"There's a £70,000 price tag on my life": Kent woman forced to crowdfund for her own cancer treatment
Charlie Flannery is a matron at Medway hospital
Last updated 18th Aug 2025
A matron at Medway hospital who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer last December has said she has been forced to crowdfund for her own cancer treatment.
Charlie Flannery, 38, was told by her consultant she'd have to raise £70,000 for immunotherapy treatment to keep her cancer-free, because her type of cancer is "too rare" to fund.
Having worked in the NHS for 20 years, Mrs James says she "understands" why the NHS can't fund it, but that it's still "mind-blowing".
"I kind of naively presumed that it would be funded.
"It's not special immunotherapy, it is a treatment that is given to patients with other cancers.
"I just think how can you have the wrong type of cancer?
"I never asked for this, it's heartbreaking.
"But I appreciate it's not just me, there are other people in the same situation as I am."
Mrs Flannery was diagnosed with rare Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumours (PNET) in December 2024, after the cancer was detected in another surgery.
She began an intense form of chemotherapy in April 2024, a week after running the London Marathon.
"I literally felt like I was running away from this diagnosis."
"When I finished the marathon I just collapsed and burst into tears because I knew my whole life was about to change."
On Monday 10th August, Charlie was rung by her Consultant who told her she was cancer-free, but that she'd need immunotherapy to remain so.
"It's a pause not a treatment" she said.
"We asked about alternatives to the immunotherapy, because not everyone can raise £70,000 and were told it was to watch, wait and pray."
"So we really didn't have an option."
Charlie has so far raised £20,000 on her GoFundMe page which is enough for her to begin treatment, but not complete it.
The Rare Cancers Bill has been introduced by Dr. Scott Arthur MP to incentivise research and investment into the treatment of rare cancers like Charlie's.
The Bill passed its third reading in the Commons on July 11, following a Report stage and a Committee stage. It is now in the House of Lords for further review.