Orpington mum dies after 'perimenopause' symptoms was actually bowel cancer
Laura Dawson, 44, suffered with bloating and fatigue for several months before being told she had stage three cancer in March last year.
Initially, she thought her symptoms were linked to perimenopause - but one night had to be rushed to A&E because her stomach pain suddenly became so bad she "could not move".
The mum-of-two underwent emergency surgery to remove an obstruction on her bowel, and while the operation itself was successful, a biopsy revealed her cancer diagnosis.
Laura was supported by St Christopher's Hospice in Sydenham, south east London. (Image: SWNS)
Laura underwent six months of chemotherapy, and initially the scans were "promising", according to her husband Ben, 49.
He said: "We got one clear scan in August and it all seemed promising. But then in September we got the news that it was back and it had spread.
"That was absolutely gut wrenching."
Initially, Laura trialled some other forms of chemotherapy - but two months ago she decided to discontinue treatment.
The treatment was only making her more ill - and she instead wanted to spend what time she had left with her family and friends.
Laura was supported by St Christopher's Hospice in Sydenham, who allowed her to live at home for as long as she could - meaning she could enjoy her family's company in a "comfortable and dignified way".
Laura died at St Christopher's Hospice on Sunday, June 29 (Image: SWNS)
After two weeks, she was transferred to in-hospice care. She died at St Christopher's Hospice on Sunday, June 29.
Ben said her death was "peaceful" - and he was with her at the end.
He continued: "The care Laura received at home from the carers from St Christopher's allowed her to have her final two weeks at home in a comfortable and dignified way.
"Then, during the nearly three weeks she stayed at the hospice, she was so well looked after - and everyone there was so compassionate and so caring - that it made Laura's last few days so good for her.
"We're eternally grateful that such a positive experience could come from such a negative situation."
Laura said some of her final days had been some of her happiest. (Image: SWNS)
Speaking previously about her experience of knowing she was dying, Laura said some of her final days had been some of her "happiest".
She said: "Some of the happiest days of my life have been in the last few weeks.
"As a society, we shy away from the process of dying.
"By doing that, we reinforce negative ideas around death. People think death is always going to be painful and traumatic, but it doesn't have to be.
"Deep down we all know we are going to die. Cancer has forced me to acknowledge it.
"Since then I've lived more fully than I've ever done, and that has been a gift."
Ben explained that he and Laura viewed the time they had together as a blessing - even if they both wished they had longer.
Laura and Ben have two sons, Jacob, 17, and Theo, 15. (Image: SWNS)
He said: "Laura could have died on that operating table back in March. Life can be cut short unexpectedly and suddenly.
"But knowing Laura was going to die meant everyone had the opportunity to say what they wanted to say to her.
"When it comes to the funeral, I won't have to stand up there and say all those things I wished I had said to her.
"Because I told her, and so did the kids.
"Obviously, I'd prefer to keep her - and have her for the rest of my life.
Ben said that they will miss Laura "endlessly" (Image: SWNS)
"But she died knowing she is loved and that we will miss her endlessly.
"That is a blessing."
Ben said that throughout the process, he and Laura were always honest with their sons Jacob, 17, and Theo, 15.
Ben said: "We've spoken very openly about it all the way through.
"We've always told them what the possible outcomes are - because we want to prepare them for what might happen and we want them to be able to trust what we're saying.
"That's definitely helped us throughout."
He also said the care she received - from the NHS and St Christopher's - had made the experience a lot easier.
"From the moment she was admitted into Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, all the care Laura received was incredible," Ben said.
"We really are so thankful."
Ben said that Laura wanted to share her story to help others. (Image: SWNS)
Ben said that Laura wanted to share her story to help other people deal with dying and death.
He said: "The way she's approached this has been incredible. I don't think there's been a day in this process where Laura truly let this get to her.
"This is unfair. She's had her life cut short by 40 or 50 years. But she's seeing the beauty in the small things - taking joy in what she can do.
"They say people are glass half empty or glass half full. Laura was always happy enough just to have a glass.
"She wants to share that with people."
Laura also used what time she had left to create memories for her loved ones.
She wrote letters, organised mementoes, and bought both of her sons sentimental watches.
"She bought me one when we got engaged and now the boys have one too," Ben said.
"That way, on special occasions, like their weddings, they can look at it and know she's with them and thought about that day."
Recommended Reading
London woman grateful she's sober after incurable brain tumour
London man discovered 5 tumours after craving olives
Girl becomes fastest 8 year-old to run a 5k in the world
Speaking about Laura, Ben continued: "We met 24 years ago. They talk about love at first sight - and it was that.
