Southern Downs mum shares cancer story in bid to raise awareness

For a newly engaged Southern Downs woman, a stage two cancer diagnosis led to her planning her special day from hospital just days after receiving surgery to remove a 16cm tumour. Full story here.

For 43-year-old Warwick mum Angela Beckhouse, a family getaway to the Sunshine Coast with her fiance quickly turned into a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

During their six week stay last year, Ms Beckhouse began experiencing swelling in her stomach and after several scans was diagnosed with stage two ovarian cancer.

“I was in complete shock,” she said.

“I had never really heard about ovarian cancer before being diagnosed. There's a million different types of cancer, but I have never known anyone with ovarian cancer.”

The couple quickly decided to get married as soon as possible, before Ms Beckhouse began chemotherapy.

Angela Beckhouse from Warwick bravely begins cancer treatment at Brisbane's Mater Hospital.

Ms Beckhouse’s fiance Paul Butler never imagined a cancer diagnosis would see a fast-tracked wedding.

“Everyone puts everything into planning their big day, their wedding night and their honeymoon, but we did most of it together while Ange laid in a hospital bed,” he said.

Ms Beckhouse’s diagnosis meant she was left to plan her wedding day from her hospital bed at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital, just days after having surgery to remove a 16cm tumour.

The couple decided to have a small wedding with close family and friends at Noosa, with Ms Beckhouse scheduled to start chemotherapy just five days following her wedding.

Angela Beckhouse and now husband Paul Butler were married at Noosa in 2022 with a small group of family friends.

Sharing their story in the hope to shine a spotlight on the upcoming Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer ride on Sunday, August 27, Ms Beckhouse said it was one way she and Mr Butler could give back to Mater for the care she received during her treatment.

Now in remission, the couple recently celebrated their one-year anniversary in Brisbane, attending a musical during their stay.

“We bought a van in January and we’re looking forward to travelling and starting some new adventures,” Ms Beckhouse said.