A SETTLE woman will feature in a BBC Lifeline appeal this weekend on behalf of healthcare and bereavement charity, Sue Ryder.

Molly Fuchs was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 when she was 50 years old.

She received the all-clear in 2016, only to be told the cancer had returned in 2020, spreading to the bones in her pelvis.

Ms Fuchs said: "I found out on the phone when I was out running during lockdown.

"It was quite a shock and I had a lot of different emotions.

"You go from feeling fairly normal one day and not really thinking about it to suddenly being in a really bad place.

"That’s why it’s been so great to have a really good healthcare team around me.

"When it got to a point where I was in a lot of pain the doctors put me in touch with Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and I was assigned Vicki, a Sue Ryder Nurse.

"I know I can call her if I need anything and sometimes she just listens to me when I need a cry.

"She has just been so good.

"I know that Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice is going to be there for me through my whole journey, the good and the bad, which is so reassuring.

"I’ve put together a list of things I want to achieve.

"I had always wanted to plant a tree, so my friend arranged for me to plant a beautiful oak tree – called Cedric – in the woods.

"Another friend organised for me to have a zookeeper experience for a day at South Lakes Zoo in Cumbria and I got to see the white rhino which was just lovely."

Vicki, Ms Fuchs' assigned nurse, said: "The best part of my job is getting to really know our patients and their families.

"Being invited into their homes and being able to offer support to make a difference is such a privilege.

"Being able to be there when it really matters is so important and working in palliative care is just so rewarding."

Lifeline is a monthly, 10-minute programme on BBC One which highlights the work of a charity and appeals for donations.

Molly's inspiring story will be broadcast on Sunday, August 18 at 1.50pm, and repeated on BBC Two on August 23 at 12.50pm.

More information on Sue Ryder’s BBC Lifeline Appeal is available at sueryder.org/lifelineappeal.

More information about Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice is available at sueryder.org/Manorlands.