Early diagnosis, Daisy Appeal’s support for NHS services, and a caring employer all made a difference during Jemma Laking’s cancer journey.
For Jemma Laking, a visit to Daisy Appeal’s Future Humber Industry Insight event was far more than a chance to look behind the scenes. Having undergone three scans at the Daisy Jack Brignell PET-CT Centre during her own cancer journey, she knows first-hand how important early diagnosis can be and why charitable support for NHS services matters so much.
Like many people, Jemma had been aware of the scanning centre, but had not fully realised what made it possible. She said she had assumed it was simply part of the NHS, without understanding the fundraising, facilities and specialist investment behind it, or how the Daisy Appeal has spent more than 20 years supporting equipment, research and services that benefit NHS patients across the region.
Jemma, 44, has lived in East Hull all her life and was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after noticing a painful lump which became bigger very quickly. Because she was already living with autoimmune and connective tissue conditions, she knew something was not right and pushed for further investigation when reassurance alone did not feel enough.
That decision mattered. Although she was not offered it by her GP, Jemma asked for an ultrasound. She was referred on urgently, and soon after had a PET-CT scan at the Daisy Jack Brignell Centre. She later learned she had an aggressive but treatable form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and her treatment began quickly after diagnosis. Her story is a powerful reminder that when something does not feel right, it is important to keep asking questions and to push for a referral.
Jemma said one of the strongest messages she wants others to hear is this, “Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself. I understand the pressures GPs are under, but people should feel able to go back, ask again and request further checks when symptoms persist or worsen.” In her case, pushing for that next step helped lead to the diagnosis she needed.
In 2022, she underwent seven months of treatment and had three scans at the Daisy Jack Brignell PET-CT Centre, including her initial scan, a further scan during treatment, and another follow-up scan to confirm she remained in remission. Throughout that process, she said the staff were calm, kind and reassuring, explaining each stage clearly and helping her feel supported at an incredibly difficult time.
Her visit to Future Humber’s Industry Insight event brought a new perspective. Seeing what happens behind the scenes made her think not only about the clinicians and technicians patients meet face to face, but also about the fundraisers, donors and supporters whose efforts help make those scans possible in the first place. “The Daisy Appeal facilities support more accurate results, earlier diagnosis enabling faster treatment, while the charity is also fundraising for a new digital PET-CT scanner to expand capacity and improve accuracy further.”
Jemma’s experience also underlines the huge impact an employer can have when someone is going through serious illness. She spoke warmly about the support she received from her employer, Edwards & Pearce, who removed the financial worry at one of the most frightening moments of her life and made it clear that her health came first. That gave her the freedom to focus on treatment and recovery, without the added fear of how she would cope financially if she was unable to work.
That kind of support is not something every employee receives, and Jemma knows how fortunate she was. Her experience shows why compassionate leadership matters so much, especially when someone is facing treatment, uncertainty and the long-term effects that can follow a cancer diagnosis.
Today, Jemma is in remission and looking ahead with renewed determination, including making plans to travel more and enjoy the opportunities that once felt uncertain. Her story is one of realism, resilience and gratitude, but above all it is a story about why diagnosis matters.
For Daisy Appeal, it is also a powerful reflection of why fundraising must continue. Many patients using specialist facilities at Castle Hill Hospital may not realise that charitable support has helped provide the equipment and environment behind their care. But stories like Jemma’s make that impact very real. The Daisy Jack Brignell PET-CT Centre exists because of partnership and fundraising, and its work continues to help save lives through earlier detection and treatment.
Jemma hopes that by sharing her experience, more people will understand two things: first, that early diagnosis can make all the difference; and second, that if you feel something is wrong, keep going until you get the answers you need. With the right support, from health professionals, from employers and from charities like Daisy Appeal, that journey can lead to hope as well as help.
Simple ways to support the Daisy Appeal
100% of the donations received go to fund vital lifesaving research and provision of medical scanning facilities. The Daisy Appeal is not funded by the NHS and relies upon the generosity of donors to fund its work. Please note all funds are used in full by the charity to further its objectives.
The Hull and East Yorkshire Medical Research Centre
A Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee in England and Wales. Company No. 4017833
Registered office: Daisy Building, Castle Hill Hospital, Castle Road, Cottingham HU16 5JQ Registered Charity No. 1095652
