Rachel Davies was dubbed a “warrior” for her tireless campaigning to ensure all Brits have access to vital drug Enhertu, which can prolong the lives of breast cancer sufferers
A “warrior” mum who spent her final weeks of life campaigning for others died with a heartbreaking message announcing her own death.
Rachel Davies, 39, died of secondary breast cancer earlier this week, more than three years following her initial diagnosis in April 2021. The mum, who had previously undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and had a mastectomy, learned after her treatment finished that the cancer had spread to her bones and lungs.
She was diagnosed with secondary cancer and informed by doctors that her condition was untreatable, but the diagnosis didn’t stop her from fiercely campaigning for patients to have access to a key drug until her death this week. She announced her passing herself in a moving social media post telling how sad she was to leave her family and friends.
Wales Online reports that the mum wrote about her sadness of leaving her “love of her life” and two children, but also about the new perspective she had adopted towards the end of her life. She wrote: “If you’re reading this, then it means I’m no longer here, I can’t say to a better place as that is impossible!
“What a life I’ve had, and surprisingly, since cancer entered my life. When I look through my photos, I’ve done and seen so much since cancer, and probably some of my best memories are from this period. In so many ways, I have to thank it for learning how to live fully. What I wish is that everyone can experience the same but without needing cancer.
“Get out there, experience life fully, and wear that dress!!! I’m so sad to leave my family and friends, I wish I never had to go. I’m so grateful to have had Charlie young so that I’ve watched him grow into the man he is today, I’m unbelievably proud of him. I am thankful I had the opportunity to have Kacey and Jacob in my life.
“Lastly, I was blessed to meet the love of my life, my husband, and my best friend. I have no regrets, I have had a wonderful life. So to all of you, don’t be sad ive gone. Live your life and live it well. Love, Rachel x” Rachel was one of around 1,000 people unable to access a treatment known to extend the life of advanced breast cancer sufferers, as it isn’t yet approved for use in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
The drug, Enhertu, can help sufferers of a specific type of breast cancer and additional six months. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), refused to greenlight the treatment in the three home nations, citing its massive cost for the NHS. Rachel spent her last days campaigning for all afflicted Brits to receive access to the treatment.