Sara Tye is delighted to announce that she has raised £5k for the hospital that has cared for her in every step of her stage 4 colon cancer battle so far, as well as a host of charities dedicated to raising awareness, researching and saving lives affected by cancer in the UK.

Sara was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in February this year. This came as a complete shock to her and her family. The diagnosis was delayed by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning her chances of remission were slim from the start.

Sara has taken to fundraising to give back to a community of oncology pharmacists, oncology nurses, volunteers, consultants, junior doctors and district nurses that have helped her tremendously in her journey through her first chemotherapy regime which lasted six months.

A JustGiving crowdfunding page was set up in March 23 with the goal of raising £5k for Great Western Hospital in Swindon, Wiltshire, the Macmillan nurses who cared for her as well as Cancer Research UK, Bowel Cancer UK and Brighter Futures. The target was reached in July through social media, with family, friends and others donating in a unified fight against cancer.

Feeling extremely grateful, Sara gave thanks to everyone involved in her cancer journey. She said: “It was a huge shock being diagnosed straight away with stage 4 bowel cancer, but the love I've received from my community of friends and family plus everybody looking after me to help make me better has meant that I've been truly blessed. It's bittersweet to finally feel the most loved and cared for in my life, but at the same time feeling so ill. If I hadn't had the support I would not have been able to carry on working and look after my adopted children and family.  It's really important that funds are raised continually for these charities and institutions because cancer is one of the biggest killers and cases are increasing. To make a difference we need to keep on investing in the services that everyone provides for patients across the UK and the world.”

Dr Sarah Lowndes, a Consultant Medical Oncologist at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust received the cheque on behalf of the charities
 Specialising in the treatment of colorectal cancer, lung cancer and cancer of unknown primary (CUP), Dr Lowndes has been instrumental in directing Sara’s chemotherapy and treatment.

Sara Tye is an award-winning business and organisational development expert, a top 500 international PR, and serial entrepreneur. She is the founder and managing director of redheadPR, Mastering Your Own PR and Mastering A SMART Agency. She has over 30 years of communications expertise, and has received numerous awards including a Life Time Achievement Award, ‘Green PR of London’ by the Evening Standard, three PR Week awards and finalist in the 1999 Cosmopolitan Women of the Year Awards. 2016 saw Sara shortlisted in the First Women in Media category in the First Women awards.

Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information. It supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses. This pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. The charity is determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer, with a vision to a future where no one dies of the disease.

Brighter Futures is the registered charity of Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and supports services at Great Western Hospital in Swindon and in community health sites across Swindon. It aims to raise funds to support an extraordinary provision of care to patients in the area. The charity funds the purchase of equipment, supports education for staff, and improves the environment for staff and patients. Their vision is to provide the best care possible to their patients, their families and visitors to the Trust.

Macmillan nurses are specialist cancer nurses with experience and qualifications in cancer care. They can help you to understand your cancer diagnosis and treatment options and support you through your cancer experience.