Dr Liz O’Riordan, of West Suffolk, made patron of Bone Cancer Research Trust after her mum Isobel Ball died from osteosarcoma in 2022
A best-selling author, speaker and surgeon from West Suffolk has been chosen as the first-ever patron of the Bone Cancer Research Trust after she was blindsided by her mum’s diagnosis.
Dr Liz O’Riordan’s mum Isobel Ball died at the age of 74 in December 2022 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, six months earlier.
She said: “I’m a surgeon and I had one lecture on bone cancer whilst I was at medical school.
“I thought it only happened to small children, but with my mum it just proves it can happen to anybody.”
Dr O’Riordan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer for the third time last summer, said: “If I can make one member of the public realise that a lump on their arm or leg could be cancer, then I’ve done something amazing.
“But if I can help drive research into these rare cancers and help get them the support that I would have as a breast cancer patient, it would mean the world.”
Isobel’s treatment for her cancer involved chemotherapy and the amputation of her right arm.
Despite this she remained positive and became known as the self-proclaimed ‘One-Arm Bandit’ to her social media followers.
Dr O’Riordan, who has previously worked at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich Hospital, is a keen fund-raiser for the Bone Cancer Research Trust.
Recently she hosted the charity’s Bone Idol awards ceremony as a way of paying tribute to the medical professionals who care for patients like Isobel.
Will Burchell, CEO of the Bone Cancer Research Trust, said: “Liz has been a steadfast supporter of our charity, and we are honoured that she has chosen to extend this relationship as our patron.
“I look forward to working closely with Liz, leveraging her support and influence to further our mission, raising vital funds and awareness in our ongoing fight against this cruel disease.”
Facts about osteosarcoma
-Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer in children and young people, and the second most common overall after chondrosarcoma.
-In the UK around 145 people are diagnosed with osteosarcoma each year.
-Osteosarcoma can affect any bone in the body but is commonly found on the arms or legs. It s often viewed as a teenage disease, as it most often occurs within that age group, but in reality, it can affect anyone from babies to those in their eighties.
For more information about osteosarcoma and the signs and symptoms please visit the Bone Cancer Research Trust’s website.
