A woman living with an incurable brain tumour has celebrated Christmas early with her family, who put aside the harrowing reality of cancer for a day filled with simple joys like ‘crackers and turkey’.
Laura Nuttall, 22, was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer, after she went for a routine eye test in 2018.
Aged just 18 at the time, she was given an initial prognosis of just 12 months to live.
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After defying predictions, Laura’s story soon caught the attention of comedian Peter Kay – who recently took her out for lunch at a Michelin star restaurant in Lancashire.
While Laura recently underwent major surgery for the fourth time, her mum Nicola has since confirmed that the tumour had grown back, saying that things felt ‘pretty bleak’.
But her family were determined to take cancer out of the picture so that they could throw Laura an early Christmas celebration, complete with a festive balloon arch, a decorated tree and Christmas cards.
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Before the occasion, Nicola tweeted photos of the incredible set-up, showing followers a beautifully laid table with Christmassy accessories.
They even had a Christmas tree glittering with ornaments, with wrapped gifts underneath.
“All set for the big day, thank you so much to everyone who’s helped to make #AChristmasforLaura,” Nicola said.
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“We’re blessed by our wonderful friends, some we’ve met, some we haven’t, but all hugely appreciated. It may sound strange in these circumstances but we are lucky in so many ways.”
Nicola, whose Twitter handle is @sh*tscaredmum, later posted a poignant family photo, with Laura at the heart of the group wearing a gold crown.
“Yesterday wasn't about cancer or life expectancy," she wrote.
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“It was about love and gratitude and most of all it was about family.
“We’re so grateful for our wonderful #twitterfamily #ChristmasforLaura.”
Earlier in the week, Nicola also shared photos of the cards Laura had received, saying she was stunned by the amount of love that had come pouring in.
“We were overwhelmed yesterday but today my jaw is on the floor!” she said.
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“Thank you so much for all the incredible cards and presents, we’re just bowled over by kindness I would to reply individually but tonight we’re playing games and living in the moment.
“Happy #ChristmasforLaura Eve.”
And today (Friday 18 November), Nicola said her daughter had ended treatment, marking a bittersweet moment.
She tweeted: “Today Laura rang the bell (again) to signal the end of treatment but it’s a hollow sound as we’re now watching and waiting.
“It will be the last time she has radiotherapy and surgery is no longer an option so let’s hope this stops the tumour for as long as possible.”
Jess Hardiman