A young woman from the UK faces a desperate race against time and a staggering medical bill after being told she had just days to live, following a skin cancer diagnosis that was initially missed.
From a 'Normal' Mole to a Terminal Diagnosis
Robyn Thorp, aged 34, first noticed a small but unusually black mole on her shoulder in 2018. During a routine doctor's visit, she asked her GP to check it, but was advised to "just keep an eye on it" as it appeared not to be suspicious. Within weeks, the mole's appearance changed, prompting her mother to urge a second opinion.
When Robyn returned, a different GP agreed to remove it but required a separate appointment. By the time of that procedure, the doctor refused to operate, sending her directly to hospital. Specialists there immediately identified a serious problem. Robyn was soon diagnosed with an aggressive form of melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer that can spread rapidly.
A Devastating Spread and a Miraculous Fight
The cancer did not remain contained. Within months, it had metastasised to Robyn's spine and lung. Despite this, treatment seemed to keep it under control until recently, when tumours were discovered in her brain. She has three or four small tumours clustered together, with the latest posing a significant challenge due to its proximity to previous growths, ruling out further radiotherapy.
In a sudden and severe downturn on 8 November last year, Robyn was rushed to hospital. Consultants delivered the devastating news that she likely would not survive the month. Her father, Neil, recounted being told at her bedside that she had mere days to live, with a Do Not Resuscitate order in place for the journey home.
Miraculously, over two months later, Robyn continues to defy expectations. Her family and medical team at The Christie hospital in Manchester describe her as "a wonder," astonished by her resilience and fighting spirit.
The £30,000-a-Month Treatment Not Available on the NHS
Robyn's only remaining hope is a combined immunotherapy treatment. This specific therapy is not covered by the NHS, forcing her to seek it privately at an astronomical cost of approximately £30,000 every month.
To afford this life-prolonging care, her family has launched a GoFundMe campaign. The funds are critical to ensure she can continue receiving the drugs that are currently keeping her alive. Alongside this battle, Robyn has been forced to cancel her wedding to fiancé Mike, which was planned for this June. They became engaged in Crete last summer, but her consultant suggested moving the date forward due to Robyn's short-term memory loss, a side effect of her illness.
"I'm so weak and wobbly, I couldn't walk down the aisle," Robyn said. She remains hopeful that she will gain enough strength to reschedule her wedding day, focusing for now on her treatment and survival.
