Nurse Angela winning her own cancer battle

Mar 3 2010 by Graham Mann, East Kilbride News

AN INSPIRATIONAL nurse dedicated to helping cancer patients is fighting her own battle against the illness with the support of family and friends.

For the past two years Angela Potter has provided help and advice to hundreds of patients in her role as a senior health care assistant for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

But in September last year, when the 29-year-old was in the middle of planning her wedding to fiance Robin Foster, 37, she, too, was diagnosed as suffering from cancer.

The terrible news came like a bolt out of the blue for the Strathaven bride-to-be whose cancer was discovered after she underwent a routine operation to remove her appendix.

Although many people would have buckled under the strain, Angela says she is determined to beat the disease and walk down the aisle in May.

The former Strathaven Academy and Kirklandpark Primary pupil said: “When I was taken into Hairmyres Hospital in September to have my appendix removed, I thought it was just a routine operation.

“But one week after the operation I was told they had found a malignant tumour on the tip of my appendix.

“I have been in and out of hospital for various tests, scans and biopsies to ensure there are no tumours elsewhere.

“One week before Christmas I was told it was clear, however, there were some lymph glands swollen where the appendix was.

“Now I need another operation, on March 11, to remove these glands, part of my bowel and part of the colon to ensure the cancer never comes back.

“Whatever happens, I am determined to make sure my wedding goes ahead as planned even if I have to roll down the aisle in a wheelchair.”

Angela’s good humour and positive attitude reveals a steely determination to stand tall in the face of adversity.

She believes the experience she has gained through working as a palliative care nurse has been invaluable.

However, clearly, the influence of her family, and in particular her dad James, is playing a huge part in helping her cope with the challenges that lie ahead.

James is approaching his 59th birthday and he and Angela’s mum Davina celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this year.

But that will not stop him taking part in the Edinburgh half marathon later this year to raise funds and awareness for the charity that is so close to his daughter’s heart.

He said: “I thought we needed something positive to focus on so I decided to dig out my running shoes to help raise funds and awareness.

“The last time I ran this sort of distance was about 11 years ago but we all want to do as much as we can to help Angela and what better way than to support the charity she works for.”

Angela added: “My big brother Kevin, uncle Scott Potter and my dad's friend Charlie Cybulski are also running. They have a ‘just giving’ web page set up to raise funds which anyone can access.

“I am really proud and grateful to my family and friends for all the support they have given me.

“Their efforts will make things a lot better for me and many others who are going through much tougher times than me.

“We are all keeping positive and making jokes about me possibly being a bald bride.

“Looking on the bright side, I'll save a fortune on hairstyle trials.”

James and his fellow runners take part in the Edinburgh half marathon on May 23 and Angela and Robin’s big day is on May 28.

To make a donation, simply go to www.justgiving.com.