In a heart-wrenching journey, Nikki Penrice from Banbury, Oxfordshire, recalls her terrifying diagnosis of bowel cancer at eight months pregnant. Her instinctive priority? Delivering her daughter safely.

The proud mother welcomed her little girl, Connie, now three, who she describes as a “miracle” and a beacon of hope amid her distressing health battle. Just days after giving birth, Nikki endured a perforated bowel and underwent emergency surgery within a whirlwind of 12 days.

Before her diagnosis, Nikki faced a challenging pregnancy in 2021 marked by severe morning sickness due to a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum. It was during one of her hospital visits that a scan revealed a troubling mass on her bowel. The moment a doctor placed his hand on her shoulder and conveyed the devastating news was one she will never forget. “I just wanted to get her here safely,” she reflected, emphasizing the numbing shock that followed the diagnosis.

Doctors decided to induce labor on December 21, allowing Nikki to gather her strength before addressing the tumor. Unfortunately, on January 2, she was back in the hospital, suffering from severe pain when her bowel unexpectedly perforated, leading to life-saving surgery.

Despite her own recovery, Nikki managed to nurture Connie in the hospital, recalling the difficulty of feeding her newborn while reliant on a central line for nutrition. “It was tough,” she admitted, but her daughter became her inspiration.

Tragedy struck again in 2023 when Nikki lost her father, Anthony Potter, who succumbed to cancer just 17 days after his diagnosis. Their family had planned to participate in a Cancer Research UK event called Pretty Muddy, and before he passed, he jokingly told them, “You can't do that!” honoring his memory, Nikki and her family wore his picture on their shirts during the event—an emotional tribute that underscored their bond.

Nikki’s experiences, both with her cancer and her father’s battle, have reshaped her perspective on life. “We have to enjoy every day and make the most of everything,” she declared. As she prepares to participate in another Cancer Research UK event, she remains determined to overcome life’s obstacles, saying, “I know I will conquer all the hurdles, just as I did when facing cancer.”

Her courageous story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, family love, and the importance of cherishing every moment.