Ex-England cricketer Susie Wilson-Rowe has been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
Wilson-Rowe, who played 22 T20 internationals for England and was a regular for Kent, revealed the rare form of cancer – called Exon 20 – has spread to her spine and lymph nodes.
The 38-year-old was diagnosed earlier this year while on maternity leave but has only just gone public with the devastating news.
Wilson-Rowe, who also represented England in ODI cricket, was diagnosed after ‘struggling with months of pain’ in her ribs and scapula area.
The pain left Wilson-Rowe struggling to lift her young son and sometimes struggling to breathe.
The pain was initially attributed to a muscle strain but further tests revealed a tumour in her left lung.
Wilson-Rowe, who played in the first edition of The Hundred for London Spirit, is currently undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In a statement, Wilson-Rowe said she wanted to share her story to ‘encourage others to listen to their bodies and push for answers when something doesn’t feel right as early detection can make all the difference’.
Kent, meanwhile, said: ‘Susie has given so much to cricket, as a player, coach, mentor, and friend; inspiring countless others with her strength, kindness, and relentless drive.’
A GoFundMe page has been set up to ‘raise money towards the costs of Susie’s ongoing care and treatment’, with some going to the Exon 20 Group, a charity researching treatment for this variant of lung cancer.
‘Your love, support, and generosity will help Susie, Jen, and little Zach continue this fight with hope and dignity, surrounded by the strength of the cricketing family she has done so much for,’ it added.
Wilson-Rowe made 79 appearances for Kent and won the Women’s County Championship five times between 2006 and 2012.
She also won the National Women’s T20 competition, the T20 South East Group and Women’s London Championship during her time with the Spitfires.
Susie and Jennifer Wilson’s child Zach was born in March of this year. Jennifer is a former three-time Olympic hockey player who now works at a school in Dulwich, south London.
‘We are incredibly grateful to Kent Cricket for their amazing support,’ Susie’s partner Jennifer said on social media.
‘It means so much to us, gives Susie so much strength and reminds us we’re not alone on this journey. We’ve felt truly uplifted by the kindness of so many.’
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