A MUM whose life was saved when she developed an A4-sized ovarian tumour is urging people to ‘shop to save lives’ as Cancer Research UK stores reopen across the country.
Cherie Uhrmacher, who is 39, went into a coma due to her brain swelling and medics feared it could lead her to becoming infertile.
But she said, thanks to research carried out into the disease and search for cures, the treatment was so successful she was able to fulfil her dream of becoming a mother.
Cherie gave birth to Flint in 2017 after miraculously coming through four operations to remove the main tumour and surrounding tumours.
She also underwent six months of intensive chemotherapy and is now enjoying a cancer-free life with husband Lee Uhrmacher and son.
Cancer Research UK’s revenue streams have been hit hard by the Coronavirus with fund-raising events having to be cancelled and the charity’s shops having to shut.
Now Cherie is hoping people will support the stores as they reopen so funds for research can be raised and other lives can be saved.
Cherie said: “As a cancer survivor it was terrible to see the Cancer Research UK stores close, because I understand all too clearly what a lack of funding could mean for the development of new treatments for people like me.
“Research has given me the chance to have a family, so I hope people will help beat cancer and show their support – they really could save lives.”
The Cancer Research UK shop in Bromsgrove is currently closed but Cherie said she would be going to the next nearest one in Redditch.
“I will be down to shop at my nearest store in Redditch as soon as I can, and I hope others will do the same.”
Highlighting the scale of the funding gap, Cherie’s call for support coincides with the launch of an urgent new TV appeal to help get the charity’s life-saving work back on track.
Its customers are a key part of this effort, so strict measures are being followed to ensure people in Redditch and across the region can shop, volunteer and donate goods safely.
These include social distancing, hand sanitiser stations, cough guards at till points, face coverings and gloves for shop staff and volunteers, additional cleaning and a 72-hour quarantine period for donated items.
Jane Redman, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Worcestershire, said: “To save lives tomorrow, we need the public’s support today – so we want people to know we’re making every effort to create a safe shopping experience.
“Covid-19 has hit us hard and after three long months we’re delighted to be able to welcome new and familiar faces back through our doors again, as well as a host of new donations.”
Many people have had clearouts during the lockdown so the stores are now stocked full of new and pre-loved items, homeware and other items.
Jane added: “Covid-19 has slowed us down. But we will never stop.
“With around 31,600 people diagnosed with cancer every year in Worcestershire and the West Midlands, we are absolutely determined to continue creating better cancer treatments for the future.
“Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on every pound raised. So, with the help of shoppers in Worcestershire we believe that together we will still beat cancer.”
Cancer Research UK was able to spend over £11 million in the West Midlands last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.
For more on Cancer Research UK’s shops, including Droitwich, visit cruk.org/shops
