Laura Wharam, 38, started feeling unwell in January – suffering from fatigue, weakness, and a loss of appetite.
Towards the end of the month her skin became jaundiced, and her partner Jake Watt, 35, rushed her to hospital.
The couple, who live in London, initially suspected appendicitis but the reality was much worse.
Laura was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, which she learned had spread to other parts of her body and sadly become terminal.
Laura was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. (Image: SWNS)
Now, as Laura is unable to work, Jake has set up a fundraiser to ensure “she doesn’t have to go without”, and, tragically, to start preparing for end-of-life care.
Jake, a visual merchandiser, said: “It was the worst possible news. It’s such a shock to the system.
“I’ve cried every day since the diagnosis.
“It’s been such a whirlwind.
“Laura’s cancer is incurable but she’s having chemotherapy to try to slow it down.
“Doctors have said the worst case scenario is a couple months, the best case scenario is a couple years.
“So there’s really no uncertainty at the moment. I’m someone who likes to have things planned out months in advance but now it’s all day-by-day.
“Laura and I haven’t yet talked about everything moving forward.
“But she’s been so strong. She’s from Yorkshire – and Northern girls are built differently.
“She’s only 5ft. I always say I don’t know how they fit so much strong in her.”
Jake explained that setting up the GoFundMe was “a last resort”.
He said: “I’m really not good with asking people for anything. It’s probably a pride thing – the stupid male ego and all.
“But it became a last resort because I want to make sure Laura doesn’t go without.
“She can’t work at the moment and London is expensive. We also have to start preparing for end-of-life care.
“We just want to alleviate that financial burden.”
So far, Jake and Laura have raised £12,000 of their £13,000 goal.
Jake believes the donations are a “testament” to Laura.
He said: “We’ve been completely blown away by the support and love. It’s so appreciated.
“But it’s what Laura deserves.
“I feel it’s a testament to her and how amazing she is. She’s fun, bubbly, and has always been someone who likes helping others.
“But we are so grateful. Anything anyone can do is just so appreciated.”
Jake and Laura first got together in 2015 and celebrated their 10-year anniversary on February 14.
They got engaged in 2021, but Laura sadly was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time the same year.
She underwent treatment and had a double mastectomy, which doctors thought she recovered well from.
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Jake said: “We thought it was all going well from there. She was feeling super strong – she was active.
“But then it all changed at the start of this year.”
To donate to the couple’s fundraiser, head here – https://www.gofundme.com/f/laura-support-funds
