Plymouth Woman Embraces Life with Heartfelt Bucket List

Aimee Sumner, a 30-year-old woman from Plymouth, faces a terminal diagnosis of stage four cancer but chooses to focus on living her remaining months to the fullest. Given just four to six months to live, Aimee emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in her life. “I don’t want the last months of my life to be spent unwell. I want to enjoy what I have left,” she expresses.

Aimee’s journey began in April 2018 when she was diagnosed with Primary Peritoneal Cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the disease. Over the past seven years, she has endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, life-altering surgery, and the heartbreak of losing her mother to cancer just six months after her own diagnosis. Despite these challenges, Aimee refuses to allow her illness to define her.

Choosing Joy Amidst Adversity

Reflecting on her initial diagnosis, Aimee recalls, “I felt so lost. My mum had just been diagnosed two months before me. She didn’t even make it six months.” Following a difficult first round of chemotherapy, Aimee underwent major debulking surgery in April 2019. This significant procedure included removing part of her bowel and performing a full hysterectomy, which meant sacrificing her dreams of motherhood.

For three and a half years, Aimee experienced a stable period until April 2024, when her cancer returned aggressively. After another round of chemotherapy proved ineffective, doctors informed her that the cancer had spread, leaving her with a grim prognosis. Faced with a choice of debilitating treatment or making the most of her remaining time, Aimee opted for the latter. “Half that time would be spent feeling unwell anyway,” she states, highlighting her desire to cherish moments with her husband, Dan Sumner.

The couple met through a penpal website and developed a deep bond characterized by loyalty and shared experiences. “We’re still processing it,” Aimee says, emphasizing their commitment to supporting each other through this difficult journey. They often escape to nature, finding solace and clarity at places like Mountbatten.

A Bucket List of Memories and Giving Back

As part of her journey, Aimee launched a GoFundMe page to support a modest bucket list and future funeral expenses. “I’ve got eight wishes on there, and I’ve completed four of them so far,” she shares. These wishes include meeting her favorite band, Blue, visiting an aquarium, and gifting flowers to a stranger. Upcoming goals involve attending a JLS concert and visiting highland cows at Willow Tree Farm in Somerset, her favorite animals.

In a remarkable show of generosity, Aimee plans to donate a giant plush Highland cow to the children’s ward at Derriford Hospital. She believes in giving back, stating, “It’s not just about me.” Even in the face of her own mortality, Aimee prioritizes the well-being of others.

To help others understand the realities of living with a terminal diagnosis, Aimee speaks candidly about her experience. “Some people still say, ‘hopefully they can get it back stable again.’ But that’s not going to happen,” she explains. Her message is clear: “If you get any symptoms—bleeding, pain—get checked. Even if it seems small. The sooner you catch it, the better chance you have.”

Support from the community has been overwhelming. “I don’t even know who donated some of the amounts on the fundraiser, but it means the world to me,” she expresses. Aimee keeps a scrapbook of letters and cards from friends and supporters, creating a tangible reminder of the love surrounding her. “When I’m gone, my husband will have them, too—to see just how many people cared.”

As she navigates this challenging path, Aimee reflects on her life with clarity and purpose. “I didn’t have dying early on my bingo card this year,” she quips. “But that’s how it is. So now we’re planning for a birthday, a Christmas, and our wedding anniversary all in one. We’re going to make it extra special.”

Aimee’s message to those newly diagnosed is urgent and practical: “Keep an eye on your body. No matter how small the symptom seems—check it. Weekly, if you can. That time might buy you more life. It might even save it.” She encourages anyone struggling with similar challenges to seek support from loved ones and professional resources, emphasizing that they do not have to face their journey alone.

Through her resilience and openness, Aimee Sumner is not only making the most of her remaining time but also inspiring others to live meaningfully. “I’m just one person,” she concludes. “But I’m lucky to have the friends and family I do. We’re booking more things in. We’re going to enjoy the time we’ve got left.” In her courage and determination, Aimee serves as a poignant reminder to cherish every moment.