A Somerset family’s life took an unexpected turn when Lisa Pugh, 38, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Lisa and her husband Dean, both 38, who met at school and share two sons, are now campaigning to raise funds for a crucial treatment that could save her life.
Last year, Lisa was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), a rare cancer that has challenged the family in ways they never imagined. “One minute I was working and being a mum, the next I was facing radical surgery and uncertainty about what lies ahead,” Lisa shared.
After undergoing major surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible, Lisa’s next critical step is radiotherapy. Unlike conventional treatments, proton beam therapy uses protons instead of traditional x-rays to target cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue—especially important given the tumour’s location in her sinuses.
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Dean admits the family was unfamiliar with ACC before the diagnosis and has since had to become experts on the condition. “Even some oncologists rarely encounter this type of cancer,” he explained.
Although Lisa was referred for proton beam therapy by a specialist, she did not meet the NHS criteria to receive it free of charge. She also underwent testing for Perineural Invasion (PNI), a condition where cancer cells spread along nerves, but the results were inconclusive.
Determined to access this vital treatment, the Pugh family has set up a fundraiser with a goal of £80,000 to cover therapy costs, travel, and additional care. To date, their community has generously contributed over £21,000.
“We cannot thank everyone enough for their support, no matter the size of the donation,” Dean said gratefully.
All funds raised will go directly to ensuring Lisa can pursue the best possible treatment and care.