Joanna James from Ilkley has launched an appeal to get potential life-extending treatment in Germany following her brain tumour diagnosis.
50 year-old Joanna, a jewellery sales manager, was on holiday last September when she suddenly lost the ability to speak and was taken straight to a local hospital, where CT and MRI scans revealed the devastating news.
Two weeks later, Joanna had urgent surgery at Leeds General Infirmary and then began six weeks of intensive radiotherapy treatment at Leeds Cancer Centre.
Joanna said:
"I was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma — an aggressive and life-limiting brain tumour. A diagnosis like this doesn’t just shake your world; it shatters it. One day you are planning the future, and the next you are being told your prognosis is 12–18 months.
"Since that day, I have undergone awake brain surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. I have faced each stage with determination and strength because I am not ready to stop fighting for my life.
"While I am still undergoing chemotherapy, there are no further treatment options available to me on the NHS beyond the current standard care.
"After extensive research and medical consultations, in March I will begin specialist immunotherapy treatment at IOZK, a clinic in Cologne, Germany. This treatment works by stimulating my immune system to recognise and target tumour cells. It is not a cure, but it offers hope — hope of more time and hope of preserving my quality of life.
"The full treatment programme, including travel and medical costs, is estimated at approximately £100,000."
Joanna has set up a JustGiving page to fund this treatment. With the support of Brainstrust, all donations will go directly towards Joanna's care. Any excess funds, along with Gift Aid, will be used to support others facing similar diagnoses.
She adds:
"I have been truly overwhelmed by the kindness of family and friends — and even people I have never met — who have asked how they can help. This page offers a way for those who wish to support me to do so, and I am sincerely grateful for every contribution, whatever the amount.
"Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for your kindness, your support, and for helping me continue this fight."
To donate please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/joannajames
Doggy Days set to return to Ilkley Lido
Foley Films returns to Ilkley with new autumn programme
Spellman Care named Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year
Runners for Great North Run raise over £17,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Sir Gareth Southgate helps raise £23,000 for Martin House at Ilkley golf event
Ashlands Bonfire to celebrate 40th anniversary with biggest-ever fireworks display
Off-peak roadworks begin on A65 near Ilkley
Ilkley businesses become Gold Sponsor of Clarke Foley Community Hub
Ilkley takeaway named among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide
McDonald's near Ilkley seeks earlier opening hours
Ilkley care home resident celebrates 106th birthday
Fresh handmade bread coming to Three Little Birds in Ilkley
Former Ilkley bistro owner teases new venture on the High Street
New Ilkley travel agency to celebrate opening with special event
Mental health campaign launched in memory of son
Yorkshire writers in spotlight at Ilkley Literature Festival
Annual golf day raises £4,383 for Airedale Hospital
The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge
