Overcoming adversity – Sharon’s story

Sharon tells us how she overcame huge personal challenges to share in the joy of her niece’s wedding day.

Sharon, pictured at her niece’s wedding in 2026

Sharon, who has been supported by Leeds Irish Health and Homes (LIHH) since 2019, has a number of health conditions that make day-to-day living difficult.

‘I have Cowden Syndrome,’ says Sharon. ‘It’s a rare genetic condition that causes growths and can affect your veins and arteries. It can make you more prone to cancer, too.’ As a result of the condition, Sharon has been diagnosed with a benign brain tumour and arterial venal malformation.

She also struggles with lymphedema – which can cause extreme swelling, especially in the arms and legs – and arthritis, meaning her mobility is limited. ‘I use a mobility scooter and I’ve just got a wheelchair,’ she says.

In 2025, her father suffered a stroke and Sharon took on caring responsibilities along with her sister and brother. In 2018, Sharon had discovered she had endometrial cancer and had a full hysterectomy. Around the time of her dad’s stroke, she started experiencing some worrying symptoms.

‘I was going to his house six nights a week to keep him company for a little while,’ explains Sharon. ‘He lived nearby, so I’d head over on the mobility scooter and make his dinner.’ Sharon’s dad was 94 and had lived independently most of his life. ‘He was a character. He wasn’t the easiest of patients,’ Sharon admits.

After a fall two months later, Sharon’s dad broke his hip and was admitted to hospital. He suffered a bout of pneumonia and passed away in November 2025. ‘The funeral was arranged for 1 December,’ says Sharon. ‘Meanwhile, tests had confirmed that my cancer was back. I started radiotherapy at the end of December. It was a very difficult time,’ she admits.

Sharon had her treatment at St James’ Hospital in Leeds, travelling to hospital five days a week for seven weeks. ‘It was exhausting,’ Sharon admits. ‘The treatment causes fatigue anyway – and the travelling was hard work.’

Sharon’s treatment ended in February, but she had to wait for an MRI scan to confirm if the treatment had worked. At an appointment in June, Sharon was given the good news: three quarters of the tumour was gone.

‘I was delighted,’ she says. ‘For myself, but also because my niece was getting married at the end of August. After everything I’d been through, I felt like I could go to the wedding.’

But Sharon’s limited mobility meant that the journey to the venue in Gloucestershire would be complicated. ‘At first, I was looking at getting the coach,’ said Sharon. ‘But Sue from LIHH pointed out that it would be more difficult to access the toilet and the journey would take much longer.’

After some consideration and discussion, Sharon booked train tickets and assistance at the station. She also bought a wheelchair to make the transfer from platform to train and getting taxis easier.

‘I booked everything myself with Sue’s encouragement and support,’ says Sharon. ‘I treated myself to a new dress, too,’ says Sharon.

On the day she was due to travel, Sharon admits she was nervous. ‘I was worried about how I was going to handle my wheelchair. But I got a disabled taxi to the station and reported to assistance. They were so helpful.’ In Gloucestershire, she checked into her accessible hotel room and attended the wedding the following day. ‘She looked so beautiful,’ recalls Sharon.

Sharon, left in pink, with some of the bridal party

Sharon took a taxi back to the hotel at 10:30pm, exhausted but with a huge sense of achievement. The next day, she travelled back to Leeds with no issues.

‘I’ve had depression for a long time and my first instinct is to doubt myself. I’m so proud that I did it,’ she says. ‘I find it very hard to say positive things about myself, but Sue is always telling me I should be proud of how I’ve coped.’

How does she cope? ‘I suppose I’ve tried to put things into compartments. First, I had to deal with my dad’s stroke, then his care. After he died and we had the funeral, I had to think about the cancer. It wasn’t easy but I managed it.’

Knowing that the cancer was under control, Sharon says, gave her the push to attend the wedding. ‘You have to celebrate the positives,’ she says. She also credits getting out on her scooter and attending LIHH events with giving her routine and balance. ‘I’ve been to the women’s group today and we’ve been planning what we want to do over the next few months.’

More challenges lie ahead: Sharon has a number of medical appointments and procedures coming up, and her mental health can sometimes take a dip. Her dad’s house will also need clearing: ‘That will be emotional,’ Sharon admits. But whatever happens, LIHH will be there to support her.

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For more information about how Leeds Irish Health and Homes supports people in Leeds, get in touch with us on info@lihh.org or call 0113 262 5614.