Hastings mum Jules Fielder, praised by Keir Starmer for spearheading national lung cancer campaign, told she has 'weeks to live'
A Hastings mother spearheading a campaign to raise awareness of the early signs of lung cancer following her own diagnosis has been told she has only 'weeks to live', her friend said.
Jules Fielder has stage 4 lung cancer, the most advanced stage, and was diagnosed with the disease in November 2021 at the age of 37, after finding a lump in her neck.
She spends her time raising awareness through her Instagram account www.instagram.com/just_beingjules, which has more than 37,000 followers.
Her friend, Ricky Martin said: “Jules recently received the devastating news that some of her cancer had spread to the frontal lobe of her brain and that she has weeks to live. She was told the NHS was unable provide any more treatment.
“She was meant to be going to New York in May to see the Rocky Horror Show, as one of our favourite actors is Luke Evans. She arranged a flight and booked the tickets.
“Her plans have now changed: instead of enjoying a theatre show in New York, she’s now planning her funeral.
“She has a loving husband, Paul, and her son, Toby. She now wants to raise as much money as possible for them to ease the pressure on both of them after she is gone and to allow them to possibly book a holiday together.
“Jules' story isn’t just any ordinary story. This is a story about a woman who is willing not to give up after being told that she only had months to live. She has carried on living for five years and this isn’t something she wants to end now so she is going to see a private consultant.
“This may buy her some extra time. We are currently unsure, but any funds raised on the GoFundMe page we have set up will cover the cost of going private. If that option is unavailable, the money will help her husband so he doesn’t have to return to work immediately and can grieve in his own time.”
In February Jules joined Boots in launching a nationwide awareness campaign to help people spot early signs and symptoms of lung cancer.
She met the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in March, who sent her a letter, which Jules shared on her Instagram page.
In the letter, sent on March 30, the PM said he was 'moved' by Jules' campaigning.
Boots said it has placed 'clear, eye-catching' signage next to commonly purchased medicines used to treat mild symptoms, like cold and flu relief, cough medicine and pain relief.
It added that it has introduced awareness materials in its pharmacy consultation rooms.
Last year Jules met with Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore to discuss her campaigning.
The fundraising page can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/to-enjoy-life-and-not-worry-about-money.