'My dad was fit and healthy but suddenly had just 12 weeks to live'

'Almost half of those diagnosed are already at an incurable stage (44 per cent) which is shocking and, even for the rest, the survival rate is so low'

David Norburn was fit and healthy. He was originally told by doctors he had asthma. His real diagnosis came far too late.

After first being told that he had asthma, David was later diagnosed with stage four lung cancer aged 64 in 2017. He died in June 2019.

Now, his daughter Sara Thompson is reminding people just how short life is – and how lung cancer can often be misunderstood as a ‘smoker’s disease’.

Sara, from Standish, says: “A lot of people still think of lung cancer as a smoker’s disease, but that’s not always the case.

“Almost half of those diagnosed are already at an incurable stage (44 per cent) which is shocking and, even for the rest, the survival rate is so low, so I really want to help support towards earlier routine screening and better treatment options in the hope that less people experience the shocking ‘you’ve got 12 weeks to live’ call like the one my dad received.”

Sara, 35, says that the terrifying 12-week diagnosis turned into a chance to cherish every moment she had left with her beloved dad.

David was treated at the world-renowned Christie cancer hospital in Withington – which gave Sara, her mum Lindsey, and brother Stephen hope ‘month after month’.

“What should’ve been a 12-week expectancy ended up being nearly 18 months of extra time with my dad, and that’s all thanks to The Christie,” Sara said.

“Their level of care was incredible. We were given hope month after month as clinical trials and new treatment options developed because of their research funding.

“Without The Christie my dad would never have made it to my graduation. I submitted my master’s dissertation early and they allowed me to graduate early in December 2018. He wouldn’t have seen me make it to even a third of the way into my course with the expectancy first given, let alone see me graduate.”

Sara is now undertaking a massive challenge not only as a tribute to her dad, but also to raise awareness of lung cancer, particularly in non-smokers. She is also determined to thank The Christie hospital for giving her dad 18 months of precious extra time with his loved ones. Donate to Sara’s JustGiving page here.

Sara is walking one million steps by July 22 in memory of her dad on what would have been his 72nd birthday. Sara is raising funds for The Christie Charity - which supports the work of the hospital.

Sara is head of wellbeing for a provider that helps support employees to live healthier lives, focusing on nutrition, sleep, fitness and stress management.

She is hoping that her walking challenge inspires others from a health perspective and to reflect on what matters most.

“I’m doing this to fundraise for The Christie Charity myself, but if anyone wants to contribute too, it would mean the world,” she added. “More than anything, I hope my challenge reminds people how short life is. Hug your loved ones a little tighter, laugh more often, and never underestimate the power of small moments.”

To achieve her million steps target by 22 July, Sara is walking two hours a day locally – before and after work.

At weekends, she has been visiting national parks, trusts, lakes and her dad David’s favourite, Rivington Pike in Lancashire where he used to walk the family dog Jack with Lindsey, Sara’s mum. Sara began the challenge at the start of April.

Donate to Sara’s JustGiving page here.