Friends, family and strangers have rallied to support 42-year-old Eilidh Lowell, who is travelling to a specialist clinic in Cancún after exhausting all treatment options on the NHS.
Eilidh Lowell with her husband Chris and two children.(Image: GoFundMe)
People have raised a staggering £86,000 to send a mother-of-two with cancer to a clinic in Mexico that could buy her more precious time with her family.
In 2022, doctors gave Eilidh Lowell the devastating news that she has advanced Stage 4 metastatic colorectal cancer that has since spread to her liver. She started with 18 tumours.
Today, despite NHS treatment, there are 25.
The 42-year-old, who went to Oban High School before studying nursing in Glasgow, has already outlived doctors’ prognosis and has taken the next step of her cancer journey into her own hands after research led her to a pioneering medical centre in Cancún.
In her crowdfunder her husband Chris writes that his “incredible wife…..a devoted mum to our two wee ones — Emily (6) and Logan (4)” was asking for the chance of more time with her family.
“Originally from Oban, she’s built a beautiful life here with me in Paisley, where she is the heart and strength of our family.
Eilidh Lowell with Emily and Logan
“Asking for help is something Eilidh has always struggled with — she’s usually the one supporting others. But right now, we are facing the biggest challenge of our lives, and this time we need help to save hers.
“As a former nurse, Eilidh asked the hardest question in January 2023: ’If I don’t take chemo, how long do I have?’ She was told 6 months.
“By the grace of God, the strength He has given her, her sheer determination, the love of our family, incredible friends, lifestyle changes, and treatment — she has already outlived that prognosis.
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“She has endured multiple rounds of intense chemotherapy, immunotherapy, major bowel surgery, countless medical appointments and setbacks.
“Through all of this, she has stayed courageous, faithful, and grateful — even in the lowest and most painful moments. Her belief in God’s strength has carried her, and she often reminds me that no suffering compares to what Jesus endured. That is where she finds her peace and her fight.
“Eilidh is currently on a new chemo combination (Avastin and Lonsurf). It may slow things down, but it won’t stop the cancer. Her recent tumour markers are still high, and we are waiting on a new scan to see the next steps.
Eilidh Lowell’s tumours have multiplied.
“We’ve been told she is not eligible for a liver transplant, she is not eligible for targeted therapies like SIRT within the NHS.
“Two surgical teams have reviewed her case. The options here are exhausted. And yet — there are other possibilities.
“Eilidh has researched advanced, targeted private treatments that focus directly on the tumours and preserve healthy tissue. These have given hope to people in situations just like hers.
“But they are not available on the NHS — and the cost is far beyond what we can afford. And time is something we don’t have the luxury of.
Eilidh Lowell hopes for mroe time watching her children grow up.
“All Eilidh wants is more time — time with our children, time to see Logan start school in August 2026, time to be here for birthdays, bedtimes, cuddles, school runs, and all the moments a mum should have.
“She is grateful for every day she wakes up. She knows none of us are promised tomorrow — but right now, she has a window and a chance, and she is brave and well enough to take it.
“She always says the treatment isn’t just for her — it’s for our kids, our family, her purpose, and for what God still has planned for her here. She would like to pay back some way or another , helping others , when she is able to.
“If you feel able to support — in any way — you would be giving Eilidh what she needs most: Time. Hope.
Eilidh Lowell remains hopeful
“And a real chance to continue this journey the best way she can.
“Every donation, share, prayer, and kind message means more than we can express. We will keep everyone updated on her progress and her treatment journey.
“Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for reading, caring, and standing with us.”
The GoFundMe appeal with a £110,000 target has had 1000 donations stands at just over £86,000.
Eilidh’s dad, Kenny McLeod, lives in Connel and will go out to Mexico with her for the six weeks that the treatment could take.
You can donate to the fundraising drive at https://www.gofundme.com/f/my-wife-have-more-time.