A mother who lives in Bucks was ‘devastated’ to receive a diagnosis of bowel and liver cancer less than a year after giving birth to her baby son.

Evre Başak Clarke, 38, and her partner Philip Clarke, 39, moved to Bourne End last year, newly married and pregnant – full of hope for the future and a return to the leafy green of Buckinghamshire, a place Philip, who grew up in Scotland, fondly remembers as the “beautiful” destination of childhood holidays.

One year on, on September 19, 2023, following the birth of their now-10-month-old son Oscar, Evre received a diagnosis of advanced bowel and liver cancer, “devastating news” that Philip said was “completely out of the blue”.

Overwhelmed by the pressing healthcare and childcare costs that immediately began to impose as Evre made the decision to begin chemotherapy, the couple was urged by friends to seek financial support online, and a GoFundMe page was created on September 25 that has already raised £44,000 to help lift the financial burden from Evre and Philip’s shoulders.

Philip emphasised the couple’s deep gratitude for the attention, which will help to cover costs including cancer-fighting medicinal nutrition, private tests and scans and the potential travel of Evre’s family, who live in Istanbul, to the UK.

He said both he and Evre have gone into “fight or flight mode” since the diagnosis, agreeing that there was nothing to do but face the situation head-on and make realistic decisions about the future, a choice that has not been easy by any means.  

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“When Oscar was born, it just felt incredible. We were so wrapped up in it that maybe we didn’t see the signs, health-wise. Evre was just getting into being an artist and a mum at the same time – and this news has meant she’s had to halt work, at least for now.

“It’s terrifying to have a young child and be in this situation but it also brings you back to the present. Oscar isn’t aware of the future or the past and knowing that gives you the purpose to fight through the pain. I know he’s a clear reason to carry on for Evre too.”

Despite the freshness of the diagnosis, Philip is quick to praise the NHS workers who have already provided care and guidance for the young family and to raise awareness that bowel and liver cancer can impact people of all ages.

“Evre has always been healthy, she’s young and she’s a non-smoker – it’s really scary. I think back to this time last year and we were going to appointments at the same hospitals, super happy and excited.

“Now, her life is on the line. I can’t understand it. We’re just trying to keep going, I’m trying to maintain work if I can, but the emotion is always there.

“We are very, very grateful for all the support of every kind. And we do urge people to check and please be aware that this can happen to anyone.”