Angela Profit
I was diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal ovarian cancer in 2001 and given 12 months to live after the disease had been missed by doctors repeatedly, over an 18 month period. I came home with no hope, but I was determined to fight this deadly disease with all my might.
I had worked for 37 wonderful years for the BBC and suddenly I was plunged into a frightening new world that ended my career, so I have started a new career. Despite gruelling chemotherapy I do all I can to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and help others fight the disease. I am very involved with our local Solihull Cancer Support Group, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Eve Appeal. I am a leading spokesperson and ambassador for all these charities. I have given many talks in which I hope to inspire others and I always speak “from the heart”. Even when I feel unwell, nothing stops me because I want to make a difference.
My cancer has returned 3 times, but I read and study all aspects of the disease so I can help others. I counsel people on the telephone, some I have never met, but they all become “my friend.” I also took a petition to No 10 Downing Street for mass screening for ovarian cancer and I run educational courses to help patients learn to live well with cancer. I recorded a video diary during my chemo to help show cancer patients ways to survive and to take the fear away. i also write a blog for a leading Birmingham newspaper on how i live with cancer today. A play has been produced based on my cancer journey, my part being played by Hannah Waterman. The play was a great success and is being repeated in September this year at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.
Despite all the time and energy in my fight against cancer, I have a great love of life and since being diagnosed I have got married, travelled to all the places I had ever wanted to see and pursued my passion for drama and music. In May this year, despite being given a year to live, I celebrate 10 wonderful live giving years and what a journey it has been, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!
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