Student told she has just ‘days to live’ after almost impossible diagnosis

She is hoping to return home

Alexandra Angeles Caycho has recently graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Fine Art and Design from Lancaster University.

In March 2023, at just 20-years-old, she was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer which doctors said was almost ‘impossible’ at her age.

Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed at an average age of 77 years old.

The student’s symptoms began in November 2022 after a rugby match. She put it down to the usual aches and pains associated with such a physical sport.

However, persistent back pain led her to consult her GP who initially attributed her symptoms to having flat feet.

When the pain intensified in March 2023, a trip to A&E, blood tests, a CT scan and an MRI revealed the tumour.

Alongside her studies, the now 21-year-old went through several rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy but was recently given the devastating news that the cancer had spread and there was nothing more that doctors could do.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by one of her friends in an effort to raise money to grant Caycho her final wish – to go home to Peru to spend her last days with her family.

In an update on the page she says: “My last wish is to return to Peru, to be with my family in the place where I grew up, where I have so many happy memories. I can’t imagine being anywhere else in these final days.”

However, the only safe way for Caycho to travel is via a private jet, accompanied by her doctors.

Now, Caycho's fundraiser has reached its intended goal of £150,000.

Caycho said: “I never thought I would be in this position, but knowing that there are people out there who care gives me the strength to face what’s coming.”

The recent graduate and her mum are hoping to return to Peru as soon as possible.

You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.