'I knew for years something was wrong but GPs kept dismissing symptoms'
By the time Emma, 32, was finally diagnosed the cancer had spread to her lungs
Emma Simms knew something wasn't right
(Image: Emma Simms/Cover Images )
A 32-year-old says she 'knew for years' that something wasn't right but GPs kept telling her she was fine. Emma Simms, from Stratford-Upon-Avon, had been exhausted, plagued by itchy legs, and unable to gain weight.
But when the night sweats and chest pain kicked in, she began pushing for answers – only to be repeatedly dismissed by doctors. 'I was turned away three times by my GP and even ended up in A&E,' Emma says.
'Each time I was told it was nothing serious. They did blood tests and categorically told me I didn't have lymphoma. One GP actually said, 'You don't have leukaemia, you don't have lymphoma. Everything's come back great.' And that was it. I was sent on my way.'
It wasn't until December 2024, after months of worsening symptoms, that Emma was finally referred to the haematology department at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. There, a CT scan revealed the truth: an 8cm tumour lodged in her chest with some spread to her right lung.
She had Hodgkin's lymphoma – a rare form of blood cancer. And she was officially diagnosed on 4 February 2025, which also happened to be World Cancer Day. 'I was told over the phone a couple of weeks before the biopsy confirmed it, so I had a bit of time to get my head around it,' Emma explains.
Emma had been suffering symptoms that were dismissed
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'But nothing prepares you for sitting there face-to-face and seeing the scan image. I just remember thinking, 'How did this happen? How was it missed for so long?''
Before her diagnosis, Emma had been working for a tech marketing platform based in New Zealand. 'I didn't really have many hobbies, mainly because I was just so tired all the time – which I now know was the cancer. But I'm excited to change that. Getting sick has made me realise how much life I still want to live.'
Her treatment began with one of the most aggressive forms of chemotherapy, delivered in intense bursts across several days. 'It was terrifying, but given how big the tumour was, I wanted to go in hard. I've just finished my second cycle, and if things look promising on my next scan, I'll be able to switch to a different chemo regimen called ABVD.'
But the treatment hasn't come without a cost. 'The vomiting and the bone pain from the Filgrastim injections have been the hardest. You have to inject yourself after chemo to boost your white blood cells, but it makes your bones ache so badly. I've also gained two stone in two months from the steroids, and between that, the bloating, and the hair loss, sometimes I hardly recognise myself in the mirror.'
Still, Emma has taken it all in stride — even the emotional toll of losing her hair. 'I thought I'd wear my wig constantly, but I mostly just go bald now or wear a hat. The support online has been amazing. It's helped me feel more confident about going out without it. People message me saying I don't need the wig, but it's still a bit of a mental adjustment.'
What's surprised Emma most is how she's coping mentally — and how it compares to the internal battles she's fought for years. 'People might be shocked to hear this, but for me, dealing with cancer has been easier than my past mental health struggles,' she says.
'I've battled anxiety and depression since I was a teenager. Cancer is scary, of course, but there's a treatment plan. There's a path forward. With mental health, it's just you, alone in your head. That's so much harder.'
Emma credits her partner Calvin as her rock
Emma's openness about both her physical illness and her mental health has made her a relatable figure on TikTok, where she shares raw, unfiltered updates with her growing audience.
'Social media can be a toxic place, but it's also full of kind-hearted strangers. Talking about my journey has connected me with so many amazing people. It really helps me feel less alone.'
Through it all, Emma credits her partner Calvin as her rock. 'He's been incredible. I don't know how I'd manage without him. Honestly, people who go through chemo alone are superheroes. My family and friends have also been so supportive – I feel very lucky.'
She's currently waiting for a scan to see how well her body is responding to the treatment. 'I'll still be on chemo for a few more months after that – the type will just depend on what the scan shows.'
Emma admits she has a new outlook on life now. 'I've never felt more excited for the future. I used to take my body for granted. Now I just want to live life fully, try new things, appreciate the little stuff.'
