A fundraiser has been launched for a mother from Cuffley who is in the "fight of her life" against a rare form of cancer.
Keely Shiells Edwards was diagnosed with an ocular melanoma back in 2021, a type of eye cancer that affects just one in every five million people.
She had her eye removed, but three years on, the disease has returned and spread to her liver, leaving her needing a ground-breaking £160,000 treatment.
Her close friend, Eleanor Upton, has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise the money needed for her life-saving treatment and give seven-year-old son, Charlie, "more time with his beloved mum".
"Despite the challenges life has thrown her way, Keely has always been a pillar of strength and resilience," said Eleanor.
"But now, she's facing the fight of her life against ocular melanoma and needs our support more than ever.
"Keely, ever the fighter, sought out treatment options and began a clinical trial at University College London Hospitals. While this therapy initially slowed down the growth of the cancer, it's no longer suitable for her condition.
"Now, she has been informed that her best chance at prolonging her life lies in chemosaturation therapy. This treatment has shown promise in patients with ocular melanoma that has spread to the liver, but unfortunately, it's not yet available on the NHS.
"Without private health insurance, Keely faces a daunting financial burden. Each round of treatment costs £40,000, and Keely will need up to four treatments, totalling £160,000. She has already completed the first treatment.
"As a hardworking teacher and single parent, Keely is doing everything in her power to provide for Charlie and continue working despite the toll of her treatment.
"Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference in Keely's fight for her life and her precious time with Charlie. Her only wish is to be there for her son, to watch him grow and thrive, to share in his joys and triumphs.
"If the cancer is not treated it will progress very quickly. This is her best hope.
"Please, help me give Charlie the gift of more time with his beloved mum. Together, we can make a difference in their lives and ensure that Keely has the chance to see her son grow up."
To donate to Keely and her cancer treatment, visit https://gofund.me/cd775d42.
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