A Midlands mother diagnosed with incurable blood cancer is set to cycle 450 kilometres to Paris alongside the medical team who have kept her alive, aiming to raise funds for a cure.
Deb Gascoyne, 51, from Hagley, will take part in the Myeloma UK London Paris Ride, a four-day cycling challenge, to raise money for myeloma research and raise awareness of its symptoms. She will be joined by her consultant Professor Guy Pratt and nurses Laura Farandon and Laura Stanley from Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Diagnosis at 34
Deb was just 34 when she was diagnosed with smouldering myeloma, an early form of incurable blood cancer, in 2009. Her daughter Rebecca was four years old and her son Sam was two. She had been suffering from a nagging cold for weeks and decided to visit her GP. A nurse took a throat swab but also decided to take a blood test. Within weeks, Deb was diagnosed with smouldering myeloma, which progressed to active cancer two years later.
“If she hadn’t done it, I don’t know when or if it would have got picked up because I never actually had any more symptoms for a while after that,” Deb said. “We were just really shocked. I had never heard of myeloma. It was 2009 and back then you read the statistics, and everything was saying you had two to five years. I was just like, ‘I’m not going to see my children go to secondary school’. But I did. Rebecca is 21 now and Sam is 19. I never thought I would have this much time. I hope I get to see them get married.”
Overcoming setbacks
Deb’s cancer has returned twice since her initial diagnosis, but she continues to defy the odds 17 years on. “I genuinely didn’t think I’d make it more than about five years in the beginning and I’m really grateful for everything they’ve done for me,” she said. Prof Pratt and her nurses have provided steadfast support throughout her treatment.
“I never dreamed I would have that much time when I started treatment,” said Deb. “It is such a horrible age to be diagnosed. You’re about to kickstart your family and suddenly it’s all blown to pieces. But I think you have to keep pushing when you have young children – you can’t let the world collapse.”
Fundraising for a cure
Over the past 17 years, Deb has raised more than £300,000 for Myeloma UK through various fundraising efforts. “Fundraising gives me control and a target. It’s been a lifesaver. Myeloma UK as a charity is making a difference to my future and the future of other people,” she said. “The changes that have happened since I was diagnosed are huge, all the treatments that have been approved thanks to Myeloma UK... I genuinely believe we are on the tipping point of a cure.”
Deb is currently on a clinical trial to keep her myeloma at bay, but the experimental treatment has affected her health and energy levels. For the Paris ride, she will use an e-bike. “This is my second time doing the ride but this time I’m going to have to use an e-bike because the treatment has affected me and my ability to cycle and I’ve struggled a lot more this year,” she said. “But I’m going to get to Paris. Even if I have to be in the support van I told my team they have to get me to France.”
Prof Guy Pratt said: “I’ve known Deb for a very long time and she’s a force of nature. Myeloma affects everything, your job, your energy levels and it’s really tough psychologically but she’s taking every opportunity to raise money and support a fantastic charity.” Nurse Laura Farandon added: “I’ve got to know Deb so well. Everything she’s doing to raise money and awareness while getting treatment has been inspirational.”
The 450km cycle begins on May 14 and ends in Paris on May 18. Deb’s son Sam and husband Nick, along with 15 other family and friends, are also taking part. The team has already raised over £54,000.
Myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects over 35,000 people in the UK. It is difficult to detect as symptoms such as back pain, fatigue, and recurring infections are often mistaken for ageing or minor conditions. More than half of patients wait over five months for a correct diagnosis, and around a third are diagnosed through A&E.
To support Deb and her team, visit: https://ride.myeloma.org.uk/t/quarter-of-a-million. For more information about myeloma, contact Myeloma UK at www.myeloma.org.uk or call the Infoline on 0800 980 3332.
