Marching on Cancer: Lisa's experience

A Harrogate mum-of-two became the first of 10 special guests to be welcomed to Elland Road by Yorkshire Cancer Research and Leeds United.

Lisa Casey attended the Leeds United match against Wolves on Saturday, October 23, after being nominated for hospitality tickets by her husband.

Yorkshire Cancer Research and Leeds United invited fans to nominate someone with an experience of cancer for the chance to see the Whites play at home.

Lisa said: “We all had the best day ever. The atmosphere was out of this world, and we made some special memories that we will treasure forever.”

Lisa was diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer in 2019 and began treatment at the beginning of the pandemic. She had multiple surgeries, as well as several rounds of chemotherapy.

She spent 10 months living at her mum’s house, away from her husband and two sons, after being told to shield during lockdown.

Her treatment was a success, but she has since been told that the cancer has returned in her lungs. She receives treatment every three weeks.

Her husband Darren said: “I nominated Lisa because of the way she’s handled everything. The whole way through her diagnosis and treatment she’s been so strong and positive.

“She’s faced everything head on and said ‘Let’s just beat this’. She’s been amazing.”

The family, who are life-long Leeds fans, attended the match against Wolves which ended in a draw after a nail-biting penalty in the final minutes of the game.

► Find out more about the chosen nominees