Helen's story

David took part in a trial at the Hope Clinical Trials Facility after all other treatment options had been exhausted. Two years after treatment, David was living a near normal life and was even able to enjoy a holiday with his wife Helen abroad. Sadly, David lost his life from an un-expected heart attack in September 2018.

Helen supports Hope in many ways in memory of David. Here she shares with us this journey and the huge impact that the funding we receive makes on people like David.

‘I’ve been raising money for Hope Against Cancer in memory of David Matthews, my wonderful husband, who passed away in September 2018 after battling Wald Enstrom’s Lymphoma, a blood cancer, for nine years.

David was best known for his many years as a Rugby Union Referee and his passion for Lancashire cricket, rugby league and golf. A PE School Master in St Helens for forty years, he was diagnosed soon after he retired.

Despite receiving great care at The Liverpool Royal Haematology department, by 2015, all treatment options were exhausted and David was gravely ill. His consultant learned a Targeted Therapy drug trial was being run at Leicester Royal Infirmary in the Hope Clinical Trials Facility and after tests, David was accepted onto the trial.

Amazingly there was a small improvement in his blood within a week and he experienced practically no side-effects. There continued to be ups and downs, which is common when treating cancer but there was a gradual improvement in his condition. Although the cancer never went away, the treatment continued to chip away at the condition and by the end of 2017 he was living a near normal life. He was back to the funny, loving man I married. We felt very blessed to be given another opportunity at life and were able to take our first holiday abroad in seven years, the following summer.

Sadly, completely out of the blue, coming home from a rugby match, David suffered a heart attack and despite the best efforts of the medics he didn’t make it.

The Hope Clinical Trials Facility was opened in 2012 by Hope Against Cancer, a local cancer research charity to further its research aims. Quite simply it saved David’s life and he received the most wonderful care from the dedicated team of doctors and nurses. The charity is raising funds to expand the Facility to allow more patients to benefit from experimental drugs and I know David would wholeheartedly approve.

The fundraising was actually a very pleasant way to celebrate David’s life and gave me a purpose. With my sister’s support, we held Afternoon Teas, at home, with our various groups of friends. There was lots of laughter and many happy memories. A fitting tribute to a special person.’

We would like to thank Helen for sharing David’s story with us and for continually supporting Hope and spreading the message about the incredible work we do. David not only had a better quality of life and extra time to enjoy with his loved ones from partaking in the trial, but has contributed to research that could potentially save the future lives of others.