Lorna, 55 from Kingsbridge in Devon was diagnosed with Cancer three times and has amazingly lived to tell the tale. And rather than just sit back and feel lucky – she has vowed to give something back and become a trustee for The Primrose Foundation, the local breast care charity, based at the Primrose Breast Care Centre, University Hospitals Plymouth.

After being diagnosed at age 33 with a lump in her breast Lorna immediately underwent a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction at the Primrose Breast Care Centre who she credits with saving her life. She recovered well and continued her photography business a gusto, until breast cancer was discovered in her ‘healthy’ breast, over 10 years later. Thankfully it was caught early and she was treated at The Primrose Breast Care Centre with successful radiotherapy. 

Lorna was again given the all clear but shortly afterwards, sadly Lorna was dealt another blow when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Lorna is bashful as we talk and said: ‘So many women, some within my friendship circle go through exactly what I went through and come out the other side too so I don’t think I am anything special really! My philosophy was built on the fact that I survived and I just kept going. Yes the Cancer disrupted my life immeasurably, I had to close my beloved business for one. But I was inspired by the other breast cancer survivors and knew I had to do something positive. Becoming a Trustee has helped me do just that. I absolutely wouldn’t have been able to get through this without the incredible team at the Primrose – they were my lifeline.”

Lorna is now running her business again https://www.lornayabsley.co.uk/photographer#/breast-cancer/ and fulfilling a lifelong dream of hers by studying for a degree at the Plymouth College of Art.

Lorna concludes: “As Primrose celebrates 25 years this year, we’re hosting a ball on the 18 April to celebrate. I can’t wait to see faces, old and new who I met while I was being looked after by the centre and of course, I hope we can raise funds to continue the excellent work the Primrose Centre do.”