For anyone facing pushback from doctors, Emma's message is clear: trust yourself. 'If you feel something's wrong, keep going back. I knew in my gut something wasn't right. And while I was frustrated by the delay, once I got to Haematology, the care has been phenomenal. The Aylesford Cancer Unit in Warwick has been like a second family. The staff there are literal angels.'
And for those quietly battling their mental health, Emma's advice is full of empathy. 'Please talk to someone. Whether it's a therapist, a GP, or just someone you trust. You don't have to go through it alone. I started medication, and it changed my life – but it takes time and patience to find what works. The most important thing to remember is that you're not broken. You're not weak. You're just human.'
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For now, Emma is taking each day as it comes — and hoping that by sharing her truth, others might feel seen, heard, and inspired to keep pushing.
'What started as a place to vent and track my journey has turned into this amazing community,' Emma says. 'If sharing my highs and lows helps just one person feel less scared or less isolated, then it's all worth it. I've always believed there's strength in being vulnerable.'
So whether she's posting in a headscarf or cracking a self-deprecating joke about chemo brain, Emma is showing the world that even in the face of cancer — and after being dismissed for years — she's finding her voice, and helping others find theirs too.
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Well, the base is basically an entire pocket-sprung mattress in its own right, and it's what gives the Ultra its bounce. Above that are a layer of smaller springs and two layers of yet smaller micro-springs arranged to support the hips and shoulders. Other hybrid mattresses claim this kind of contouring, but the Ultra is the first where I can feel it; I have a bad back and this helps align my spine, reducing pain. Another function of the micro-springs is to stabilise the edges. There's no droop at the sides, so you can use the whole width of the mattress – an important consideration when two people share a double. Finally, you'll notice the thermoregulation. Towards the top are layers of natural fibres – including coconut, wool, bamboo, charcoal and kapok (a light and airy plant-fibre) – topped by a soft knitted cover. They give a gentle, floaty feeling and significantly reduce night sweats. It feels cosy in the cold too. I tried the Ultra as the seasons were changing and the temperature dropped by 10 degrees – it works. Key specifications 7. Best Hybrid Mattress for Hot Sleepers: Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro £967.50 for a double, Panda Score: 8/10 We like: The excellent motion control and the washable top cover We don't like: The delivery service was a little lacking Reviewed by Leon Poultney This hybrid mattress has six layers, including a high-density memory foam base, a layer of zoned pocket springs and orthopaedic-grade foam. At the top, there's a final layer of bamboo-infused foam and a machine-washable bamboo cover, which is helpful as materials derived from the plant are known for temperature regulation and moisture-wicking properties. It is adept at isolating movement and preventing motion transfer, making it a solid choice for restless sleepers. But, while said to be medium-firm, I found it leans more towards the firm side. If you have any nerves regarding ordering online, the accompanying terms are generous – you can return it for a full refund if you don't like it after 100 nights. But the delivery experience wasn't as 'white glove' as others I've tested; I had to help lug my old mattress downstairs and dispose of the copious (but recyclable) packaging. If you like the sound of this mattress, but it's too expensive, you could also consider Panda's entry-level Hybrid Bamboo Mattress, which features uniform (rather than zoned) springs and a more basic version of memory foam. Key specifications 8. Best Pillow Top Hybrid Mattress: Dream Team Swaffham Combination Pillow Top Mattress £479 for a double, Dreams Score: 8/10 We like: Handles on the side make it easy to rotate We don't like: It's not so good in warmer months Reviewed by Rebecca Astill While 22cm doesn't sound deep in comparison to some of the mattresses on this list, this hybrid mattress has just about every layer imaginable. At the top is a cushioned, breathable layer (this is the pillow top its name refers to). It's designed to give you that springy feeling and it's encased in a soft knitted cover. Memory foam, pocket springs and a supportive base make up the rest of the mattress. The result is a luxurious, bouncy bed which offers pressure relief and support. As I've spent quite a long time reviewing mattresses, I generally make an initial judgement about the feel of a mattress by how it looks. I was completely wrong with this one. Instead of being a soft design that you completely fall into, it was supportive