Eilidh, 10 and Ruaraidh, 8 – that their mum had cancer. Eilidh immediately broke into tears and asked “Mummy, are you going to die?” I felt awful that I had worried my kids and my husband.

I put on a brave face and reassured them, “Mummy will be fine.” Inside though, I was so afraid, I knew I had a challenging journey ahead of me. I needed chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and a variety of targeted treatments, which would be ongoing over the next few years. The doctors and nurses were lovely and so reassuring, but naturally, I had very anxious moments – worrying about myself, my kids, my husband and the rest of my family.

Then I was introduced to Beatson Cancer Charity. Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre was a total oasis for me, it was a space where I could escape and completely switch off from all my worries. The Wellbeing staff are hugely caring and were always on hand with a cup of tea and words of advice when I needed it most. At times when cancer was on the forefront of my mind, I could pop into the centre, get stuck into a puzzle and get some breathing space from reality. It really is a sanctuary for thousands of people like me.

Thanks to The Beatson and the support of Beatson Cancer Charity, I found out in December that my body had responded to treatment and my cancer has now gone. This was such a special moment for my entire family, it really was the best Christmas gift ever. I will always remember the relief on both the kids and Gary’s face; they didn’t need to worry anymore.

I now face a few years of targeted treatment to keep my cancer at bay, which means monthly visits to The Beatson and hopefully, when Covid-19 restrictions ease, plenty more trips to the Wellbeing Centre.

By donating and hanging your Beatson Bauble, you will be supporting thousands of people affected by Cancer this Christmas, just like Lynsey and her family. 

Donate here.

Find out more about our Beatson Bauble Appeal here.