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Holiday slip leads to devastating diagnosis

By Adam Howlett
Published: 10:15, 10 October 2015
Annie Dennis has advanced renal cancer - she found out about 12 weeks ago. She is trying to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan. She has raised more than ?3,100 from a tea party on Sept 26. 'Annie with her husband Graeme, mum and dad Pam and Tom Dennis, sister Katey Dennis, Erica and John Redmond, Matt Davis, Bill Treneman and Nicola Clark fundraising manager Macmillian and dogs Tuppence and Rosie.'Picture Mark Westley ANL-150610-204404009
Annie Dennis has advanced renal cancer - she found out about 12 weeks ago. She is trying to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan. She has raised more than ?3,100 from a tea party on Sept 26. 'Annie with her husband Graeme, mum and dad Pam and Tom Dennis, sister Katey Dennis, Erica and John Redmond, Matt Davis, Bill Treneman and Nicola Clark fundraising manager Macmillian and dogs Tuppence and Rosie.'Picture Mark Westley ANL-150610-204404009

A woman from Great Barton who was diagnosed with advanced renal cancer following an accident on holiday is looking to raise as much money as she can for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mother-of-one Annie Dennis, 39, of Livermere Road, tripped over on holiday shortly after getting married to husband Graeme, 42, in February, fracturing her femur.

Annie Dennis has advanced renal cancer - she found out about 12 weeks ago. She is trying to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan. She has raised more than �3,100 from a tea party on Sept 26. 'Annie with her husband Graeme, mum and dad Pam and Tom Dennis, sister Katey Dennis, Erica and John Redmond, Matt Davis, Bill Treneman and Nicola Clark fundraising manager Macmillian and dogs Tuppence and Rosie.'Picture Mark Westley ANL-150610-204303009
Annie Dennis has advanced renal cancer - she found out about 12 weeks ago. She is trying to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan. She has raised more than �3,100 from a tea party on Sept 26. 'Annie with her husband Graeme, mum and dad Pam and Tom Dennis, sister Katey Dennis, Erica and John Redmond, Matt Davis, Bill Treneman and Nicola Clark fundraising manager Macmillian and dogs Tuppence and Rosie.'Picture Mark Westley ANL-150610-204303009

Soon after, she had another accident pushing a barrow breaking the bone completely.

“They put a rod in my hip at West Suffolk Hospital”, she said, “But it wouldn’t heal and over a four month period I went back six or seven times.

“All the guys in the fracture clinic said it would take some time to heal and that it was normal.

“But after 16 weeks I was trying to get out of bed and my hip felt like it was grating so I went to see my consultant.

Annie Dennis has advanced renal cancer - she found out about 12 weeks ago. She is trying to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan. She has raised more than �3,100 from a tea party on Sept 26. 'Annie with her husband Graeme, mum and dad Pam and Tom Dennis, sister Katey Dennis, Erica and John Redmond, Matt Davis, Bill Treneman and Nicola Clark fundraising manager Macmillian and dogs Tuppence and Rosie.'Picture Mark Westley ANL-150610-204230009
Annie Dennis has advanced renal cancer - she found out about 12 weeks ago. She is trying to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan. She has raised more than �3,100 from a tea party on Sept 26. 'Annie with her husband Graeme, mum and dad Pam and Tom Dennis, sister Katey Dennis, Erica and John Redmond, Matt Davis, Bill Treneman and Nicola Clark fundraising manager Macmillian and dogs Tuppence and Rosie.'Picture Mark Westley ANL-150610-204230009

“He was shocked because he thought I may have a low grade infection.

“I had a CT scan on the Monday, and on the Tuesday I went to get the results and was told I had advanced renal cancer and a three inch tumour on my kidney which had spread to my spine and leg which and been the reason for my break not healing.

“On the Wednesday I found out I also had it in my liver and on Friday was admitted to Addenbrooke’s.

“I have now been on my treatment for 13 weeks.

“I am on oral chemotherapy which I take every morning.

“It cuts off the blood supply to the cancer which shrinks the tumour but also stops it spreading.

“This Friday I was told my tumours had shrunk a bit and that my kidney tumour had reduced by 18mm which is good news.

“They cannot cure my cancer but I can hopefully hold it up so I have more time.”

After receiving the devastating news, Annie decided she wanted to make the most of her time and set about planning to raise as much money as she can for Macmillan.

On September 26, she held an afternoon tea party at her family’s home in Great Barton.

“What started as a afternoon tea party turned into a festival, she said, “we had more than 200 people turn up.”

“It was brilliant, we has a bouncy castle, a gladiator duel, bungee run, a pop corn stall and absolutely amazing raffle prizes donated by local people and companies.

“We must have baked for about three days getting the cakes ready.

“It was like a village fete.

“We raised £3168 in total.”

Annie, who until her diagnosis ran a dog grooming business in Bury St Edmunds, has said she is looking to organise more events in the near future – including a big quiz night, a barn dance and a hog roast.

Nicola Clark, fund-raising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support West Norfolk and West Suffolk, said: “Sadly the number of people being diagnosed with cancer is increasing every year and that means Macmillan’s support for people living with cancer is in more demand than ever.

“The fantastic fund-raising that Annie, her family and friends have done for the charity will help us be there for more people affected by cancer.

“We believe that no one should face cancer alone but at the moment we can’t be there for everyone who needs us but with the help from people like Annie, inspiring others to get involved, one day we will.”

Annie said she wanted to thank all the local companies who donated prizes for the raffle as well as the scores of people who have supported her.

Bury St Edmunds Adam Howlett
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