and reasonably firm. It needs rotating weekly for the first three months, then every month thereafter. That might sound quite high-maintenance, but the handles on the side of the mattress make turning the 34kg mass slightly easier. It's a small price to pay for long-lasting comfort. Key specifications 9. Best Hybrid Mattress for Couples: Eve The Wunderflip Premium Hybrid Sleep Mattress £999 for a double, Eve Score: 8/10 We like: Its soft and sumptuous topper makes for a cosy sleep We don't like: The firm side is still a little soft Why would I need a mattress that has a different tension on each side? I asked myself as I ordered a king-size version of the Eve Wunderflip to test at home. I eventually began to see the benefits; my partner and I disagree on the perfect mattress firmness, so having this dual-tension design means there's room for compromise. The mattress arrived rolled up and unpacking it and placing it on the bed was a two-person job. It reached its full 28cm depth within 72 hours and handles make it easy to flip and rotate. There's a medium side and a firmer side and the mattress comes with a deep quilted topper that can be zipped onto whichever you choose to sleep on. I spent half the week on the softer side and the other half on the firmer side and decided that the latter was the way to go. While I liked the plush feel of the softer side and was impressed with its edge support and finish, my partner (who is six foot) hankered for a stronger option. If you like a medium-firm to soft mattress, then this is a great option, but for anyone who likes a definitively firm mattress, consider the standard Eve Premium Hybrid Mattress instead. Key specifications 10. Best Hybrid Mattress Under £500: Dusk Original Hybrid Mattress £279 for a double, Dusk Score: 8/10 We like: Low price for a hybrid We don't like: Delivery can be slow Reviewed by Simon Lewis We've tried so many granite-heavy hybrid mattresses that a lighter, slimmer one that you can carry upstairs by yourself is a bit of a novelty. Plus, the top layer of Dusk's four-layer hybrid is made from a lighter-than-usual foam, constructed in a diamond pattern that makes it more breathable, for more bearable hot summer nights. As a result, it feels a bit softer than the claimed medium-firm description, which many people will be glad of. So why the remarkably low price? Well, four layers is common these days and there are fewer than 2,000 springs here compared to 5,000 in the Simba at the top of our list. It's also one-sided, meaning it won't last quite as long (although, as always, rotating it regularly will extend the lifespan). But at this price, the Dusk is pretty much a no-brainer for a spare room mattress upgrade, with the option to move it onto your main bed in the summer if you're in need of that extra breathability. Key specifications 11. Best Antibacterial Hybrid Mattress: Dream Team Gold Prescot Combination Mattress £699 for a double, Dreams Score: 8/10 We like: The clever liquid crystal Thermoswitch cover We don't like: The weight, which makes it tricky to rotate Reviewed by Kirsty Bosley When you think of 'liquid crystal' your mind may wander to a flat-screen TV before you'd consider a mattress. And yet that's what forms the temperature-regulating cover atop this mattress, and visibly jumps into action when you're overheating. How, you ask? Well, the grey cover turns white as it's working, something I saw first-hand when I laid my face, flushed from wrangling the weighty mattress into position, onto it. The soft-touch cover is antibacterial too and welcoming on cold nights. Some 4,092 pocket springs distributed my weight evenly and the deep layer of pressure-relieving memory foam added extra comfort to hips and shoulders. The memory foam is soft enough to sink into, but not so squishy that you end up trapped in an uncomfortable position. As a side sleeper, I found this gave me peace of mind as my old memory foam topper quickly developed dents that never really went away. It comes with a 100-night trial period, but I was sold on this British-made mattress after the first sleep. Key specifications 12. Best Hybrid Mattress for Motion Isolation: Otty Pure+ Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Premium Mattress £799.99 for a double, Otty Score: 8/10 We like: The bamboo- and charcoal-infused foam is both hypoallergenic and breathable We don't like: When it's not on offer, it's expensive Reviewed by Emily Peck I'm generally a restless sleeper, but I moved around less on this hybrid mattress, something that my partner noticed too. His movement didn't disturb me either – a testament to how well it isolates movement on both sides. The medium-firm mattress (which I think is a fair description) achieves this thanks to its 2,000 eight-centimetre springs, 2,000 four-centimetre springs and six layers of foam. Everything combines to create a balanced structure that provides excellent pressure relief. I felt like my body weight was evenly distributed. Two other