An Edinburgh Festival Fringe performer has told how she was 'hounded' by debt collectors while being treated for cancer in one of the most traumatic experiences in her life.
Sarah Miles from Dalston, London was diagnosed with bowel cancer which led to a string of complications and further surgeries.
During this already emotional time Sarah faced financial troubles and had debt collectors chasing her while she was going through chemotherapy.
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The activist, who has been performing for eight years, is now fundraising to take her show to the Fringe and share her story.
Any money not spent or profits made from the show will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Sarah explained that Edinburgh is notoriously expensive costing thousands of pounds to hire a director, travelling up and covering accommodation for the month.
After everything she has been through over the last couple of years being able to share the experience with others and advocate for those who can't makes her experiences "worth it."
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Sarah said: "I was diagnosed with Stage 3c cancer in 2018 after seeing blood in my poo.
"These were the most traumatic months of my life, as I was told I have a 1 in 4 chance of the cancer returning and most likely killing me.
"I was advised against freezing my eggs owing to the low survival rate of my cancer.
"My surgery in April 2018 was successful in removing the cancer, but I developed an infection and required a second, emergency surgery a few days later."
Unfortunately this led to a number of further surgeries and complications leaving Sarah with an invisible disability.
"This left me using a stoma bag and I have had two more major abdominal surgeries since as doctors have tried to correct complications that have developed as a result of these initial surgeries.
"The intent is to reverse my stoma, although doctors are not confident that this will be possible now. I will need at least two more surgeries to finish this process" she explained.
The performer touched on how important it is to be able to share these experiences and make others aware of the disease.
She said: "To be honest, sharing my story and raising awareness of both bowel cancer symptoms and stoma surgery is the thing that makes my experiences worth it.
"It feels like if I can turn it into something that has value, then I mind what I have been through less
"I learnt from being in Hospital just how short-staffed those spaces are, and I want to draw attention to that.
"I just feel lucky to have come through it and be able to do work towards improving services for others."
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She continued: "I have also spoken in Parliament on how the Universal Credit system is letting down cancer patients.
"I myself was handed over to debt collectors during my chemotherapy treatment by the DWP for an error they had made.
"I campaign to raise awareness of invisible disabilities and the complications that arise when you live with a stoma."
Sarah's show is due to go to the Fringe this summer, she has raised just over £600 so far. You can find out more and donate here.
