THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised after a Weight Watchers leader from Wrexham was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Janet Snowden, from Gresford, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October of last year. Tragically it had already spread to her liver and lungs, rendering it inoperable. 

The mother-of-three said: "I was completely shocked as I wasn’t unwell, I just had back pain - which I went to the GP with in June/July. I had an MRI on my back which didn’t pick up the cancer, unfortunately. My GP has been amazing, though, and referred me for the CT scan, which picked it up.

"Nobody thinks it will happen to them, but it does. My biggest tip would be don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself - when you sense something is wrong, be the dog with a bone and don’t let go. Find out what’s available and utilise it.

"Nightingale House Hospice, for example, might feel like a scary prospect, but actually it provided a safe, secure place where I was well cared for and my family could be just that - my family."

The Leader: Janet with husband, Andy, and their children Sam, Bethan and Rebecca.Janet with husband, Andy, and their children Sam, Bethan and Rebecca. (Image: Family photo)

The 51-year-old is a virtual Weight Watchers coach, and following her diagnoses - members of her classes have rallied in support.

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Around 50 of her clients, living across the UK, have walked and jogged 29 miles this month to raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer UK charity - raising over £3,500. The JustGiving page can be accessed via https://bit.ly/3V2C56p. 

The Leader: Janet's clients have been raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK by walking and running 29 miles this month.Janet's clients have been raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK by walking and running 29 miles this month. (Image: Janet Snowden)

Janet said: "Personally, it’s humbling to see just how much people care, how they’re willing to put themselves out, not just for me, but for such an important cause.

"This feels like a silent killer because diagnosis usually comes too late. We need so much more investment into early diagnosis because the figures do not make for pretty reading.

"The more awareness of this awful disease that can be raised, the better."