materials are incorporated to keep things feeling fresh: breathable, moisture-wicking bamboo and odour-eliminating, hypoallergenic charcoal. The latter is important if you suffer from allergies and small perforations throughout the mattress increase breathability further; I slept at a comfortable temperature even when the thermostat had risen to 24C in my bedroom. Key specifications 13. Best Bed-In-A-Box Hybrid Mattress: Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress £448.80 for a double, Emma Score: 8/10 We like: Great for delivery and storage We don't like: Some will find it too firm This is a bit of a jump up from the Emma Hybrid Original Mattress price-wise, but you get tangibly more support. There are slightly softer springs to cradle your shoulders and hips and firmer springs to support your back. They're all 18cm tall, which gives room for air to flow throughout. Above them sits a firm, supportive memory foam, another foam layer that's breathable, and a final, pressure-relieving one for spinal alignment. Emma's other big selling point is the ease of its (free) delivery service; the mattress is in a box with a generous 200-night trial and money-back guarantee, so there's no risk if you decide it isn't for you. It also provides an old mattress removal service, which you can opt into at checkout. It's ready to sleep on within an hour of being unboxed – although it doesn't lose that slightly chemical 'new mattress' smell for a couple of days. It's also thinner than the mattresses above, at 25cm, and comes in four standard sizes (single, double, king and super-king). Key specifications 14. Best Firm Hybrid Mattress: Nectar Essential Hybrid Mattress £499 for a double, Nectar Score: 8/10 We like: The 365-night trial and lifetime warranty We don't like: It has a relatively basic design Reviewed by Emily Peck What's instantly enticing about buying a Nectar mattress is the company's 365-night trial and forever warranty, which is much more generous than your average offering. Knowing that you can return a mattress should you not get on with it is reassuring. But, having trialled it over the course of two months, the Nectar Essential Hybrid is a mattress that I'd happily sleep on for years. I wear an Oura ring that tracks your sleep quality and after a week, my score had noticeably improved. I have previously tried out the thicker and more expensive Nectar Premier Hybrid, which I found too firm. This one has a slightly softer base, offering better pressure relief for my petite frame. It comprises six layers of pressure-relieving memory foam and 600 individually wrapped 15-centimetre pocket springs, topped off with a quilted cooling cover designed to draw heat away from the body and circulate fresh air as you move. This seemed to work for me; I woke up in the morning feeling suitably refreshed. I'd recommend the Nectar Essential for anyone who wants a medium-firm mattress that is comfortable, breathable and supportive. Key specifications Hybrid mattress FAQs What is a hybrid mattress? 'A hybrid mattress contains two different types of fillings,' explains Kugler. 'You get the targeted support of a pocket-sprung mattress as well as the benefits of foam, which responds to the shape of your body for tailored comfort.' Are hybrid mattresses better than memory foam? 'This really depends on a customer's individual preference and what they're looking for from their mattress,' says Kugler. 'Before committing to one option, we'd encourage considering what level of support you're looking for. If you're looking for targeted support, a memory foam mattress might suffice, especially if the foam is arranged in ergonomic zones. If you prefer a bit of bounce in your bed, or you struggle to sleep in the heat, a hybrid mattress might be the more breathable option.' How long do hybrid mattresses last? 'I would say as a general rule that hybrid mattresses can last up to 10 years, but this depends on how the mattress is looked after over that time,' explains Kugler. 'To improve the longevity of your hybrid mattress, there's certain tips you can follow, such as rotating your mattress regularly to ensure that weight is evenly distributed across all of your bed.' 'I also recommend investing in a good mattress protector to provide an outer layer for ultimate comfort and guard against spills and stains.' It's also worth periodically cleaning your mattress. Are hybrid mattresses good for hot sleepers? 'Yes, they're great for those who get hot at night,' says Kugler. 'Because they have springs in them, the mattress is more breathable and better at distributing heat than many memory foam models, which retain and reflect heat in their dense layers.' Can you flip a hybrid mattress? 'Hybrid mattresses are typically single-sided with the fillings layered in a specific order for the best performance, so you don't need to flip them,' Kugler explains. 'However, I recommend rotating your mattress to ensure the even distribution of weight and, in turn, improve the lifespan.'
