Georgia-Leigh Gardiner: A Mother’s Fight for Time After Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

It began innocently enough — what seemed like a persistent stomach bug or holiday stress. But for 28-year-old Georgia-Leigh Gardiner, the symptoms were the beginning of a devastating medical journey. A young mother from Leeds, Georgia-Leigh spent nearly a year pleading for answers as her health steadily deteriorated, only to be met with dismissal after dismissal from doctors. It wasn’t until mid-2025 that the truth emerged: she had linitis plastica, a rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer, now classified as terminal.

Medical Dismissal and Delayed Diagnosis

Georgia-Leigh’s symptoms began in late 2024: persistent upper abdominal pain, rapid weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Despite multiple visits to both her general practitioner and Leeds General Infirmary — between six and nine total — her concerns were brushed aside. Initially diagnosed with acid reflux and prescribed lansoprazole, her condition only worsened. Her body rejected food and even water. Within months, she lost nearly 40 pounds.

Her condition was not considered urgent. Only when she met with a new female GP who detected a lump in her breast did things finally shift. That unrelated finding led to a referral through the NHS’s non-specific symptoms pathway. Further tests revealed the cancer.

A Shocking Diagnosis

On June 13, 2025, Georgia-Leigh and her fiancé, Callum, were called in to discuss treatment options. But the news was far worse than they feared. She was diagnosed with linitis plastica, a rare form of gastric adenocarcinoma. The cancer had already spread to her peritoneum and lymph nodes, and suspicious spots were found on her lungs.

Living with a Terminal Illness

Doctors gave her a prognosis of about a year. She is now scheduled to begin chemotherapy, hoping to slow the progression. Eligible for a clinical trial, she’s also exploring alternative and experimental therapies, including care through Germany’s Hallwang Clinic. But these treatments come with significant costs, leading her to launch a GoFundMe campaign.

Creating Lasting Memories

Georgia-Leigh is focused on her son, Arlo, just two years old. Her wish is simple yet profound: to leave behind memories he can hold onto.

Her dream of marrying Callum in Italy has been brought forward. With the help of the Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, she will marry in September 2025 in a ceremony focused on love and legacy.

A Community Rallies

Georgia-Leigh’s story struck a nerve across the UK. Supporters donated over $9500 in three weeks. Events like a sold-out ladies’ night fundraiser have brought in additional support, allowing her to focus on treatment and time with family.

She now advocates for patients facing similar dismissals, urging others to push for answers. Genetic testing may help researchers understand why someone so young developed such an aggressive cancer.

Know the Signs of Stomach Cancer

According to the Cleveland Clinic, early-stage stomach cancer symptoms are often subtle. Be aware of:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Appetite loss
• Feeling full after small meals
• Stomach pain above the belly button
• Fatigue or black stools

Persistent symptoms should never be ignored. Georgia-Leigh’s story is a painful reminder of the consequences of medical dismissal — and a call to trust our instincts when our bodies tell us something is wrong.