Real Stories, Real Impact
Lisa’s Story
As soon as I arrived, it felt like I was being welcomed with one big reassuring cwtch
Lisa Morgan’s cancer journey began in December 2020 following a routine chest X-Ray showing a worrying shadow on her lungs. After several tests to investigate, a consultant confirmed that Lisa had lung cancer—a diagnosis which she described as devastating for her and her family:
“The hardest part of receiving a cancer diagnosis is thinking how on earth am I going to tell my children, my family and my friends. Witnessing their reaction was just heartbreaking. Because even though they try not to show it you can see deep down they are thinking the worst is going to happen.”
Lisa was determined to fight her cancer, saying: “I was going to kick the cancer where it hurts. I have the rest of my life to get on with!”
Lisa’s treatment began with surgery to remove the large tumour, followed by chemotherapy. Tragically around the same time, Lisa’s brother was also diagnosed with lung cancer with a tumour in the same place as Lisa’s–a double blow of worry and concern for the family. Within a week of Lisa’s cancer diagnosis, she underwent surgery to remove part of her lung. She describes her hospital stay during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, saying: “The doctors and nurses were all absolutely amazing. It was tough and lonely. Unable to have visits from my family, I will never forget the overwhelming power and warmth of that nurse holding my hand tightly immediately after my surgery, I will be eternally grateful to them.”
Following the successful removal of the tumour, Lisa visited Velindre for chemotherapy treatment to target any remaining cancer cells and to prevent any recurrence. The pandemic meant that unfortunately Lisa had to attend her appointments alone, however, she describes her first impression of Velindre:
“As soon as I arrived, it felt like I was being welcomed with one big reassuring cwtch–from the reception to the phlebotomy nurses, to the consultant and the chemo nurses. Their calming caring manner just helped some of the anxiety melt away.”
Devastatingly, Lisa’s brother lost his battle to cancer in January 2023. Lisa said: “I will never get over his loss and miss him every single day. He was the coolest brother you could wish for. I will always be grateful to Velindre for trying to help him.”
Lisa thinks about cancer every day, but she’s tried to not to let it define her life.
Looking to the future
Eighteen months after she finished treatment, Lisa joined Velindre’s Cuba trek to give back to Velindre for the incredible care she received. Describing the trek as one of the hardest but most rewarding challenges she’s ever done, she said: “We laughed we cried, a lot and met some of the most inspirational people and made lifelong friends. We all supported each other, and I simply :
Lisa’s also since signed up to complete the charity’s Vietnam trek and continues to be an avid fundraiser and supporter. Reflecting on what Velindre means to her, Lisa said:
“Velindre is a very special place indeed. It is the Hospital of Hope! I will forever be grateful for their kindness and compassion. I am so passionate about all the fantastic work Velindre does–the support they provide to patients and their families. I just want to say a massive thank you!”
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