WHEN mother-of-three Julia Davey was given the all clear from the aggressive cancer that had turned her life upside down, she looked forward to a bright future with her beloved family by her side.

First on her list was marrying her long-term partner, Nick Stoodley.

But just months later, she was dealt the devastating news that the cancer had returned, with doctors confirming there was no way they could operate.

Determined to still say ‘I do’ to the man of her dreams, Julia, from Wyke Regis, began making plans to bring her wedding forward from 2021.

A fundraising page has now been set up to make sure her special day can go ahead later this year.

Julia was 38 when she was first diagnosed with the rare cancer in her nasal septum.

The former secretary, who last week celebrated her 40th birthday, said: “Initially it purely just felt like a blocked nose, it wouldn't seem to shift so I went to the doctors just to check it. They thought it was nothing to worry about.

“Eventually they realised there were some cancer cells in my septum. I was able to get that removed and thought that would be it.”

Within a few weeks another growth had appeared in her nose and it became apparent that the situation was more serious than first thought.

She underwent chemotherapy but the treatment did not work and the tumour continued to grow, leaving Julia in agonising pain. Doctors told Julia they would have to perform a rhinectomy, a surgical removal of her nose.

She said: “It was devastating when I first found out. I am not a vain person at all but your nose is such a prominent part of your face, it's a huge part of who you are.

“But the way I've always seen it is if I've got cancer I'll do everything I can to get it fixed.

“I am a mum and the only priority is getting well so I can spend more time with my family.

“A few days before my surgery I just wanted them to get the nose off, it was causing me so much pain.”

Recovery was slow, but after she was given the all clear in January 2020 and with radiotherapy sessions under way, she looked forward to getting on with her busy life with Nick and her three children, Tom, aged 16, Joel, 12, from a previous marriage, and Eleanor, five, her and Nick’s child.

In January she was given the all clear, but a scan in April revealed a second tumour present, leading to yet more surgery to remove most of her inner cheek and top jaw.

Ever positive, she continued to battle on with her recovery and reconstruction of her mouth and nose, before devastatingly last month learning that a further cancer was present, this time deeper in her head where surgery is not an option.

Currently undergoing immunotherapy treatment, Julia remains positive and strong, with her entire focus on controlling this tumour and being the best mum possible to her children.

She dreams of making her family unit complete by marrying Nick, who had proposed on one of the couple’s evening walks near to Fleet Lagoon before her nightmare cancer treatment started.

Despite original plans to tie the knot in June next year, Julia and Nick decided to follow doctors’ advice to act whilst she is still well enough to do so and are moving the wedding forward to November – an intimate ceremony in front of close family and friends at Upwey House.

After a year of treatment and surgeries, all savings plans for the big day were put on hold, which is why a GoFundMe page has now been launched.

Julia’s sister, Angela Naish, said: “They have now been advised by the oncologists to get married whilst she is still able to, and enjoy family trips whilst she is still well enough.

“This is where this fundraiser comes in. After such a horrendous year, we think Julia truly deserves the best wedding and honeymoon that is achievable in the current circumstances, as well as any additional financial assistance we can give her and her family going forward.

“So, if you can spare even the smallest amount to help, I am sure her young family would be eternally grateful.”

Julia turned 40 last week and celebrated her birthday in style, receiving over 245 cards from well-wishers and seeing her neighbours, along with friends, family and colleagues lining the streets with banners to celebrate her big day.

She said: “The community spirit absolutely blew me away, it was such a nice way to celebrate my birthday. It was absolutely amazing.”

To donate to the GoFundMe page, visit:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/julia039s-journey-so-far