Campaigner Lynsey Bennett 'devastated' as cancer treatment in Mexico not possible

Last year, Bennett settled her High Court case against the HSE and the laboratory involved in her missed cancer diagnosis.

She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in January 2017 following a series of smears since 2010 which failed to detect disease.

In November 2020, she was told that she had less than twelve months to live and travelled to Mexico for cancer treatment, which reduced her tumours significantly.

The mum-of-two started on the immunotherapy drug Pembrolizumab (Pembro) but later found out that the medication was not working as she had hoped, and decided that she would try to return to Mexico for further treatment.

However, her trips to Mexico would cost upwards of €310,000 and she would have to travel by air ambulance and Ms Bennett yesterday told her supporters that she couldn’t justify the price.

In a statement on a GoFundMe page set up by a friend, Ms Bennett explained that she was looking into clinics in Germany that could prolong her quality of life, adding that she was “devastated” to have to cancel her plans to receive treatment in Mexico.

“As 2021 is coming to an end, 2022 already has appointments booked in and steps towards new plan of finding somewhere,” she began.

“Devastated that when it comes to trying to get to Mexico... unfortunately financially travelling that far by air ambulance (€130k each way for flight alone) just isn’t possible even with what’s left of my settlement.

“I have however been looking at a place in Germany is expensive but might be a possibility, it doesn’t have everything the same as Mexico.

"But the reviews seem very good and they do have some other treatments that sound really interesting.

“I’ve filled in form and I am hoping to speak to clinic in Germany soon although the waiting list to even get a consultation is at least two weeks. Also they are closed for Xmas hols at moment so could be three more weeks.

“And as always it’s not that I go in thinking anywhere is to cure me… but I hope to keep boosting the good parts of me️ and keep me stable and anything extra that it may help with after that would be a true bonus.

“A massive thank you for all your support and for always having me in your thoughts, prayers and sending me new information truly blessed. Much love always.”

Almost €6,000 has been raised for Lynsey since the GoFundMe was set up on Wednesday evening.

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so here.