The civil servant from Wigan had been in excruciating pain for weeks
17:50, 29 May 2025Updated 18:33, 29 May 2025
Katie Cooper photographed on her cancer journey. (Image: SWNS)
A mum who was told her aches and pains were as a result of a bug she picked up while on holiday was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer just a few weeks later.
Katie Cooper, 32, visited Disneyland Paris with her partner Dan and three-year-old daughter Aurora in March of this year.
Days after she got back to the UK, she went to the doctors complaining of feeling ill, but was told it was more than likely “just a virus”.
Four years earlier, the civil servant from Wigan had undergone surgery to remove a cancerous lump – roughly the size of a pea – from behind her ear.
Doctors at the time informed her of a risk of the cancer returning within five years.
Soon after the trip to Paris, the mother-of-one quickly found herself bedbound and in “agony” – unaware that parts of her lower back had been broken by her cancer returning.
After five weeks, with no improvement in her condition, Katie underwent a scan.
Doctors were shocked to discover that the melanoma had not only returned, but had aggressively spread throughout her body – reaching her spine, liver, lungs, abdominal wall, and ovaries.
She is now undergoing radiotherapy and immunotherapy to manage her incurable condition.
Katie Cooper photographed on her cancer journey with husband Dan.(Image: SWNS)
Katie said: “It’s terrifying. We had no idea and we just thought I was unwell. It blindsided us.
“Finding out subsequently that it was in my other organs as well I knew it would be quite difficult from here on out.”
Katie’s friend, Abi Smith, has launched a fundraiser to support the “incredible woman”.
Donations will go directly toward medical costs, travel for treatment, and essential daily living support.
“She’s accepted the cancer, but when she thinks about her daughter, she gets really upset,” Abi said.
“Katie is hoping she’ll be there for all her milestones. She’s amazing – she’s just the most inspirational person.”
The 43-year-old teacher added: “Her outlook on life, her positivity – I don’t think I’ve ever heard her say anything negative of anybody.
“She’s an incredible woman.”
Katie Cooper photographed on her cancer journey. (Image: SWNS)
Katie’s prognosis depends on how well she reacts to the current treatment she’s undergoing.
Abi said: “The cancer is pushing against the bones – causing the breaks. It’s incurable, and she’s undergoing radiotherapy as pain management and immunotherapy.
“The prognosis if the treatment doesn’t work is months,” she explained.
“If it does work, they may be able to get to a 60% chance of 10 years.”
Katie has encouraged others to “advocate for themselves” and to get checked if they’re unsure about something.
“You know your body best,” she added.
“If you feel like something is not right, then you are within your rights to go and ask and don’t be afraid to keep pushing to get those answers.”