"She's been my constant companion ever since.
"Laura is generous to a fault - and the kind of person who is friends with someone after a minute of chatting to them.
"She's just a really, really nice person."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
LIfT BioSciences announces grant of €12 million from Ireland's Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund to support the first-in-human clinical trial of LIfT's IMAN therapy
Galway, London, 29 July 2025– LIfT BioSciences, ('LIfT' or 'the Company'), a rapidly emerging biotech and the global leader in neutrophil immunotherapies, today announces a grant of €12 million has been awarded from Ireland's Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) to advance its Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs), designed to overcome treatment resistance in solid tumours, through first-in-human clinical trials expected to start in Q4 2026. The €12 million grant, the largest grant awarded by the DTIF to date, was awarded to a consortium LIfT formed with the University of Galway, renowned for their expertise in cell therapy development, innovation, and clinical trials and Hooke Bio, pioneers of a novel immuno-analytics platform designed to enhance therapy response rates, as part of the Company's grant application process. The funding will be used to conduct an investigator initiated clinical trial designed to test the feasibility and safety of IMAN therapy administered to patients with metastatic cervical cancer or head and neck cancer who have exhausted all standard treatment options, including checkpoint inhibitors. Alex Blyth, Chief Executive Officer of LIfT Biosciences, said: 'The grant awarded from DTIF is a significant milestone for LIfT as we expand our presence in Ireland and advance toward closing the second round of our Series A financing. By combining LIfT's innovative immunotherapy platform with the University of Galway's deep expertise in oncology, patient care, and advanced manufacturing, and Hooke Bio's analytical expertise, we are enhancing our clinical-stage research and accelerating the path to delivering IMANs to patients. The majority of this grant will support CMC manufacturing and the clinical trial itself, positioning LIfT at the forefront of next-generation cancer immunotherapies.' Commenting on the award, Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said that 'The Government established the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund to invest in technologies that demonstrate true innovation and with the potential to address critical national and societal challenges. We want to fund projects that will make a real difference to people's lives. The N-LIfT project has come through a rigorous evaluation process and the level of funding awarded reflects its potential to be a game-changer in cancer therapy. I'm excited to see the impact it will deliver.' The trial will test progressively higher IMAN doses in sequential patient cohorts to determine the biologically active dose. It will then be expanded to additional patients who will be infused with IMANs at the previously determined recommended dose in combination with checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The results of this evaluation will help bring this promising technology to cancer patients faster and enable LIfT to attract additional investment into Ireland for its ongoing clinical and manufacturing programme in Galway. Dr Michael McCarthy, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Principal Investigator at University Hospital Galway added: 'Cancer remains one of the most complex and dynamic diseases. IMANs have the potential to overcome key limitations of current cancer treatments by activating both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system. This dual stimulation enables a comprehensive anti-tumour response, representing a transformative advancement in cancer therapy. We are pleased to receive this grant in collaboration with LIfT and Hooke Bio, and we look forward to accelerating the clinical development of this groundbreaking immunotherapy.' Professor Sean Hynes, Consultant Histopathologist and Translational Cancer Researcher from the School of Medicine and Lead Academic on the award commented: 'In partnership with LIfT Biosciences and Hooke Bio, we are very excited about the University of Galway and Galway University Hospital being at the forefront of delivering on new oncological cellular therapies by using neutrophils, the body's own first responders, in the fight against cancer and ensuring patients in the West of Ireland have access to such cutting edge treatments.' Mark Lyons, Ph.D., CEO at Hooke Bio added: 'We're very excited to be able to employ our Mera body on a plate platform to support the development of LIfT's immuno-oncology therapeutic. This project highlights the strength of the Irish clinical research eco system and the power of collaboration.' DTIF is a €500 million challenge-based fund established under Project Ireland 2040. It is one of four funds set up under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2027. It is managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and administered by Enterprise Ireland. The DTIF fund is for clients of Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, IDA Ireland and research performing organisations in Ireland that are collaborating on industrial research and / or experimental development in highly innovative projects. LIfT, registered as Eolaíocht Bhitheach LIfT Teoranta, has a base in An Spidéal, Co. Galway at (gteic@An Spidéal) and, as an Údarás na Gaeltachta client, has been supported by them to create employment in the Gaeltacht. About LIfT BioSciencesLIfT