Carly Scott, a dedicated teacher from Kenton in Newcastle upon Tyne, has issued a heartfelt and urgent plea to women across the UK following her devastating diagnosis of terminal cervical cancer. The 38-year-old, who works at a North Tyneside SEMH school, declared she is "not ready to die" after learning her condition is now incurable, having progressed to stage four.
A Shocking Diagnosis After Years Without Symptoms
Carly's ordeal began a year ago when, after contracting the flu, she experienced a severe haemorrhage. Initially, medical staff suspected it was merely a heavy period and sent her home. However, a week later, after enduring a three-hour bleed and feeling faint, she returned to hospital. Doctors discovered her haemoglobin levels were critically low at 45, compared to a normal level of 110, necessitating an immediate blood transfusion.
"If I hadn't gone in that day they said I probably would have gone home and had a heart attack and died that night," Carly revealed. Subsequent examinations confirmed she had cervical cancer, with medics estimating she had been living with the disease for approximately eight years, largely without noticeable symptoms aside from some tiredness and fatigue.
Desperate Search for Alternative Treatments
Diagnosed with stage three cervical cancer in early 2025, Carly was informed just days ago that the cancer has advanced to stage four, meaning her current treatment is no longer curative. Despite this, she refuses to surrender hope. She is actively exploring alternative therapies not available on the NHS in a bid to prolong her life.
Her plans include travelling to a private clinic in Germany for Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE), a minimally invasive procedure costing around £30,000. She is also researching proton therapy, though she must first consult a specialist to determine her eligibility. "I think right now I’m just not accepting it and that’s why I’m trying to go private and get more help. It would mean everything to me," she stated emotionally.
The Crushing Financial and Physical Toll
Carly's battle has exacted a severe financial and physical toll. She has exhausted her savings and, after six months off work, returned to her teaching job because statutory sick pay and minimal Universal Credit left her facing potential homelessness. "Because I own my house I'm not entitled to housing benefits so basically my choice was go back to work or be homeless with cancer," she explained.
Furthermore, radiotherapy and brachytherapy have caused kidney damage, resulting in chronic pain. She awaits surgery for a kidney stent before commencing further treatment. Her parents are planning to sell their home to assist with costs, underscoring the immense financial burden. "Cancer is possibly the most expensive thing you can go through in life," she lamented.
Community Rallying with Overwhelming Support
In response to her plight, friends Becca and Kerry established a GoFundMe page to help cover living expenses and access private consultations and treatments. The campaign has raised over £9,000 in just days, a sum Carly described as "astounding." The overwhelming support from her community, colleagues, and students has been a beacon of light.
"It's been wild but also really heart-warming to see the support I have received," she said. "I've realised how many people actually care and how supportive everyone's been. The students have been amazing and looked after me." She returned to work using a wig and wheelchair due to dizziness, met with compassion from her pupils.
A Vital Message on Cervical Screening Awareness
Carly's story carries a crucial public health message, particularly during Cervical Cancer Awareness Week. She disclosed that due to PTSD from her childhood, she avoided smear tests out of anxiety, replying to invitation letters with apologies. She has since learned that accommodations, such as being sedated for the procedure, were available but not communicated to her.
"I found out after I had cancer that I should have been referred to be put to sleep to get a smear, and it's a really easy thing and quick referral from your doctor and it’s done," she said. "If that had happened I wouldn't be dying. I think there's probably loads of women like me who just don't go because they're a bit scared or have mental health conditions."
She is now determined to raise awareness, hoping to prevent others from facing a similar fate. "I'm desperate for some help but also help other people out there. If I do have to die I’d like it to go to something good," she affirmed, highlighting her desire to turn personal tragedy into a force for positive change.
Personal Struggles and Unwavering Spirit
Carly also spoke of the emotional impact on her loved ones. Her partner, Joe, finds the constant reminders of cancer in media difficult to confront. "He tries not to think about it and you turn the tele on and its just everywhere. Once you’ve got cancer you seem to be constantly bombarded with cancer things," she noted.
Her thoughts are also with her family, particularly her sister and mother, who has a muscle-wasting disease. "It horrifies me that I’m not going to be there for her and she’ll have to do it alone when I’m not here. I’m only 38, I can’t just let it go already," she expressed, revealing the profound personal stakes in her fight for more time.
Despite the bleak prognosis, Carly's resilience shines through. She continues to teach, advocate for screening awareness, and seek every possible treatment, embodying a spirit of defiance in the face of terminal illness.
