‘Total shock’ - South Shields teenager given less than a year to live as rare cancer returns
More than £6,600 has been raised to allow a 19-year-old with terminal cancer to make as many memories as possible.
A South Shields family are trying to make as many memories as possible after doctors told a 19-year-old girl that she has less than 12 months to live.
Corinne Monroe was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in early 2024 after suffering from pain in her hip.
The teenager beat the rare form of bone cancer in December 2024 and returned to studying for her A-levels the following month despite still feeling the side effects of the cancer treatment.
After receiving top grades, Corinne was given a place at Durham University in September 2025 only for the cancer symptoms to return just two months later.
In March, doctors gave Corinne the devastating news that the cancer had returned and that she had less than a year to live.
‘It really hit hard’
Wendy Monroe, Corinne’s mum, has told the Shields Gazette of the ‘devastating’ impact the news had on her daughter knowing that she’d have to go through the same gruelling treatment all over again.
The 48-year-old said: “There was total shock at the initial diagnosis because she was a gym-goer who was really fit and healthy.
“The whole year [2024] was a slog, it felt like an endurance exercise, but there was great news at the end of it.
“We got to the stage last year where the treatment had felt like a world away as we got back into our lives so when it came back, it hit really hard.
“It had actually been harder before we got the confirmation that it had returned because Corinne and I knew based on how her body was feeling.
“We knew that something wasn’t right but we didn’t expect to hear about it when we did, so it came as a shock.
“Corinne was devastated to learn that she would have to go through the same treatment again knowing that nothing good will happen at the end of it.”
‘We don’t have much time’
Following her second diagnosis, Corinne has undergone further chemotherapy, which has driven back the tumour and will allow her to spend time making memories with her family.
Wendy launched an online fundraiser to help them do so and within the first week, more than £5,000 had been raised.
She added: “After the second diagnosis, Corinne wanted to have a party to get everyone she loved together because she wanted to dance and have fun.
“I’ve never done a fundraiser before but the decision to do it is because we’re told that she might have just two months before the symptoms return - we don’t have much time.
“I had no idea what to expect but within the first week, there was more than £5,000.
“I don’t even recognise some of the names of the people who are donating so I’m blown away by it all.
“Times are hard and everyone is struggling so the fact that anyone is willing to give their hard-earned cash to a complete stranger makes us feel not alone in this.
“Corinne wants to go somewhere hot and sunny on holiday so we will definitely do that, we just can’t book it in advance.
“She would also like to go and see a show in London and do lots of days out.”
You can view and donate to the fundraiser by visiting: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-corinne-make-the-most-of-life-with-terminal-cancer.