Patricia Mavis Box -

My journey with cholangiocarcinoma began around 10 years ago when my Nanna, Patricia Mavis Box, was diagnosed with the disease in its late stages.

We first noticed that she was unwell when she woke up one day with severe jaundice - unbeknownst to us this is one of the frequent symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma - and she was rushed to A&E. Because the illness is so rare, following her diagnosis, she had to be referred to a specialist in Guildford, where she endured multiple surgeries to insert stents to help relieve her symptoms. She opted into experimental treatments such as clinical trials and began chemotherapy. Despite initially being given three weeks to live, she battled with cholangiocarcinoma for a year and a half before passing away in October 2016.

Her funeral was the first I'd ever attended and I vividly remember her being brought through to 'I Dreamed a Dream' from Les Miserables. She is buried in Southwick Cemetery, a five-minute walk from my house, and where she called home for 40+ years. There are remnants of her everywhere. From sprigs of lavender and the colour purple to the smell of Ovaltine and lullabies like You Are My Sunshine. I named my miniature dachshund, Mavis, after her and we frequently pop in to the cemetery to see "Nanny Pat".

I wish I had found AMMF sooner. As well as educating me, I know it would have been comforting for Nanna to know that others have been through similar experiences.

Since starting at Search Seven, I have chosen to support AMMF - The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity - by taking part in individual and team challenges as part of the #S7100 Charity Campaign to help raise money, and awareness, for a cause that is close to my heart. So far, I have completed a '100 Miles in August' challenge, where I managed to raise £620 total for AMMF (£370 from direct donations + £250 match-funding from Search Seven.) As a smaller cancer-based charity, I believe AMMF would benefit more from the fundraising, and it feels so rewarding to support a cause so specific, that has affected me personally.

Amy Moore