World Lung Cancer Day - Gill's story
In the lead up to World Lung Cancer Day, which is marked tomorrow (Saturday 1st August 2026), we would like to share with you the story of Gill.
Gill (pictured above left) is a member of staff at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH) who has been given a fresh perspective on the care and services provided, following her own surgery to treat a rare form of lung cancer.
Gill, 67 years from Croxteth, has been a hygiene assistant at LHCH for the past 8 years, providing the very best service for inpatients and supporting many other departments. However, in May 2026, she became an LHCH patient herself after routine lung cancer screening spotted a change in a nodule in her lung.
Gill explained: “I haven’t smoked for over 10 years, but because I was an ex-smoker I was initially invited to attend a lung cancer screening check in the community in 2021. This was then repeated every two years.
“The third time I went for the check, on New Year’s Eve 2025, they found a nodule had grown and I needed to undergo a series of tests and further investigation.
“When I saw the respiratory consultant, Dr Colin Smyth, he explained what they’d found in my lung but gave me so much confidence that everything was going to be ok.”
On finding out the news, Gill added: “I was a little bit shocked, but I wasn’t upset because I thought I’ve got it now and I need to be strong. I’ve always been a strong person and although I had a couple of dark days and lots of questions, I just thought crying isn’t going to get me anywhere and I’ve got to get on and deal with it.
“I still came into work, because to me I wasn’t sick and thought what’s the point. Everyone in work was so supportive, and my supervisor, especially, was amazing.”
A few weeks before surgery to remove part of her left lung, Gill had an appointment with her clinical team where she was reassured that the cancer hadn’t spread and was only in one place.
“That was a big relief,” said Gill. “It meant I could enjoy a holiday and come back in a better frame of mind for the surgery, which I had with Mr Julius Asante-Siaw, consultant thoracic surgeon, in May 2026.”
When asked about her care, Gill said: “I couldn’t believe I was only in hospital for four days, but the main thing was knowing they were able to remove it all. All the staff on Oak Ward, my surgeon, other colleagues, the hospital leadership team who came to visit me, were all brilliant and so supportive and kind.
“This hospital is unbelievable, and they couldn’t have done any more for me. I can’t put into words just how grateful I am. As a member of staff, I always thought this place was good, but being a patient made me realise what outstanding really looks like.”
Gill (right) is pictured with Kinga who is taking on a skydive with Michelle for LHCH Charity
Since being discharged to continue her recovery at home, two of Gill’s friends and colleagues, Kinga and Michelle, have been inspired to show their gratitude to the hospital by taking on a charity skydive in September.
Kinga said: “We’re taking on this skydive not only to face our fears, but to give something back to this amazing charity and the people who make such a difference every day. Our fears about jumping out of a plane are nothing compared to what patients and families face every day.
“If we can help to raise some vital funds for others, then it’s absolutely worthwhile.”
Gill added: “I wouldn’t have been able to get through all this without the support of Kinga and my daughter Charlotte.”
Find out more about the charity skydive: JustGiving page
Find out more about lung cancer screening