BioSciences is a UK and Ireland-based biotech pioneering a first-in-class allogeneic alpha neutrophil immunotherapy that overcomes treatment resistance in solid tumours by restoring immune competence. Its Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs) recognise and destroy cancer cells through advanced threat pattern recognition in a non-antigen-specific manner. Clinical studies show that this class of neutrophils can prevent tumour escape—responsible for over 90% of cancer-related deaths—by delivering a durable, total immune response and lasting immunity. LIfT's patented N-LIfT platform is derived from exceptional donor stem cells cultured in a proprietary enhancement media, enabling scalable and potent cell production. The company is also advancing iPSC technology and genetic engineering to create next-generation IMAN therapies with pharma partners to achieve cost-effective, long-term remission for cancer patients and beyond. LIfT is currently completing its 2nd close on its Series A Further informationInvestors:Alex Blyth ablyth@ Media:ICR Healthcare Lindsey Neville, Namrata Taak, Evi Useh liftbiosciences@
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
ViroCell Biologics and AvenCell Therapeutics Announce Retroviral Vector Manufacturing Collaboration to Accelerate Development of Novel Allogeneic CAR-T Therapies for Blood Cancers
AvenCell selected ViroCell for retroviral vector CDMO services to drive its pipeline of innovative allogeneic CAR T-cell therapies, based on ViroCell's deep expertise and track record. LONDON & NEW YORK, July 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ViroCell Biologics ("ViroCell"), a specialist viral vector Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation ("CDMO") for cell and gene therapy (CGT) clinical trials, announces a manufacturing collaboration with and the successful delivery of a novel retroviral vector to AvenCell Therapeutics, Inc. ("AvenCell"), a leading clinical-stage cell therapy company focused on advancing allogeneic switchable CAR-T cell therapies. This first retroviral vector will be used to manufacture AVC-203, an investigational CD19/CD20 dual-targeted cell therapy for the treatment of B cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. AvenCell's AV203 is its second investigational cell therapy using its differentiated allogeneic engineering to provide an "off-the-shelf" product engineered to overcome graft-versus-host disease as well as graft rejection by host T and Natural Killer ("NK") cells. AVC-203 is designed to achieve superior efficacy compared to currently-approved CAR-Ts while enabling immediate treatment and greater patient access at much lower cost and complexity. The further inclusion of AvenCell's RevCAR™ receptor in AVC203 allows for additional antigen targeting (with "off/on" capability in vivo) beyond CD19 and CD20. AvenCell selected ViroCell as its partner to manufacture the retroviral vector for this program based on the CDMO's expertise and track record in delivering high yield vectors at speed. Incorporating a cell line acquired by AvenCell into the GMP manufacturing process, ViroCell successfully delivered a high yield vector while meeting AvenCell's accelerated timeline. This program evidences ViroCell's ability to deliver a bespoke, complex manufacturing process in the allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy space, ultimately, enabling AvenCell's timelines for clinical entry. AvenCell's AVC-203 is expected to enter a first-in-human phase I study in patients with relapsed/refractory B cell lymphoma in H2/2025. John W. Hadden II, CEO of ViroCell, commented: "We are thrilled to partner with AvenCell and support their innovative allogeneic CAR-T therapy platform. I am proud of Team ViroCell's accomplishments on the successful end-to-end delivery of this retroviral vector and accelerating a novel therapy into clinical development in an area of high unmet need. We look forward to continuing our work with AvenCell on their exciting platform." Andrew Schiermeier, Ph.D., CEO, AvenCell, added: "We are delighted with ViroCell's performance in process development and GMP manufacture of this complex retroviral vector. We selected ViroCell to support our platform because we knew that they could execute reliably in areas where other CDMOs can't. The delivery of this retroviral vector for AVC-203 is proof that our trust in ViroCell was well placed." Notes to editor: ViroCell ViroCell Biologics is an innovation-driven Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization ("CDMO") focused exclusively on the design, de-risking, and GMP manufacture of viral vectors for clinical trials. Built around one of the most prolific academic viral vector manufacturing teams, ViroCell was created to address the global demand for precisely engineered viral vectors. The team leverages its deep track record to help clients to de-risk and accelerate novel cell and gene therapies into and through clinical development, with a mission of being the partner of choice for corporate and academic innovators. Focused initially on manufacturing lentiviral and retroviral vectors, ViroCell enables clients to start clinical trials on a scalable platform, delivering value by reducing costs, time and regulatory risk. AvenCell Therapeutics AvenCell derives its name from the French word "avenir" to reflect the aim to be the FUTURE of cell therapy. AvenCell is building a truly transformative cell therapy company that targets difficult-to-treat cancers, with its lead programs focusing on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and additional programs targeting other hematological malignancies. AvenCell was formed with the goal to create truly allogeneic