THREE months before her 2010 wedding, Sam Kriel went for an annual check-up.
Having been first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 before undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she had been given the all-clear in 2008.
But at that routine appointment with her oncologist in 2010, she was told the cancer had returned, and had spread to her liver, lungs and bones.
The Leatherhead resident was given just two years to live.
Shocked, Mrs Kriel and her fiancé Jason questioned whether they should go ahead with their wedding plans.
But two days after hearing the diagnosis, Mrs Kriel was sent to see a new oncologist, Professor Justin Stebbing, who took a different take on her situation.
"I was sent to him because my usual oncologist was away but I now think I was very lucky," said the solicitor, who lives in Kingston Road.
Professor Stebbing told her he could tailor her treatment plan so she wouldn't start losing her hair until after her wedding day.
Now Mrs Kriel is enjoying married life and looking forward to what the future may hold.
"In two months' time, it will be three years since I was told I had two years to live," she said.
"Having Justin treating me has just helped me deal with all of this and go on living my life as fully as I can.
"I see him every three weeks, and all the cancer that was there has either shrunk considerably or has gone. I'm doing really well."
Mrs Kriel has been so impressed and inspired by Professor Stebbings that she has launched her own charity to support his work.
He is currently conducting research through Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust into new therapies in cancer.
A fun day in aid of her campaign, One Thousand Women, will be held this Sunday at the Kingston Road Recreation Ground from 12.30 to 4pm.
The day has been organised by Mrs Kriel's friend Jane Scholes, who lives in Merton Way. Attractions include go-karts, pony rides and a children's teacup ride, as well as the dog show.
To donate to Mrs Kriel's campaign, visit www.onethousandwomen.co.uk
Having been first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 before undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she had been given the all-clear in 2008.
But at that routine appointment with her oncologist in 2010, she was told the cancer had returned, and had spread to her liver, lungs and bones.
The Leatherhead resident was given just two years to live.
Shocked, Mrs Kriel and her fiancé Jason questioned whether they should go ahead with their wedding plans.
But two days after hearing the diagnosis, Mrs Kriel was sent to see a new oncologist, Professor Justin Stebbing, who took a different take on her situation.
"I was sent to him because my usual oncologist was away but I now think I was very lucky," said the solicitor, who lives in Kingston Road.
Professor Stebbing told her he could tailor her treatment plan so she wouldn't start losing her hair until after her wedding day.
Now Mrs Kriel is enjoying married life and looking forward to what the future may hold.
"In two months' time, it will be three years since I was told I had two years to live," she said.
"Having Justin treating me has just helped me deal with all of this and go on living my life as fully as I can.
"I see him every three weeks, and all the cancer that was there has either shrunk considerably or has gone. I'm doing really well."
Mrs Kriel has been so impressed and inspired by Professor Stebbings that she has launched her own charity to support his work.
He is currently conducting research through Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust into new therapies in cancer.
A fun day in aid of her campaign, One Thousand Women, will be held this Sunday at the Kingston Road Recreation Ground from 12.30 to 4pm.
The day has been organised by Mrs Kriel's friend Jane Scholes, who lives in Merton Way. Attractions include go-karts, pony rides and a children's teacup ride, as well as the dog show.
To donate to Mrs Kriel's campaign, visit www.onethousandwomen.co.uk