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- Wales Online
Gran preparing to die left family goodbye notes - then made 'miraculous' recovery
Gran preparing to die left family goodbye notes - then made 'miraculous' recovery Carole had been in and out of A&E for months but it wasn't until her daughter discovered a new medical device that she got to the bottom of her condition Carole said her friends used to cry when they visited her because of the state she was in (Image: Jam Press) A woman with deteriorating health was 'prepared to die' and writing out her last goodbyes to her family when her daughter made a last-ditch attempt for something that could help. Now Carole's 'miraculous' recovery has given her a new lease of life. She has even managed to move out of the care home she had been forced into. Carole's health issues first began after her husband's death in 2016 when she started overworking herself to keep busy. When she eventually retired at 65, the Devon local could feel her health fading fast. She told NeedToKnow: 'I noticed my bladder and gut had both stopped working, and I was really struggling to live comfortably. Over the next few years, I became increasingly ill, fatigued, and debilitated, also living with a lot of gut pain. 'I was so depressed and anxious as I had no idea what was happening to me, and the doctors had no answers. I became reliant upon antidepressants and different drugs.' Carole from Devon was penning her goodbyes when she started her 'miraculous' recovery (Image: Jam Press) By late 2023, Carole - she gave no last name - decided to move into a residential care home as she found herself journeying to A&E every few months at this point. She said: 'Every time I went to them, they would check me over and just send me straight back home. Article continues below 'I was constantly being told it was just anxiety, but it felt as though someone's hand was constantly squeezing my heart. My mobility had drastically declined, and I was in a poor state both physically and mentally. 'I knew I was going to die. I just felt so sick and like no one could fix it. I decided to write poems to my family as a way of saying goodbye.' But Carole's daughter Anna refused to give up and with a background in the health industry, the 42 year old believed she knew where to look. She eventually found a wearable medical device called Nurosym, which stimulates the vagus nerve, a vital connection between your brain, heart and digestive system. In November, a full year after moving to the care home, Carole got her Nurosym and first started noticing her sleeping patterns getting better within a matter of days. This quickly snowballed and left her pleading with the staff to let her out of her wheelchair. She said: 'When you look into it, the vagus nerve was the answer to all of my conditions, but there seems to be an ignorance to it. The doctors just never mentioned it. 'It was miraculous, everything just started to get better! After my sleep initially started to improve within just a couple of days, I started to see there might be a chance for me to get some quality of life back, but it just kept on improving. 'I was starting to worry the care home staff as everyone really just sat around in their chairs, and I had only been in wheelchairs since I came, but suddenly I wanted to walk around and just kept asking them to let me out!' Carole has now been able to move back home and enjoy an active life with her family (Image: Jam Press) Carole started reducing the number of medications she took and was able to move back into her own home in April. Her recovery was so transformational it prompted Anna to buy her own Nurosym and try it out for herself. Article continues below She said: 'Mum's not susceptible to placebo at all, this is something that has really worked for her, and changed her life. She has no side effects anymore from the ridiculous number of drugs she was having to take, and we desperately want people to know there is a way for people to get better in a non-invasive way. 'I've even invested in my own device as I suffer from anxiety. For me, my sleep improved within just a few weeks, I don't get this sinking feeling in my stomach anymore, and I just have such a positive frame of mind that it's completely changed my outlook.' Carole shared: 'My friends used to come and see me and just cry; now they're still crying when they visit, but it's for a completely different reason.'
