Manchester’s hospitality sector launches heartwarming response to a friend in need

Ashley Carter Lawlor is no stranger to adversity.

She has faced death and defied it—time and time again. At just 19, she took on Stage Four Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, enduring gruelling treatments that left her frail but never broken.

A decade later, a brain tumour threatened her life once more, and again, she emerged victorious.

But in September 2024, life dealt her yet another blow—she was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer in her left forearm.

At first, there was hope that radiotherapy would contain the tumour. However, its rapid growth left doctors with no choice but to amputate her arm above the elbow—just two days before Christmas.

While the world celebrated the holiday season, Ashley found herself in a hospital bed at Manchester Royal Infirmary, grappling with a new reality. Yet, true to her spirit, she met this challenge with humour and grace.

Ashley Carter Lawlor’s journey

Ashley has always been a pillar of support for those around her. Whether managing some of the North West’s most popular hospitality venues or launching her own business, AFD Events, in 2023, she has touched countless lives. And now, those lives are coming together to support her in return.

Her close friends, Natalie Bunning and Chloé, knew they had to act. “We couldn’t change what had happened, but we could make her future a little easier,” they said. Their solution? A fundraiser to provide Ashley with a functional prosthetic arm—one that could restore some of the independence she had lost.

Ashley was initially hesitant. “It’s difficult to accept that you need help,” she admitted. But after meeting with the NHS occupational therapist and realising the limited options available, she knew she had to push forward. “They told me I could have a prosthetic that’s functional or one that looks good. My mum always told me I could be smart and pretty, so I needed both!” she says with a laugh.

Adjusting to life with one arm

Ashley’s surgery was originally scheduled for the end of January, but due to the aggressive nature of the tumour, it was brought forward to December 23rd. “I didn’t have as much preparation time as I would’ve liked,” she reflected. “You think, ‘What would I be able to do?’ and try doing things with just one arm. But what I didn’t account for was losing leverage. Because it was an above-elbow amputation, I can’t use my arm at all for anything.”

Everyday tasks became unexpectedly challenging. “Tying my shoelaces, tearing toilet paper—it’s like the Andrex puppy has been in my bathroom! Even something as simple as putting a slice of lime in my gin and tonic—I end up chasing it around the chopping board,” she shared. More seriously, balance has been a significant challenge. “Going up and down stairs is difficult. I actually fell in my first week at home, so I had to get a door banister put in. Everything requires a little more thought now.”

The hospitality community unites to help

Ashley has been overwhelmed by the kindness of those around her. “We’re up to about 460 people and around £16,000 raised. It’s astonishing,” she said. “People I haven’t seen since primary school, places I’ve worked, even a lady who gave up her weekly cup of tea at bingo to donate £2—every single donation, big or small, means the world to me.”

The hospitality industry has rallied behind her, with journalist Jay Rayner highlighting her story in his column. But it’s not just about money. “The visibility is just as important,” Ashley emphasised. “Sharing my story helps bring awareness not just for me, but for others facing similar challenges.”

Cancer ‘not a one-size-fits-all’ experience

Ashley wants people to understand that cancer isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. “When I had Non-Hodgkin’s at 19, I lost my hair, had a stem cell transplant, and was in a wheelchair. At 30, my brain tumour meant multiple operations but no chemo or radiotherapy. Now, sarcoma has taken my arm, bringing an entirely new set of challenges.”

For those supporting loved ones with cancer, she advised, “The best thing you can do is ask what they need. It’s not just about being sick—there’s exhaustion, food aversions, weight changes, mobility issues. Everyone’s experience is different.”

Ashley has even created a resource, ‘Lend a Hand,’ which offers businesses guidance on how to help—whether through donations, raising awareness, or supporting local charities. “National charities are great, but local ones are just as important, if not more so. They directly support people in your community.”

How You Can Help Ashley Carter Lawlor

This isn’t just about the fundraising—it’s about showing up for someone who has always shown up for others. It’s about reminding Ashley that she is not alone. Every donation, every message, every shared post shows the love and respect she has earned.

“So, if you can, give what you can,” say Natalie and Chloé. “Ashley has spent her life making the world a little brighter. Now, it’s our turn to do the same for her.”

To donate to Ashley Carter Lawlor’s go fund me by clicking here. Let’s come together to support an incredible woman who has given so much to so many.