A CANCER survivor from Maybole hopes that one day nobody will have to go through the devastating diagnosis and suffer the effects like she has.

Eilidh Mackay, 19, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in June 2016, when she was just 14, after experiencing lung pain and cramps in her legs, and then in February 2019, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

She has been in remission for two years, but she is hoping that a change in how people experience a cancer diagnosis will happen soon.

Speaking during World Cancer Research Day last week, Eilidh said:“My hope is that one day, no one will have to go through the heart-breaking cancer diagnosis I have experienced.

“I personally feel cancer has control over us, but funding this important research worldwide will help us take back control.

“We have come so far in terms of cancer research and cures, with advances in technology to help diagnose cancer and kinder treatments.

“Most importantly those who receive a devastating diagnosis could have the hope of living longer thanks to the knowledge we now have.

“This proves the funding which is generously donated to help progress breakthrough cancer research is working, and I personally am hugely grateful that the understanding of how to treat my cancer was there when I was diagnosed.

“Cancer has definitely changed my life in both good and bad ways.

“I have a new perspective on life and am so much more grateful for everything around me.

“But I know others haven’t been as fortunate as me, which is why I’m determined to raise awareness of the importance of research, particularly the incredible discovery research funded by Worldwide Cancer Research that will get us to the finish line.

“Without that important start, there can be no end.”

Worldwide Cancer Research is currently funding 70 active research projects across the world.

Dr Helen Rippon, Chief Executive, Worldwide Cancer Research said: “Eilidh is an inspiration and we’re indebted to her for sharing her story in a bid to highlight the vital role research plays in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

“World Cancer Research Day is a chance for us to shine a light on the incredible global effort to drive forward advancements that will change, and ultimately save lives.

“At Worldwide Cancer Research, our focus is funding the first steps to discovering something entirely new about cancer, to create the foundation for future tests and treatments.

“With the average cancer research project taking around 20 years to be realised, we’re resolute in our aim of making discoveries that will boost the research pipeline and provide hope for the millions affected by cancer, both now and in the future.”