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"I'm so happy to have more time with Marc and Chloe!". A polaroid of three people smiling with their arms round each other. Zoe, on the left, is wearing a green jumper and holding christmas presents, Chloe in the middle is wearing a patterned Christmas jumper. She has long auburn hair and is wearing glasses. Marc is on the right, he has a white beard and is wearing a Christmas jumper with reindeer on it.

Zoe's story

“This trial has saved my life and is enabling me to continue making memories with my family. What The Royal Marsden have done for me is just incredible, and their research is helping people like me, all around the world."

"It all started in October 2020 when I found something on my neck" says Zoe. "A biopsy showed I had melanoma in my neck and upper arm. In May 2023 another lump appeared, and I was told I have stage 4 melanoma."

After being referred to The Royal Marsden, Zoe joined a ground-breaking trial under the care of Dr Furness. When Zoe first joined the triaI, she had advanced melanoma. Six weeks after starting her treatment, her cancer had completely disappeared.

"I’m so thrilled I’ll be here for Christmas. Being alive is the best present ever for me, Marc and Chloe."

Zoe, a patient at The Royal Marsden

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Zoe with her medical team. Zoe is in the middle of a group smiling. Beside her, there is a tall male doctor, and two female nurses in their blue scrubs.

Dr Andrew Furness, Zoe's consultant

"The progress we’re making speaks for itself. Just 15 years ago, advanced melanoma was considered untreatable, with only 5% of patients surviving beyond five years, today, thanks to research, over 50% do."

"Zoe’s story shows just what we can achieve together. Zoe kept a diary of her time on the trial which she’s been kind enough to share - you can read an extract below."

"I know breakthroughs like this are only possible thanks to the generosity of people like you. That’s why I hope you will show how much you believe in The Royal Marsden’s work by donating this festive season."

Dr Andrew Furness, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden

Read more about Zoe's story:

"My Cancer Diary at The Royal Marsden" with a polaroid of Zoe and her family
My Diagnosis: October 2020. It all started when I found something on my neck. A biopsy showed I had melanoma in my neck and upper arm. I was devastated- but they removed it at my local hospital and it didn't seem to have spread. May 2023. Another lump has appeared and I've been told I have stage 4 melanoma - That's really advanced. I worry so much about not being there for Marc and Chloe. June 2023. The good news is that I have been referred to The Royal Marsden where Dr Furness is running a clinical trial.
Dr Furness and the team are so positive. Today during my treatment on the clinical trial, I had the whole team around me. We were all talking about life and experiences we've had. It felt like such a memorable and poignant moment. I've really missed being able to ride my horses. Dr Furness always asks me if I've been able to get back on them, hoping I'll be able to give him the answer he wants soon. December 2023. My treatments over but I'm still feeling really unwell so it's hard to enjoy Christmas
Jan 2024. Just about to have my third scan post treatment. If I get three clear scans then I'll feel like it's really worked. I'm freaking out. AMAZING news! I've now had three clear scans! The treatment has worked - we are all absolutely over the moon! August 2024 My body feels refreshed and I feel better than I've ever felt before! I'm so thrilled I'll be here for Christmas. Being alive is the best present ever for me Marc and Chloe!
"My Cancer Diary at The Royal Marsden" with a polaroid of Zoe and her family
My Diagnosis: October 2020. It all started when I found something on my neck. A biopsy showed I had melanoma in my neck and upper arm. I was devastated- but they removed it at my local hospital and it didn't seem to have spread. May 2023. Another lump has appeared and I've been told I have stage 4 melanoma - That's really advanced. I worry so much about not being there for Marc and Chloe. June 2023. The good news is that I have been referred to The Royal Marsden where Dr Furness is running a clinical trial.
Dr Furness and the team are so positive. Today during my treatment on the clinical trial, I had the whole team around me. We were all talking about life and experiences we've had. It felt like such a memorable and poignant moment. I've really missed being able to ride my horses. Dr Furness always asks me if I've been able to get back on them, hoping I'll be able to give him the answer he wants soon. December 2023. My treatments over but I'm still feeling really unwell so it's hard to enjoy Christmas
Jan 2024. Just about to have my third scan post treatment. If I get three clear scans then I'll feel like it's really worked. I'm freaking out. AMAZING news! I've now had three clear scans! The treatment has worked - we are all absolutely over the moon! August 2024 My body feels refreshed and I feel better than I've ever felt before! I'm so thrilled I'll be here for Christmas. Being alive is the best present ever for me Marc and Chloe!

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