A woman from Stockport has welcomed a miracle baby boy into the world after having her ovaries removed during treatment for a rare type of cancer.
38-year-old Stacey Broadmeadow’s life was flipped upside down when she was sadly diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) back in 2018.
PMP is a rare form of cancer that starts in the lining of the appendix.
With symptoms including loss of appetite, unexpected weight gain, and stomach pain, PMP is where a jelly-like substance called mucin is produced and bursts out of the appendix, and sees cells begin spreading around the tummy.
“I had never heard of PMP before I was diagnosed,” Stacey admitted.
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“I noticed some abnormal bleeding, and the only reason I went to the doctor was the desire to start a family. I was worried something would affect my fertility and wanted to check everything was okay, but I never expected it to be cancer.
“My first thought after being diagnosed was that I’d never be a mum, it was absolutely devastating.”
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"I’m in a bubble of love and can’t imagine my life without him.”
Stacey Broadmeadow has become a mum to Harry after having her ovaries removed as part of her treatment for a rare cancer at The Christie.
People with PMP often need major surgery to remove the tissue lining in the abdominal cavity, and save organs that are at risk of implants from the abnormal cells – including the gallbladder, the spleen, and parts of the bowel – and then once the surgery has been performed, heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) is introduced into the abdomen to kill any unseen tumour cells.
In Stacey’s case, her ovaries needed to be removed as part of her operation, and so she had her eggs harvested and frozen.
After receiving world-class care and treatment at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust right here in Manchester, Stacey has beaten the odds to give birth to a baby boy following the all clear from the one-in-a-million type of cancer.
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Stacey received treatment at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester / Credit: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
“All my harvested eggs were used during the IVF process,” Stacey continued.
“I was only able to create two embryos. I had my first round of IVF in August 2021, and unfortunately, that ended in a miscarriage. I only had one embryo left and had my final round in February last year. The doctors weren’t sure whether it was going to work as the embryo was not as good as the previous one, but it was successful, and my beautiful son Harry arrived in mid-November.
“I can’t even put into words how I feel. I’m in a complete bubble of love and can’t imagine my life without him.”
Stacey has thanked her consultant, Professor Sarah O’Dwyer, and clinical nurse specialst, Rebecca Halstead, saying they were “brilliant” throughout her treatment, as well as heaping praise on The Christie as “one of only two centres in the country that treat rare abdominal cancers like mine”.
“I’m so lucky to have it on my doorstep,” she concluded.
Featured Image – The Christie NHS
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No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).
Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.
A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.
Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.
No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM
As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.
No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.
For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.
Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.
Essential upgrade work to protect the historic Whitefield Tunnel means no trams will run between Crumpsall–Bury (Sat 10 May) and Whitefield–Bury (Sun 11 May).
We're replacing a defective beam to keep the line safe and reliable.
As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.
“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.
“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”
He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory.
The Red Devils will be heading to San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch United (hopefully) take home a nice bit of silverwear.
And, of course, a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
The event says: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa Cup Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the Europa league final on Wednesday 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May – grab your spot HERE.