A mother who had been coping with back pain, initially thinking it was a muscle strain, later discovered that the pain was due to a spine fracture caused by tumors. Rachel McCormack, aged 38, had successfully battled stage two breast cancer in 2015 through chemotherapy and surgery. However, during a routine check-up involving scans, it was revealed that she now had tumors causing a fracture on her spine.
Following the diagnosis of stage four metastatic breast cancer in July 2025, Rachel has commenced a 12-week treatment plan consisting of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy to reduce the tumor size. Despite the prognosis being non-curable, Rachel’s friends and family have come together to raise funds for a campervan. This campervan will provide Rachel, along with her partner James, 39, and their five-year-old daughter Iris, the opportunity to enjoy some freedom between medical treatments.
Rachel, a midwife from Scarborough, explained how her physically demanding job could have contributed to her back issues, which were initially misattributed to muscle strain. Following persistent pain, an MRI scan revealed the spine fracture caused by cancer. Rachel emphasized the importance of practical planning for treatments, daily life, and childcare, especially with a young child to care for.
Despite having clear mammogram results after her initial cancer treatment, Rachel grappled with anxiety about potential cancer recurrence. She highlighted the necessity of being proactive in seeking medical attention for any suspicious symptoms. Additionally, Rachel expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support received, including funding efforts for the campervan.
Rachel’s colleague initiated a successful fundraiser to assist in acquiring the campervan, surpassing the initial target of £15,000. The campervan is seen as a means to enjoy some respite from treatments while maintaining a sense of normalcy in life. Rachel is hopeful that the campervan will enable them to create lasting memories, with plans to embark on a special trip around Christmas once her chemotherapy concludes.
For those interested in contributing to Rachel’s campervan fundraiser, they can visit JustGiving.