Young Tattenhall woman who had a huge tumour removed from her ovary organises fundraiser in aid of Clatterbridge

Jul 14 2011 by Gary Porter, Chester Chronicle

IMAGINE being told there is a chance you could be carrying your first child, only to discover that you actually have a huge cancerous tumour on your ovary.

That was the rollercoaster of emotions faced by 17-year-old Alison Davies, from Tattenhall, whose life was turned upside down in just a matter of days.

The former Bishop Heber High School pupil had gone to the doctors six weeks ago suffering with stomach pains.

Her GP told her she could be pregnant and was promptly booked in for an ultrasound scan.

Buoyed by the news an excited Alison and her 20-year-old boyfriend Craig Edge began house hunting, convinced they were expecting their first child.

However, their elation soon turned to despair as the scan revealed that Alison had a tumour wrapped around her right ovary.

“When we were told I might be pregnant we were really excited,” said Alison.

“Me and my boyfriend and our families spent the weekend looking for houses.

“But when I found out what was wrong it was the last thing I was expecting. I was completely shocked.”

The West Cheshire College student was told to return in two weeks for a biopsy, but the following day Alison was in excruciating pain and had to be rushed to hospital.

She was soon diagnosed as having a metastatic germ cell tumour, which was 20cm by 16cm.

The tumour was successfully removed and much to Alison’s relief the doctors confirmed that she would still be able to have children in the future.

She was prescribed a course of chemotherapy, which involves a five-day stay on the Teenage and Young Adult ward (YTA) at Clatterbridge once every three weeks, and is responding well to the treatment.

Alison said: “The TYA is fantastic, all the staff are amazing.”

Her mum Val, who along with Craig regularly stay over at the centre, added: “This hasn’t ruined Alison’s life, it’s simply put it on hold for a short while. Craig has been a rock to Alison. He’s a diamond.”

To thank Clatterbridge for their ‘fantastic care’, Alison has organised a fundraising event at The Letters Inn from 7pm tomorrow (Friday).

She said: “One of my brothers is having his head shaved to raise money and my dad’s even having his head shaved too.

“My other brother is running a 10k in September and we’ve got plenty more ideas coming up.”

Jade Barrett, community fundraising manager, added: “Alison is an inspirational young woman and it has been a pleasure getting to know her.”