Kelly Hashemi, a 41-year-old primary school teacher from Gateshead, died of ovarian cancer after her symptoms were initially attributed to perimenopause. Her husband, Arya, 42, is now running the Great North Run in her memory to raise funds for the hospice that cared for her.
Kelly began experiencing mid-cycle bleeding, bloating and anxiety from the age of 37. Arya said she raised concerns with medical professionals but was told it was perimenopause. She paid for a private scan, which revealed stage three ovarian cancer.
Diagnosis and treatment
Kelly underwent two major operations in an attempt to fight the disease, but nothing could be done to save her. She passed away in July last year at the age of 41. The couple, parents to 13-year-old Tabitha, lived in the Low Fell area of Gateshead.
Kelly was diagnosed in July 2022 after paying for a private scan. Arya, a lawyer, said: "Things didn't feel right. She kept saying this is something else. When she received her diagnosis the doctor said 'We have caught this at a late stage, you are going to die from this'." He added that a simple blood test or scan would have picked up the cancer earlier.
Final months and fundraising
Kelly spent the last three months of her life at St Bede's Hospice in Gateshead, which is located within the grounds of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Arya said the hospice team "went over and above" and that it was "an absolute lifeline" to him and his family.
Arya is taking on the Great North Run on September 13 in memory of his wife. He has already received more than £5,500 in donations. He said: "She had such fear about going into the hospice and losing her dignity and independence. Every single one of their team went over and above, showering her with love, and all of her fears just disappeared."
Arya, who now lives in Fenham, Newcastle, with Tabitha, said his daughter has been supportive of his fundraising efforts. He has urged anyone concerned about their health to push for help: "If something feels wrong fight your corner. No one is going to advocate for you, you have to advocate for yourself."
