Southport mum backs Clatterbridge Cancer Charity after finishing treatment and welcoming baby daughter

A Southport mum is sharing her story of hope and resilience as she supports Clatterbridge Cancer Charity’s summer appeal – just months after completing treatment and giving birth to her daughter.

Siobhan Mawdsley was pregnant with her first child when a routine check-up revealed something wasn’t right. She was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive blood cancer in 2022 and referred to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool for urgent treatment.

“My main concern was the pregnancy,” said Siobhan. “But once I was referred to Clatterbridge, I felt reassured. There was a plan in place, and I knew I was in the best hands. It was the most stressful time of my life, but there’s such a calm, special energy at Clatterbridge – I’ll never forget that.”

Just a few weeks into treatment, Siobhan and her husband Dave were given devastating news during a routine scan — their baby boy, Freddie, wouldn’t survive.
“Our son Freddie was born sleeping in October. It was heartbreaking,” she said.

Despite her grief, Siobhan, then 31, pushed forward with her treatment – and soon after, she received the news that it was working.

“On the way home from the hospital, we saw rainbows all the way,” she said. “It felt like Freddie was sending me a message to keep going. And when we got home, there was a letter from Clatterbridge saying the treatment was working.”

Siobhan found healing in her garden, planting flowers in memory of Freddie at the family’s home in Southport. She started sharing the blooms with friends and family, creating Flowers for Freddie – a heartfelt gesture that soon turned into a fundraiser for Clatterbridge.

She said: “Gardening gave me a sense of peace. It helped me through everything I was feeling – the grief, the fear, the treatment. It became a way to honour Freddie, and do something positive too.”

Later, Siobhan and Dave shared more happy news — they were expecting again. Their daughter Rowan was born in October 2024.

“Rowan will always grow up knowing about her big brother,” said Siobhan. “I thank him all the time for helping me carry on when I didn’t think I could. There’s a lot of hope in our story. Clatterbridge gave me that hope and the belief that I’d be well again. Rowan and I might not be here without them.”

Now 34, Siobhan is using her experience to support others by backing Clatterbridge Cancer Charity’s latest appeal.

Rachel Beverley, Fundraising Manager at the charity, said:
“We’re so thankful to Siobhan for sharing her story. It’s one of hope, strength and love – and shows just how vital Clatterbridge is for families across our region. Every donation made to the summer appeal will help people like Siobhan as they go through cancer treatment.”

Clatterbridge Cancer Charity helps fund everything from life-changing equipment like scalp coolers (which can help prevent hair loss during chemotherapy) to social activities for young patients and groundbreaking research that’s giving people better access to new treatments.

They’ve pledged to invest £5 million over five years to take research at Clatterbridge to the next level – and support patients across Merseyside, Cheshire and beyond.

To find out more or donate, head to the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity website.

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