Kelly Ayers, from Ramsgate, was diagnosed with Gorlin–Goltz Syndrome at the age of 14.
The condition is a rare hereditary disease that causes frequent skin cancers along with other abnormalities, often requiring lifelong treatment and monitoring.
The 31-year-old explained that whilst the illness hugely impacted her childhood, it would “not prevent” her from living a normal life.
Kelly said: “It really stole my childhood – my condition affects my whole life.
“Tumours grow all over my body, and for years I was having surgery every six weeks to remove them.
“It stole my power in a way — half my life has been spent in treatment.”
But, inspired to “give back”, Kelly and her friend are set to take on the big leap in September to raise money for The Royal Marsden Hospital in London that has been instrumental in her care “since the beginning.”
Kelly said: “They supported me in ways that no one else does, so I just want to give back what I can to help them.”
In 2022, doctors at The Royal Marsden Hospital prescribed Kelly a new treatment which prevents the growth of new cancer.
Although the treatment has been “life-changing” for Kelly, it has presented it’s challenges with severe side-effects, but the positives “far outweigh” the negatives.
Kelly explained: “I’ve lost all of my hair.
“But the treatment means I’m not going under the knife every few weeks, and that’s huge.
“Where I’ve had surgery every six weeks since I was 14-years-old, to then be on a treatment that prevents me from having surgery it’s life-changing.”
Kelly added that despite these side effects, the medication has allowed her to lead a fuller life working, travelling, and raising money for the hospital that has made a huge impact on her journey over the years while “staying positive.”
Kelly is set to to take on her second-ever skydive after completing her first during a holiday to Australia — this time over Maidstone on September 27 alongside her friend Heather, who is also raising money for The Royal Marsden for her friend.
Kelly said: “I first did a skydive in Australia because a friend talked me into it.
“As soon as I landed, I said, ‘Let’s do it again’
“This time I’m terrified though probably more than Heather, because I know what’s coming. The free fall is the worst part.
“I tried to take a picture on my wrist camera and ended up punching myself in the face three times.
“Your cheeks flap, your face gets pushed back, you can’t breathe, and you can’t control anything.”
Heather’s fundraising page is dedicated to Kelly’s story. Between them, they have already raised more than £1,600, exceeding Kelly’s initial £600 goal when she first began the fundraiser.
Kelly said: “I just want to give back to the people who have supported me in ways no one else could.
“The Royal Marsden are amazing. They’ve changed my life, and I want them to be able to do that for others.”
