The Glimmer Girl: Finding Joy Despite Triple Cancer Diagnosis

Allison's lung cancer was discovered by accident during breast cancer treatment

I'm Allison, and I'm a 52 year-young single mum to 2 boys, one of whom has ASD. We live near Dartmoor and are lucky to spend a lot of time walking on the moors and woodlands.

When I received my diagnosis in 2024, it was Stage II RET fusion lung cancer. I had no symptoms. I actually have 3 primaries - breast, bowel and lung. My lung cancer was the last to be diagnosed after a series of poor tests and biopsies. My lung and bowel cancers were found by accident, as part of radiotherapy planning for my breast cancer, following chemo and surgery.

I dress with lots of colours, and it helps me feel better. I also love alternative ideas like reiki, meditation and yoga. I love to get outdoors, no matter what the weather, as I find it really helps my mental health. Being on targeted therapy means I can continue to live life out loud.

"I look for glimmers. My glimmers can be anything from sticking some false nails on, to doing some art, having a reflexology session, but most of all I love colour."