Woman's tearful reunion with cancer medic who saved her life when she was just 3
A cancer survivor wept as she was reunited with her very special “Grandma”… the radiographer who defeated her childhood brain tumour.
Kat Watson, 34, was just three when doctors found a tangerine-sized tumour at the base of her brain. After surgery, she was referred to 60 year-old radiographer Margery Roberts, whose skills helped her fight off the tumour that could have killed her.
Kat’s parents, Dave and Liz, kept in touch with Margery – now, more than 30 years on, she and Kat have shared hugs and more than a few tears. Margery, now 91, said: “I loved being a radiographer. I just love people and being able to put them at ease and lighten their journey was such a privilege.
“I have fond memories of many of my patients, including Kat. She was a very warm, affectionate, and optimistic child – qualities she still has to this day.” Kat, who trained as a nurse but is now in IT, doesn’t remember much about her treatment, but she remembers the way Margery made her feel.
Margery with Kat more than 30 years ago
Pair enjoy a hugShe added: “Even though I’ve only met her a handful of times over the years, she’s had a huge impact on my life. She’s so caring. I see her almost as like a grandma figure.” Mum Liz said: “To be told your toddler has cancer is just horrendous. Margery wasn’t just brilliant with Kat, she was also great with us. She made a really difficult time that much easier and brought warmth and light to our lives.”
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Margery added: “It was so lovely seeing Kat again. Even though we’d only met a handful of times before, it didn’t feel like that as her parents, and later Kat herself, have kept me up to date with everything that’s been going on.” Kat said: “Margery was just as I remembered her – warm, kind and open. We spent some time going through photos from that time.
"That was special to me as I don’t really have many memories of treatment – I only have what Mum and Dad have told me.” Kat, who was treated at The Christie Hospital in Manchester as a child, invited Margery to her wedding to Matthew, but Covid got in the way.
Her treatment was successful, but the tumour left her with problems with movement and memory. Kat said: “I’m proud of who I am. I’m sharing my story to show other people with disabilities that there’s power and strength in just being yourself, no matter what life throws at you.”
With The Christie and the University of Manchester, Kat is involved in research into the effects of childhood cancer and radiotherapy later in life. Margery said: “I’m constantly amazed at the advances that have come along since I retired. I’m so glad that Kat’s taking part in research as I know it has the potential to help so many others.”
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