Woman forced to 'lie down for 14 months' after trip to doctors
A well-known pub owner spent months lying down due to her devastating cancer diagnosis but is now back on her feet. Fiona Hornsby started noticing symptoms of cancer at the end of 2023 and, following an appointment with her GP, was referred to Liverpool Women's Hospital where she was diagnosed with vulva cancer.
Fiona, who along with her husband Dominic owns The Bridewell, Denbigh Castle and Pen Factory, underwent several operations, including a hysterectomy and the removal of lymph nodes from her groin, and radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre before being given the all clear.
As well as the team at Clatterbridge, Fiona was helped through her cancer diagnosis and treatment by what she calls “a small village” around her. Husband Dominic, friends, family and customers in the couple’s pubs kept her going through even the toughest of times.
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She said: “At first, I didn’t want to tell people about my diagnosis but slowly I did and so many people helped in different ways. People to listen, people to talk to, people to make me laugh.
“We called it an adventure. I met people I wouldn’t have met, people I didn’t know, and we did things we didn’t think we could do.
“I was never one for wearing dresses, but it made it easier for treatment, so I had to go out and buy dresses - but made sure I had matching trainers and always had my make up on.
“When we go out I have to make sure I can have a comfortable seat, no hard wooden benches for example. So, there are things I have had to change.
“But I would say to anyone facing the same situation to look at it like an adventure. You don’t know where the adventure will take you.”
She is now completing a charity walk to raise money for the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity at Glow Green night walk. She said: “As well as wanting to say thank you to Clatterbridge and give something back, this walk is a big aim for me to start getting back to fitness now my latest scans have shown no recurrence of my cancer.
“It might by 8 kilometres but to me it will be like a marathon. It is giving me a reason to get moving and getting my fitness back after 14 months of surgery and treatment.”
For now, Fiona is focused on the walk which she and Dominic will do together with some friends, before celebrating the achievement back at the Denbigh Castle.
Fiona said: “I have spent most of the last 14 months lying down, I am looking forward to getting out and walking and then maybe a party back at the pub.”
The Glow Green night walk, sponsored by Arriva, takes place on Friday, February 7. The start line is at The Museum of Liverpool on the historic waterfront, with walkers gathering from 6pm to register and enjoy the pre-event entertainment. The walk starts at 7.30pm and takes participants past some of the city’s most famous landmarks, many lit green for the event, including the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool One, both cathedrals, St George’s Hall and of course The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool.
There is a pause for reflection on the steps of the Metropolitan Cathedral where walkers can dedicate a lantern to a loved one. Arriva is providing free bus travel for all walkers in the shape of a day pass. You can get discounted parking at Q Park Liverpool One. All details come with the entry pack that can be collected at the charity’s offices at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - Liverpool and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - Wirral.
Find out more about Glow Green and register here.