cells that persist as long or longer than autologous therapies and develop a universal and switchable construct that allows complete control and target redirection of T cells after they are infused into a patient. Integration of these two platforms allows for complete separation of the manufacturing of cells from ultimate patient and cancer target, thus providing significant scalability potential at orders of magnitude more efficient than current approaches. AvenCell Therapeutics, Inc. was launched in 2021 by Blackstone Life Sciences, Cellex Cell Professionals, and Intellia Therapeutics. AvenCell is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts with additional R&D and manufacturing operations in Dresden, Germany. View source version on Contacts For more information, please contact: ViroCell John W. Hadden II, CEOinfo@ For media enquiries, please contact: ViroCell – FTI Consulting Simon Conway / Tim StamperViroCell@ +44 (0)20 3727 1000 AvenCell – H Advisors Emma +1 (917) 763-6685 擷取數據時發生錯誤 登入存取你的投資組合 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
What is liver cancer? Expert explains causes, symptoms and how to treat it
The number of liver cancer cases is expected to double by 2050, with rising obesity rates partly responsible, researchers have warned. Experts predict that the share of liver cancer cases linked to obesity will grow from 5 per cent to 11 per cent, urging stronger efforts to prevent avoidable cases. New projections from a Lancet Commission on Liver Cancer report estimate that global liver cancer cases will increase from 0.87 million in 2022 to 1.52 million by 2050. Many adults remain unaware of the risk factors for liver cancer, so we spoke to a medical adviser at the British Liver Trust, Anya Adair, who is also a consultant transplant and hepatobiliary surgeon at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. She shared some key insights into the main causes, symptoms and treatments of this serious disease. What is liver cancer and what causes it? 'Cancer that develops within the liver is primary liver cancer, but when cancers arise from somewhere else in the body and then spread to the liver, that is secondary cancer,' explains Adair. How serious liver cancer is depends on the patient's general health, where the cancer is in the liver, how big it is, if it has spread and if it's primary or secondary cancer. according to the NHS website. 'Liver cancer can develop within the liver tissue, which is called primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),' explains Adair. HCC occurs when cells called hepatocytes start to multiply and grow more than they should, according to the Liver Cancer Trust, part of the British Liver Trust. 'However, cancer can also develop within the bile duct systems in the liver, which is called cholangiocarcinoma,' adds Adair. Around three out of four cancers that start in the liver are HCC, according to the Liver Cancer Trust, which typically develops in livers that are already scarred and damaged, a condition known as cirrhosis. 'You could have a scarred cirrhotic liver due to alcohol consumption, but it can also be because of MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), previous known as Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease,' highlights Adair. Both autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis (both of which are autoimmune liver diseases) can also lead to a scarred cirrhotic liver if left untreated, she adds. What are some common symptoms? 'The problem with HCC is that it often doesn't present with any symptoms at all,' says Adair. 'So, it is usually found incidentally on a scan that has been done for something else if the person didn't know that they had a scarred liver.' HCC is also sometimes flagged up during a routine ultrasound that people who know they have a cirrhotic liver tend to have. 'Sometimes people with a cirrhotic liver are in surveillance and have ultrasounds every six months because the risk is higher, and during the scan a new swelling or shadow in the liver is picked up,' notes Adair. Although liver cancer is often silent in the beginning stages, Adair highlights that once it becomes more advanced, patients may start to develop symptoms such as jaundice, unexplained weight loss, tiredness and/or nausea. 'Anyone who develops jaundice should seek urgent medical attention, and unexplained weight loss in particular is also an alarm bell,' says Adair. How is it diagnosed? 'Liver cancer is usually spotted on an ultrasound initially, which is then followed by CT and MRI scans,' says Adair. 'So, it's usually a radiological diagnosis, and in some situations you need a biopsy for confirmation.' What are the treatment options? 'There are a lot of treatment options depending on how bad your liver disease is, how many cancers in the liver you have, how big they are and what your general fitness is,' explains Adair. There are several curative options, including surgery. 'If the cancer is picked up relatively early, and you are within transplant criteria, then a liver transplant is a curative option,' says Adair. 'If the liver is working well and there is only one area of cancer, then patients could think about having a liver resection, where you take part of the liver away. 'In addition, patients who have a single lesion that is below three centimetres can opt for ablation.' This minimally invasive procedure uses heat or extreme cold to destroy the targeted tissue, according Liver Cancer UK. There are also other treatment options that help hold the liver cancer tumour at bay or are a bridge to further treatment, such as chemoembolisation (combining chemotherapy with a method to block blood flow to the tumour) or local radiation.