Influencer and businesswoman Lorna Luxe has made the difficult decision to postpone a major charity event this weekend, citing the need to remain by the side of her husband, John Andrews, who is gravely ill with terminal cancer. The 43-year-old founder of the LA-SPACE brand shared the emotional update with her 1.6 million Instagram followers, expressing her profound sorrow at having to cancel the fundraising sale scheduled for Saturday, 7th February, at The Alan Hotel in Manchester.
A Heartbreaking Decision
In a heartfelt post on her Instagram Story, Lorna explained that John is currently extremely unwell, making it impossible for her to be away from him. It is with a very heavy heart that I have to share that we must unfortunately postpone our upcoming Charity Sale, she wrote. John is currently extremely unwell, and right now it isn't the right time for me to be away from his side. This has been an incredibly difficult decision, but I know it's the right thing to do.
The event was intended to raise vital funds for two important charities: Maggie's Cancer Care and The Meath Epilepsy Charity. Lorna assured ticket holders that all sales will still be donated to these causes and that current tickets will remain valid for a rescheduled date. For those unable to attend the new event, refunds are available by contacting her customer care team.
The Battle with Stage Four Adrenal Cancer
John Andrews, who is 21 years Lorna's senior, was diagnosed with stage four adrenal cancer in April 2023. The couple had initially shared hopeful news when he went into remission in November 2023, but tragedy struck in May 2024 when the cancer returned and spread to his brain. Last month, Lorna revealed to her followers that treatment was no longer an option, and they are now looking for a miracle.
Before Christmas, John faced another severe health crisis, being rushed to hospital with organ failure and sepsis following a complication with his chemotherapy. Despite doctors advising Lorna to prepare for the worst, John proved to be a fighter and was home in time for the holidays.
Facing an Uncertain Future
In a recent interview with Fabulous magazine, Lorna opened up about the couple's harrowing reality. It's been quite scary because we don't know how long we've got, she admitted. We don't know how long John is going to feel up for doing things so we're running at a million miles an hour at the minute. We know we're on a timeline.
The businesswoman, who lives with John in their £2.5 million Warwickshire home known as the Ghost House, confronts the prospect of becoming a widow in her 40s. Fundamentally, I'm probably going to be a widow at some point in my 40s and that's a bit of a scary place to be for any woman, she shared. Despite this, the couple are focusing on making the most of their time together, taking each day as it comes and avoiding discussions about funerals or other grim eventualities.
Building a Life and Brand Together
Lorna and John's journey has been intertwined with the growth of her influencer career and the LA-SPACE brand. In 2014, they took a significant financial risk, accumulating £300,000 in debt to invest in designer clothes and travel, betting on Lorna's potential as an influencer. Today, she can command up to £80,000 for a single brand deal and has reinvested £600,000 in profits back into the business, with plans to expand into the beauty market.
The couple have chosen not to have children, a decision Lorna reflects on amidst their current struggles. I'm going through so much with John that it would feel like a selfish move to have a baby, because I do think I'd struggle, especially if I didn't have John around, she explained. She has also been candid about her past battles with anorexia and bulimia, which she overcame in her 30s to focus on her career.
Understanding Adrenal Carcinoma
John's condition, adrenal carcinoma, is a very rare cancer that originates in the outer layer of the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys. This aggressive disease often leads to the overproduction of hormones, causing symptoms such as:
- Raised blood pressure and thirst
- Weight gain, particularly in the abdomen
- Muscle wasting and cramps
- Abnormal hair growth on the face and body
- Fat accumulation at the base of the neck
Adrenal carcinoma is frequently diagnosed at a late stage, making treatment challenging. Options can include surgery to remove the affected gland, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, but the prognosis is often poor due to its fast-growing nature.
Lorna concluded her announcement by expressing deep gratitude for the support from her community. Our community has truly kept us going. I am so incredibly grateful for your kindness and support while I navigate this difficult time. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. As she tends to her husband, fans and followers continue to send their thoughts and prayers during this profoundly challenging period.
