Woman Spent Days in Coma Before Cancer Diagnosis. Now, She’s Cycling to Make Sure the Same Doesn’t Happen to Other People

**Rye Mother Cycling from London to Paris to Raise Awareness for Myeloma after Cancer Battle**

A mother from Rye, England, Yasmin Ashburnham, has turned her life-changing health crisis into a mission to raise awareness about myeloma, a type of blood cancer. After receiving a shocking diagnosis that followed a critical health scare, Ashburnham is now preparing for a cycling challenge from London to Paris to support Myeloma UK, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by the disease.

Ashburnham’s ordeal began in October 2022, when she experienced persistent symptoms including chest infections, fatigue, and anaemia. These alarming signs culminated in a medical emergency that landed her in the hospital. Tragically, her condition escalated to septic shock, requiring her to be placed in an induced coma while doctors worked to stabilise her deteriorating health.

It was during this critical time that her diagnosis came: myeloma, a cancer that affects white blood cells and can lead to debilitating bone pain and fatigue. Reflecting on this devastating moment, Ashburnham stated, “The word ‘incurable’ was hard to hear. But I was also told it is treatable, and that gave me hope.” At the time of her diagnosis, Ashburnham was a mother of two young children, aged six and nine, which added to the emotional weight of the news.

Following the grim diagnosis, Ashburnham underwent an intensive treatment regimen that included chemotherapy and a stem-cell transplant in June 2023. Despite the difficulties, she is now in remission and grateful for her recovery. However, she candidly described her journey as “long and challenging,” a testament to the strength she found in overcoming her illness.

Determined to make a difference, Ashburnham is participating in the Myeloma UK London to Paris Ride, a 450 km (approximately 279 miles) cycling challenge that runs from May 14 to May 18. She aims to raise funds for the charity, as well as to spread crucial awareness about myeloma, which can often be diagnosed at a late stage due to its vague initial symptoms. “I want to raise awareness so people aren’t diagnosed at such a late stage,” she emphasised.

Ashburnham expressed that participating in this ride holds significant personal meaning for her. “Being able to take on this ride now means more to me than I can ever put into words. Giving something back feels incredibly important,” she stated. In addition to supporting the cause, she aims to set a positive example for her children, illustrating that resilience can emerge from life’s most difficult challenges.

The cycling event will see Ashburnham join approximately 120 participants, grouped by their fitness levels, cycling for five to seven hours each day. As she prepares for the event, she has been documenting her training and journey on her Instagram, sharing her experiences and connecting with others who have faced their own battles with cancer. “My story is only one among so many cancer stories,” she noted in one post, highlighting the community solidarity among those affected by the disease.

Matt Wynes, the director of fundraising at Myeloma UK, praised Ashburnham’s commitment to raising awareness and funds for the organisation. He expressed, “No one should have to go through what Yasmin and her family experienced” and underscored the need for greater awareness around myeloma. Many individuals still face delays in diagnosis and challenges in accessing appropriate treatment, making outreach efforts like Ashburnham’s all the more critical.

As she prepares for the cycling challenge, Ashburnham remains focused on her mission to educate others about this often-overlooked form of cancer and to remind those who might be facing similar struggles that they are not alone. Her journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and the potential for positive change even in the darkest moments.