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So our mate Ash is going through a lot.
A lot of you will already know Ash; you can’t go anywhere in Manchester without seeing an acquaintance of hers! But for those that don’t know, here’s a bit about our friend.
Ashley was diagnosed in September 2024 (after months of back and forth) with Synovial Sarcoma, a tumorous lump in her left forearm. Whilst the initial thought was that it could be solved with radiotherapy, this wasn’t the case. The tumor grew faster than expected and soon spread to the point that the only option was an amputation above the elbow. On 23rd December 2024, Ash had her arm amputated and spent Christmas in Manchester Royal Infirmary. She is coping amazingly well and is pleased to discover that she can still open a Babybel.
Our aim, with your help, is to make her life easier. We would love to get her a fully functional prosthetic arm which can make these tasks that little bit more manageable. If she is unable to manage a prosthetic, which may well be the case, then the money will be put towards appliances and equipment that will work as aid for those everyday tasks that she now struggles with.
If you know Ash, then you know that if she is able to help you, then she will.
Now it’s our turn to help her.
Ashley’s cheery demeanour and positive attitude has made the transition to one arm look easy, however the reality is that this is a life changing event and she now faces new challenges every day. There is no doubt that this is going to be a rollercoaster of a journey. Just take a moment when you’re doing everyday tasks to think about how you would manage putting toothpaste on a toothbrush, peeling a potato, fastening a bra and tying your shoelaces for starters.
Ashley has worked in hospitality since she was 13 years old, from glass collecting in pubs to managing various venues across the North West in an array of different operational roles. In December 2023, this wealth of experience led her to start her own business, AFD Events. She got off to a roaring start and has worked with clients including Club De Padel, Chester Racecourse and Wrexham AFC.
Ashley lives with her fiancé Karl, who also works within hospitality, and their dog Kai, whilst also caring for Karl’s mum’s dog, a very chatty Dachshund. In her spare time, she enjoys checking out the latest restaurant or bar opening and will bore you with food chat at every opportunity.
Ashley first fought cancer at age 19, being diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma Stage 4, she fought hard and was so lucky to have the best people around her, managing to defy the diagnosis and beat it like a champ.
At age 30, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour, completely unlinked to the previous illness. Treatment involved multiple brain surgeries and, after a couple of complications and a VP Shunt, she made a full recovery.
She now faces Cancer again. And this time she needs us more than ever.
Go on, give what you can.
Thanks for all of your support.
Love Chloé & Nat xx
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