Life took a devastating turn for Nikki Farrington, a mum from Wolverhampton, when what she thought was a harmless “stitch” turned out to be incurable ovarian cancer. At 46, Nikki suffered from what she initially thought were heavy periods and a sharp pain in her side—classic symptoms that were easy to dismiss. A busy neonatal nurse, Nikki only grew concerned when the pain wouldn’t relent, pushing her to seek medical advice. An initial scan pointed to a benign “chocolate cyst,” but blood tests revealed much more: low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC).
Despite undergoing an extensive surgery to remove the tumour and months of chemotherapy, Nikki’s battle with cancer wasn’t over. Just when doctors believed she was clear, her health took a significant turn for the worse. By May 2024, what seemed like a victory turned into a setback, as crippling pain and repeated hospital visits uncovered that the cancer had not only returned but had spread, leaving her with no further NHS treatment options.
Now, Nikki and her family, including her 9-year-old son Jake, are in a race against time. They’re valiantly raising funds for private, alternative treatments to extend her life. “Cancer has robbed me of everything, my quality of life is drastically reduced,” Nikki laments. Her story is a stark reminder not to overlook lingering symptoms, no matter how ordinary they may seem. She strongly advocates for routine CA125 blood tests to detect ovarian cancer early, emphasising that early detection can be lifesaving.
Her family is seeking support, both emotional and financial. Nikki, unable to work, and her husband Ian, now her full-time carer, face this uphill battle with courage and determination. “Please, don’t ignore symptoms. You have a right to seek a second opinion,” Nikki urges—a message echoed in their ongoing fundraiser efforts. Let’s help raise awareness and support for Nikki’s brave fight against this silent yet relentless disease. 💙