Dying mum raises more than £50,000 to spend more time with her children

Jess Duggan, a 44-year-old mother from Lewes, has raised over £50,000 through crowdfunding to afford the life-extending drug Enhertu, which is currently unavailable on the NHS in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Diagnosed with breast cancer that has spread to her brain and liver, Jess received a six-week prognosis in early July 2026. Determined to extend her time with her children, she launched a campaign in The Daily Mirror, appealing for public support to cover the cost of the treatment. Jess, who has been living with the grim reality of her condition since receiving the diagnosis, has found unexpected strength in the overwhelming response to her plea. Her campaign, which highlighted the disparity in access to Enhertu, available freely in Scotland and 26 European countries, has sparked national conversation about healthcare equity. A recent survey conducted by Breast Cancer Now revealed that 82 percent of UK adults believe the drug should be made available on the NHS. This sentiment aligns with Jess’s personal experience, as she has witnessed firsthand the emotional toll of being denied treatment that could significantly improve her quality of life and survival chances. After initially being offered chemotherapy with only a five percent chance of extending her life for a few weeks, Jess opted for a different path. She chose to seek alternative options, including the possibility of private treatment. When she asked her medical team about Enhertu, they confirmed it was her best option if she could afford it. Despite the challenges of navigating private care, including finding a willing hospital and doctor, Jess and her family were able to secure the necessary resources. With the help of generous donors, including several anonymous contributors who gave as much as £12,000, the total amount raised reached £50,000, sufficient for five doses of the drug along with associated medical expenses. Jess’s first infusion of Enhertu took place shortly after the funding goal was met. She expressed cautious optimism, noting that things felt “stable” following the treatment. Her daughter recently celebrated her 16th birthday, marked by a successful Prom and no health complications. However, Jess noted that the celebration was delayed due to scheduling conflicts. She is now hopeful of seeing her son celebrate his 13th birthday in September, a milestone she believes would be difficult to achieve otherwise. In addition to focusing on her own treatment, Jess is actively advocating for broader changes within the NHS. She has called upon the newly appointed Health Secretary, Yvette Cooper, to prioritize the funding of Enhertu and similar treatments. Jess acknowledges the financial constraints behind the current policy, stating that the drug is deemed too costly for public funding. Yet, she argues that the public’s willingness to contribute substantial sums demonstrates a clear demand for such treatments to be accessible to all patients in need. Jess’s story continues to unfold as she balances her medical journey with the emotional weight of impending loss. While she remains focused on making the most of the time she has left, her efforts have already begun to influence discussions around healthcare accessibility and patient choice. As she moves forward, the hope is that her fight will inspire others facing similar challenges and prompt meaningful reforms in the system.