A grandmother from Caerphilly who has overcome four life-threatening illnesses has joined a unique health research initiative in Wales to help fight major diseases and is urging others to do the same.
Lynne Harris, aged 54, has signed up to HealthWise Wales, a flagship Welsh study aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the nation to inform future healthcare treatments in Wales.
Lynne’s health issues began eight years ago when she developed sepsis after undergoing an operation. Two years later, aged 48, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment from the NHS.
Lynne attended a cancer support group offered at St David’s,where she had the opportunity to meet others and share her experience. She also received counselling throughout her treatment, which she found helpful.
However,the drug used to treat her breast cancer caused a fibroid in her womb to increase,resulting in Lynne having to have a hysterectomy. Adding to this,as a result of the operation Lynne developed diabetes. Due to these health issues, Lynne now does everything she can to lead a healthy lifestyle.
She now volunteers twice a week,works part-time and is a special guardian to her seven-year-old granddaughter. She said: “I’m pleased to say I’ve been able to overcome some of my health challenges,but the more people like me who volunteer their information to research like this, the more this will affect health decision-making in the future.”
• For more information on the study visit www.healthwisewales.gov.wales,or call 0800 9 172 172 or 02920 768 090.