A dying mum has written birthday cards for her two children for the next 20 years after she was denied treatment because surgeons thought she was too young to have cancer.
Katie Maytum, 35, from Maesteg, South Wales, accepted an out-of-court settlement after suing the NHS for £750,000 following her diagnosis with breast cancer.
According to Wales Online, Katie's GP had requested an urgent referral but it was downgraded to routine, forcing her to wait five-and-a-half months to see a specialist.
Katie doesn't know how long she has to live but has been preparing for the future by writing cards for her daughter Megan, 14, and son Zac, 11, for the next two decades.
She has chosen, bought and written birthday cards for Megan and Zac until they are 35 and has bought several gifts to be given to them as they grow up.
The mum told the Sunday Times: "I will miss my family, I'll miss my children getting married, grandchildren, all those milestones.
"Trying to get to grips with my prognosis while also knowing that had I been seen when I should have been, I wouldn't be in this position, is impossible, It's always at the back of my mind, niggling.
"I still can't understand why I wasn't seen. I have friends who have breast cancer who were seen within two weeks. Why did I have to wait?"
Representatives of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board admitted a breach of duty in her case and Katie accepted the out-of-court settlement.
Katie said she will set the money aside for her children and for changes to the house when her condition gets worse.
Three days after the case, Katie married partner Nick at a special ceremony on the Gower and instead of a honeymoon they are planning a family trip to Florida and Mexico at Easter.
After the case Katie's solicitor Javid Asharaf, of Beers Solicitors, said: "The defendant (Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board) has admitted at trial that as a result of its negligence her treatment for breast cancer was delayed by five months.
"The defendant had argued that the delay made no difference to her prognosis but we regard this settlement as a recognition that the delay has caused Katie significant suffering and loss.
"No amount of money can compensate Katie for the fact that she now has metastatic cancer but at least she knows her children will be provided for."
Caroline Harrison QC, on behalf of the health board, said: "I would like to publicly apologise on behalf of the hospital to Miss Maytum for the delay in her treatment."