An Edinburgh mum who was encouraged to go to the doctors after a friend noticed her persistent cough was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Jackie Hugill, who lives in the capital, said she had "coughed all her life" and thought nothing of it until a concerned friend urged her to attend her local GP before she was given the life- changing news.
After a carcinoid tumour was detected on Jackie's right lung, doctors initially thought they could remove the lower lobe. During surgery, they noticed the tumour was spreading and made the decision to remove her lung completely.
READ MORE: Man rushed to Edinburgh hospital with serious injuries after 'robbery and assault'
Now, living a healthy and busy life, Jackie can't believe how fit she is with just one lung and has urged those suffering any sort of potential symptoms to get checked at their local GP practice.
Speaking over eight years on from her surgery, Jackie recalls the effect the news had on her and her family as they were left 'devastated' knowing her fit and active lifestyle would be hindered by the fact she is living with just one lung.
Speaking as part of the Scottish Government's Get Checked Early campaign, Jackie said: "I always remark that people wouldn’t know what had happened to me unless I told them, and I really don’t think about it day to day. I live a normal life like everyone else and have my health.
"My worry was that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the same active lifestyle I had before the diagnosis, but I still have a good level of fitness. I was doing spin classes before the pandemic, and although Covid definitely knocked my confidence a bit, I hope to get back to it in time.
"Life is great. We moved from Aberdeenshire in 2019 to be nearer to my daughter for the birth of our second grandchild and it’s amazing to be such a big part of their lives and watch them grow."
Speaking about the importance of not ignoring a potential sign or symptom, Jackie said: "I’ve coughed all my life, I still have a cough, but it was a different cough. I was on holiday with a friend who noticed it and made me promise I’d get it checked when I got home.
"Looking back, I went because I didn’t think it was anything, but I am eternally grateful I made that appointment.
"Everything that followed was incredibly scary, but the sooner you know, the sooner you can deal with what’s ahead and prepare yourself. The not knowing is the hard bit and taking that first step can put your mind at rest if nothing else.
"Because I was diagnosed when I was, and successfully treated with surgery, I have my whole life ahead of me and am looking forward to enjoying retirement with my husband Steve. I am living proof that a diagnosis isn’t always bad."
To read more real life stories or to check your symptoms online, you can visit to Get Checked Early site here.
READ NEXT:
The Chase viewers 'shout at TV' after Edinburgh player in 'worst team ever' caught
Mum moves her two boyfriends into her home so they can wash dishes and clean for her
Prince Harry and Meghan's kids get no official coronation role - but Camilla's family do
Radford family's 'war of words' kids who moved on and those who won't appear on show
Madeleine McCann's parents speak out after Julia Wendell gets DNA test result
