Wigan bride looks forward to saying 'I do' after childhood cancer battle

Lilli Broadbent, who lives in Golborne, was diagnosed with bone cancer osteosarcoma when she was 13 years old.

But she overcame the disease and now the 28-year-old is planning her wedding to George Kenyon.

And she is urging people to support a campaign by Cancer Research UK that shines a light on the invaluable impact medical breakthroughs have on the lives of people like her.

She was diagnosed with cancer in March 2008 after she had swelling in her knee.

Lilli, who works for Christian Aid, said: “I was a very sporty teenager, so we just put it down to a taekwondo injury, but the pain didn’t go away and I started to lose a lot of weight, so my parents took me to the GP.”

She was referred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle for an X-ray, which showed a tumour on her knee. A biopsy at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle confirmed she had cancer and that she may lose her leg.

Lilli, who is originally from Darlington, had 11 weeks of chemotherapy and a nine-hour operation to remove the tumour.

To save her leg, she had a titanium rod fitted through her leg from top to bottom and the majority of her knee replaced.

After a period of recovery, Lilli completed chemotherapy and was given the all-clear in December 2008.

She said: “When I was first diagnosed, the immediate fear was that I was about to lose my leg. But the medical team were able to save my leg and my life.

“It’s thanks to research and treatment I’m still here today and I’m able to look forward to my future with George. Sadly, some of the friends that I met on the ward didn’t make it, so I’m determined that I make the most of my life for them and their families too.”

Lilli has since completed a degree in educational studies, bought a house and got engaged to George, who she met while at university.

She said: “I was discharged from all annual check-ups in 2020, so now cancer is in my past. The only reminder is the pain I get in my leg and some arthritis in my other leg.

"This was expected as a result of that leg taking the strain for so long. I use a stick when I need to and have physio, but it won’t stop me from walking towards my fiancé in the spring.”

Lilli and George, who got engaged at Edinburgh Castle in February 2022, will get married at Durham Cathedral in April and Lilli recently found the perfect dress – to go alongside her signature Dr Martens.

She said: “I’ve loved Dr Martens boots since college, but they were actually recommended by my leg surgeon as they were sturdy and supportive. I’ve been wearing them ever since and I have the perfect white pair for our wedding.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have been given these opportunities thanks to research. I still have moments where I remember that I had cancer and can’t quite believe it. Also, the older I get the more I’m starting to see my diagnosis from my parents’ perspective and how scary it must have been for them. But I hope to show people that there is life after cancer because of research.”

George said: “Lilli is such an inspiration to me. When I first met her, she had a big welcoming smile and was a friendly face in my first week of university. It wasn’t until I saw pictures of Lilli on Facebook at a Stand Up to Cancer event that I realised that she was a cancer survivor.

"In that moment I went from not only having a crush on Lilli, but to also being in awe at what such a remarkable person she is.

“Despite the daily challenges Lilli faces as a result of having had cancer, she is so empathetic, supportive, caring and sharp-witted. I am so lucky to be marrying Lilli, who is my hero and the love of my life.”

Lilli is backing the charity’s Together We Are Beating Cancer campaign, which highlights the heart-warming moments – from big birthdays and anniversary celebrations, to quality time with loved ones – being made possible for people affected by cancer.

Daniel Anders-Holmes, from Ashton, and husband Adam are seen celebrating their first wedding anniversary in a TV advert as part of the campaign.

Lilli added: “I’m so grateful for the treatment that saved my life. It means I get to enjoy wonderful things, like getting married, things that my parents feared they’d never get to see me do. But sadly, not everyone diagnosed with cancer will reach key milestones – and that’s why Cancer Research UK’s work is so vital.”

Jane Bullock, the charity’s spokesman for the North West, said: “Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our supporters, together, we are beating cancer. Our research breakthroughs mean every day people are being diagnosed earlier, have access to kinder and more effective treatments, and some cancers are prevented completely. As our new campaign shows, this all adds up to more moments with the people we love – and we’re grateful to Lilli for sharing her own experience.”