…sharing experiences of cancer creatively

FYSOT’08: Rare and isolated (1)

Hannah Merridale bravely takes to the stage to share her story, starting with a series of breathing problems and culminating in the discovery of a cancerous tumour in her lung, ultimately leading to its collapse and then removal, after five years of misdiagnosis from doctors, stating it was simply asthma. Hannah talks about the fears she experienced at the discovery of the real problem, stating how frustrating it felt to be told of the news when they had requested an X-Ray all along. She goes on to explain in detail the unimaginable misconduct she had to endure at the hands of some truly awful nurses, whilst still recovering from her operation and trying best to regain normality.

  • Dear Hannah,
    I just heard your story and as a Nurse I apologise for the most unprofessional conduct towards you. It makes me feel ashamed of my own profession. I have always had a saying that ‘what goes round comes round’. I do not wish ill of anyone, but I know that this person/s will have their come uppance. Good luck with your running you are a remarkable young lady

  • Hey Hannah, I’m so proud of you for going up there in front of all those people and the hundreds of people that will watch it back. I know how hard it was for you and just remember no matter what happens I will always be here for you my sweet. I really wish your Doctor could pay for what he has done but I know you have tried. I will love you always and forever

    Kirsty xxx

  • Thank you so much, that really means a lot! I can’t believe the response I’ve got from doing this! I just hope I can help people x

  • Hannah, let me just say how extremely proud I am of you for speaking your heroic story in front of all of those people. I miss you so much, and hope that one day I’ll be able to see you again.

    Love Always,
    Brittany xx.

  • Hannah, i dont quite know what to say, i am so proud of you, i have only known your for a few years but i think every thing you have achieved is amazing, i think you are probably one of the strongest people i know, and this is even before i watched this video, i never knew all that you went through it has never been some thing i would push to ask about but i think you are amazing for coming through it and being the person i know you to be, for doing all the different things, like camp, uni and like running. I think this will help so many people.
    Lisa xoxo

  • Hey Montana,

    thank you for sharing this with the world, absolutly inspiring !
    looking death in the face is not an easy feat and one that should be acknowledged, being mistreated by people who are not responsible in their jobs and lives is unacceptable, hopefully someone will teach them. I am so pleased that you are here to give so much back, as i know you will continue to do so in the future.
    you have overcome fear, so you now know you can do anything you choose with your life, I look forward so much to working with you soon.
    Love Paul xxx.

  • hey little han.i am so proud of u putting ur story out there to help other young ppl.i remember coming to c u when u came out of hospital and being lost 4 words and wanted to help but did not know where to begin.u r so brave and never deserved this to happen to u.im here 4 u like always nicxxxxxx

  • Hannah,
    I had no idea you were so badly mistreated when you were poorly. Thaank you for sharing your story-its made me want to join u in the run even more and I will try my hardest. I’m so glad you were strong enough to make it through-love you dearly!MWAH
    Hayley (your SDM twin!)x

  • HANNAH!i have always felt extreme admiration toward you and now it has exceeded beyond belief! you are so strong, and i admire you so much! you are an unbelievable person and an amazing speaker! i am so proud of you!you are amazing!i miss you! i love you!! xxx<3 dayna

  • in thought that you were very brave standing up on the stage so well done. hope you do well at the run. fae andrew from the edinburgh group.

  • Hi Hannah,

    What an amazing and inspirational story. I didn’t even realise the trials and tribulations you went through until watching this and Anna explaining.

    You have been very brave and this has probably helped you speak in front of so many people…daunting.

    Well done and good luck…I am sure Anna and I would love to see you sometime.

    Paul x

  • Even tho I knew what you went through for all those years, to hear you tell your story it was overwhelming, your mum warned me to have the tissues ready. Good luck, hope you get the job, you deserve it.
    Love Nancy xxxx

  • my dear Hannah
    inspirational…i’ve also had a very similar experience in hospital. I had ovarian cancer and due to being 21 at the time, i was given a private room-which at the time though was great!-but was to discover this was the nurses way to block me out…refusing to give me pain relief, moving the buzzer, it all happened to me also.
    Just wanted u to know that as i felt very alone through it all, and thought it was only me being treated that way.
    Lots of love sweetie, hope to see u soon?
    Jen xxxxxx

  • Hey Hannah!
    We’ve never met,although i was at the FYSOT conference and was amazed by your journey. You have done amazing. I think you are an inspiration. I am currently a cancer patient from christies in Manchester and having been treated on a TCT unit and being able to meet many people my age with similar experiences and being around them has made my journey through cancer easier but somewhat harder aswell.
    I Think after doing this, you will help many.:)
    Jen xx

  • Hey Hannah!
    That was amazing to listen to, you’re the bravest person I know, I’m so proud to have known you and lived with you!! I wish we lived closer so I could see you more, miss you so much.
    Stay happy! Love ya loads, Joolz x x x

  • Anyone is welcome to add me to Facebook if they want to talk to me! I am the only Hannah Merridale on Facebook I think! Just pop a little note in the friend request bit so I know who you are!

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