Michelle Gemmell, 39, from Bellshill, said she is facing “life or death” after being told by NHS doctors that there is nothing more they can do for her.
Michelle was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021(Image: https://www.gofundme.com/f/life-saving-treatment-for-michelle)
A Scots mum with terminal cancer is desperately trying to raise money to receive treatment abroad so she can live longer for her three young children.
Michelle Gemmell, 39, from Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, has been told there is no further treatment available for her in the UK, but a procedure overseas could buy her precious few months with her beloved daughters.
Michelle Gemmell, wife to Darren and mum to Zara, 11, Paige, nine, and Sophia, six, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. She underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, and in January 2023, was given the all clear.
But in June 2024, after months of pain, breathlessness and sleepless nights, Michelle was taken to A&E where scans showed the cancer was back – this time as aggressive, triple-negative secondary breast cancer that had spread.
Michelle has endured countless treatments since. One chemotherapy treatment caused a severe allergic reaction while another made the cancer spread faster. The cancer is now in her lungs, liver, spine, lymph nodes and rib cage.
Michelle Gemmell has been described as a “devoted wife who does everything for her three girls”(Image: @michellebelle100 / tiktok)
Earlier this month, Michelle’s cancer progressed even further and she was told the NHS had no more treatment options available for her. However, Michelle found a treatment in Germany called TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization) which targets the tumours directly and has helped others in similar situations.
The nursery teacher has now launched a fundraiser to receive the “life-saving” treatment which isn’t available on the NHS. The total raised is currently sitting at nearly £40k of its £45k target.
Speaking on her TikTok page, Michelle told her 4k followers: “I’ve been told from the NHS that the chemotherapy’s not working and there’s nothing more they can do for me but I’m not ready to stop fighting.
“I’ve got fire in my belly and I’ve got three wee girls and I’m not ready to leave them.
“I don’t like asking for money and I’ve never been a fan of [GoFundMe] but I now understand why people do it because now I’m at that point where I’m desperate. I’m going to be setting up a GoFundMe page…
In January 2026, what looked like a chest infection turned out to be further progression of the cancer(Image: https://www.gofundme.com/f/life-saving-treatment-for-michelle)
“We’ve worked out that we think I’ll need around £50,000 which covers transport, hotel, and the amount of treatments I’m going to need… I need an army behind me and help to prolong my life because I can’t picture myself not here and it’s really scary. I don’t know what happens to you and I just want to be here with my family.”
She added: “If this treatment abroad helps me to give me another few years then I am going to do everything in my power to be here… this is life or death for me now.”
According to the fundraising page, each trip to Frankfurt – where the treatment centre is located – costs around £5,000, covering the procedure, travel and accommodation for two. Michelle needs up to 10 sessions.
The GoFundMe added: “This isn’t about luxury or comfort. It’s about time.
“Time for Michelle to see Zara start high school. Time to stand on the side-lines for Paige’s dance exhibitions. Time to hold Sophia a little longer at bedtime. Time for Darren to have more moments with the woman he loves.”
To donate to the GoFundMe, please click here.