30 Sep 2025
An inspirational Harpenden mother is celebrating her 10-year milestone free from cancer in the best way she knows how; by giving back and supporting others.
A decade ago, Angel Ashcroft was facing the unthinkable. She had a diagnosis of triple negative grade 3 breast cancer while 22 weeks pregnant with her second child.
Initially misdiagnosed as mastitis, her cancer was only discovered thanks to a vigilant radiographer who insisted on multiple biopsies. What followed was a whirlwind of treatment and tough decisions.
“I thought I was going to have to make an impossible choice,” Angel recalls. “But my oncologist and obstetrician worked together to create a plan that gave me and my baby a chance.”
Angel underwent three rounds of chemotherapy while pregnant, before being induced at 35 weeks. Just two weeks after giving birth to a healthy son, coincidentally named after the radiographer who spotted her cancer, she was back in hospital for another 12 weeks of chemotherapy, followed by surgery and radiotherapy.
When Angel was finally given the all-clear, her oncologist admitted her recovery had been better than anyone expected.
On Sunday (October 5), she will host Unity Ribbons – a wellness and awareness fundraising event, offering support through and post-cancer at the Harpenden Trust Halls, 90 Southdown Road, Harpenden, from 10.30am-4.30pm.
The day will include wellbeing workshops including breathwork, iphone photography and sound bath, inspiring talks about nutrition, scar therapy and hypnotherapy, alongside some exciting stalls and therapists. Angel has set herself a fundraising target, with all proceeds going to the Harpenden Trust to support the Ribbon Cancer Support Group – a local lifeline for people living with cancer, run by volunteers with lived experience and a dedicated oncology nurse.
“I know so many people in Harpenden who are still going through treatment or living with secondary cancers,” says Angel. “This event isn’t just about me – it’s about showing them they’re not alone and raising funds so the Trust can keep supporting families who need it most.”
To find out more and book a free ticket visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unity-ribbons-supporting-through-post-cancer-tickets-1672085064439
